From Student to Teacher

Brandon Isaacson, M.D., has been interested in science from a young age. “Early in childhood, I had exposure to what it would be like to be a physician.” Both Dr. Isaacson’s father and grandfather were physicians in his home town of Savannah, Georgia. “My family would run into my father’s patients frequently; they were always so appreciative of him.”

Dr. Brandon Isaacson

Following college, Dr. Isaacson went on to pursue his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia. “I felt privileged. I was in awe of many of my classmates who came from some of the top undergraduate programs in the country.” As a first-year student, Dr. Isaacson was fascinated with the head and neck anatomy portion of his gross anatomy course. Initially interested in neurosurgery, it was not until after his rotation on otolaryngology that he realized he wanted to pursue otolaryngology as a career. “As a senior medical student, I was fortunate to meet Dr. Malcolm Graham, who began the Georgia Ear Institute in Savannah. He encouraged me to take a temporal bone course, which strengthened my interest in otology.”

Coming from a medical school with a small otolaryngology program, Dr. Isaacson believed his chances of matching into U-M's residency program were slim. He was shocked to match here. “I vividly remember having been impressed with the faculty, residents and facilities during my interview. I knew U-M had a reputation of having outstanding clinical training and department chairs. Needless to say, I felt fortunate.” Dr. Isaacson appreciates the generous time and effort the faculty spent on his training. “The faculty at U-M were amazing role models and educators. I strive to emulate them in my interactions with residents, today.”

Dr. Isaacson completed his neurotology fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “I completed a number of clinical otology projects during my residency, which reaffirmed my decision to apply for fellowship.” He attributes the fostering of his interest in neurotology to Drs. Telian, Arts and El-Kashlan.

Dr. Isaacson went on to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Otolaryngology at the UT‑Southwestern Medical Center. “I currently serve as the co-director for our Comprehensive Skull Base Program.” The highlight of Dr. Isaacson’s career thus far is having received his department's Chief Resident Teaching Award, twice since 2006. In his spare time, Dr. Isaacson enjoys reading, watching movies and traveling as well as spending time with his family.