Helene Dabbous, MD

Assistant Professor

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Department:

Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery

Classification:

Faculty

Helene Dabbous, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at West Virginia University, specializing in pediatric otolaryngology since February 2024. With fellowship training from the University of Texas Southwestern Children's Medical Center, Dr. Dabbous brings comprehensive expertise in pediatric airway reconstruction, tracheostomy management, and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Her clinical practice focuses on complex pediatric airway disorders, staged laryngotracheoplasty procedures, and the surgical management of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. She also provides care for pediatric swallowing disorders and voice-related conditions in children.

Dr. Dabbous completed both her medical degree and Bachelor of Science in Biology with distinction at the American University of Beirut, followed by her otolaryngology residency at the same institution in an ACGME-International accredited program. She pursued specialized fellowship training in pediatric otolaryngology at the University of Texas Southwestern Children's Medical Center, an ACGME-accredited program. Prior to joining West Virginia University, she served as a Visiting Professor at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, contributing to the training of the next generation of otolaryngologists in the Middle East.

Dr. Dabbous's clinical and research interests center on congenital neck masses/pediatric neck lesions, pediatric airway reconstruction, tracheostomy outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives in pediatric otolaryngology. Her recent research focus includes outcomes in pediatric tonsillectomy patients, comparing intracapsular versus extracapsular techniques for safety and patient outcomes. She has published on pediatric tracheostomy complications, staged laryngotracheoplasty outcomes, and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea management, including advocacy against watchful waiting approaches in pediatric OSA. Her research includes development of quality improvement tools such as pediatric tracheostomy scorecards and investigation of socioeconomic factors affecting long-term outcomes after pediatric airway procedures. She has also contributed to the understanding of injection laryngoplasty for children with post-cardiac surgery dysphagia and audiometric outcomes following pediatric tracheostomy.

Dr. Dabbous maintains active membership in the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple otolaryngology journals including the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Her commitment to medical education is demonstrated through her development of simulation-based training courses, including a pediatric airway foreign body removal bronchoscopy course for residents. She has presented her research at national meetings including the American Academy of Otolaryngology annual meeting and the Triological Society, and contributes to departmental wellness initiatives. Her diverse background includes multilingual capabilities in English, Arabic, and French, reflecting her international training and global perspective on pediatric otolaryngology care.

Medical Specialties

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Otolaryngology