Care Team

Dr. Hwang completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford University, and his MD and otolaryngology residency at the University of California, San Francisco. After completing a fellowship in rhinology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Hwang served as Director of Rhinology at Oregon Health & Science University. He returned to Stanford in 2005 to lead the Division of Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery and currently serves as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Hwang has served in leadership of the American Rhinologic Society for over a decade, most recently as President of the society. Dr. Hwang also serves as Associate Editor of the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology and Associate Editor of the World Journal of Otolaryngology. He co-edited the textbook "Rhinology: Diseases of the Nose, Sinuses, & Skull Base," which was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Award for Scientific & Technical Book of the Year. Dr. Hwang teaches on the latest advances in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery at many national and international venues. He also trains future academic leaders in rhinology through the Stanford fellowship in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery. His research interests include clinical outcomes of endoscopic skull base surgery; development of innovative medical devices for treating sinus disease; and novel topical therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Dr. Jayakar V. Nayak is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Stanford Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. He was born and raised in New Jersey, and received his BA with a concentration in Neurosciences from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed his MD/PhD education (PhD in immunology), as well as residency in otolaryngology, at the University of Pittsburgh. After pursuing additional Fellowship training in Rhinology and Endoscopic Sinus/Skull Base Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, he was recruited to join the Stanford faculty in Fall 2009. Dr. Nayak is an expert in congenital, acquired and genetic nasal and sinus disorders and in their treatment through medical and surgical alternatives. These include oral medicines, topical sprays and personalized use of medicinal compounds, as well as options that span micro-invasive, minimally invasive, external surgical approaches, and endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery where appropriate. He also serves as the chief of research in rhinology, and heads a basic science and translational research laboratory with three main areas of interest — i) nasal epithelial biology and stem cell regeneration in health and disease; ii) upper airway immunology dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and rhinosinusitis, as well as acute scenarios such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) exposure, and iii) empty nose syndrome and improving surgical procedures to optimize nasal breathing. The ultimate goal of his career is to identify ways to safely and effectively treat debilitating inflammatory and infectious sinus disorders, and improve the health and quality of life of his patients, who now hail from all around the world. Through his bench-to-bedside research, his team seeks to define the cellular and molecular determinants that lead to chronic nasal and sinus problems, in order to design more effective, targeted and affordable treatments. He also hopes to define the best methods to perform turbinate surgery to eliminate the possibility of empty nose syndrome, and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Nayak has received numerous honors including the Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Top Notch Award, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Navy for significant contributions to the Navy or its members, and the Triological Society Career Development Award to support his research endeavors. He has received 5-year R01 grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well research funding from the CA Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and the Stanford SPARK program, He is a contributing author on over 110 peer-reviewed publications, serves as an invited reviewer for several medical and scientific journals, and has been invited to speak both nationally and internationally on numerous topics in modern rhinology practice, sinus and skull base surgery, and cutting edge research in rhinology.

Dr. Zara M. Patel is Director of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery and a Professor of Otolaryngology and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery at Stanford. She was born and raised in St. Louis, completed her MD at the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency training in otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY. After pursuing fellowship training in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery at Stanford University, she was recruited to join the Emory University faculty in Atlanta in 2011. After four years, the rhinology division recruited her back to the West coast to rejoin the department here at Stanford University in 2015. Dr. Patel is an expert in advanced endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. She treats patients with a wide variety of rhinologic complaints, including chronic sinus infection or inflammation, sinus disease that has failed medical therapy, sinus disease that has failed prior surgical therapy, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, benign and and malignant sinus and skull base tumors, as well as olfactory disorders. She has served as Chair of the Education Committee and Member of the Board of Directors for the American Rhinologic Society, is current Chair of the Rhinology and Allergy Education Committee for the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and has developed a multitude of educational materials for both physicians and patients to help them better understand rhinologic disorders. She is passionate about educating patients to allow them to make the best decisions about their own care, leading to better outcomes. Dr. Patel has published widely in topics such as avoiding complications in endoscopic sinus surgery, chronic rhinosinusitis in the immunosuppressed patient population, new devices and techniques for endoscopic skull base surgery, and olfactory dysfunction. She continues to perform research in these areas, and is currently collaborating with neuroscientists and engineers to develop technology that she hopes will eventually help cure patients with smell loss, and potentially even help those with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Chang is a board-certified, Stanford fellowship-trained otolaryngologist providing care at Stanford Health Care’s Sinus Center. He is also an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. He specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of nasal, sinus, and skull base disorders. Dr. Chang is also interested in the use of online digital media for ear, nose, and throat (ENT)-related educational content. He is the rhinology host for Headmirror’s ENT in a Nutshell podcast and served as education consulting for the rhinology section of DosedDaily. Dr. Chang’s research interests include new endoscopic imaging technologies, machine learning applications in healthcare, and outcomes for various medical and surgical treatments for sinus and skull base disorders. Dr. Chang has published in several high-impact journals, such as Clinical Cancer Research, JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, and International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. He serves as a journal peer reviewer for Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology; The Laryngoscope; World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery; and Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the North American Skull Base Society, and the American Rhinologic Society. He serves on the American Rhinologic Society’s Patient Advocacy Committee.

Noel Ayoub is a fellowship-trained rhinologist within the Stanford Health Care Division of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery and Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. After receiving his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, he completed residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford Health Care and fellowship in advanced Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School. In addition to his medical training, Noel holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he also earned a Certificate in Public Management and Social Innovation. Noel is a specialist in rhinology and skull base surgery and utilizes advanced endoscopic techniques to treat a variety of conditions, including complex revision sinus surgery, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, sinonasal and anterior skull base tumors, orbital tumors, and thyroid eye disease. His unique combination of medical and business acumen allows him to approach patient care and healthcare delivery with a comprehensive perspective. His research spans healthcare innovation, health technology, hospital operations, and health systems leadership. He is particularly focused on leveraging technology to enhance patient care, reduce costs, and reshape the healthcare landscape. He is the co-founder of an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an initiative that demonstrates his commitment to expanding access to healthcare and leveraging technology to improve patient care globally. He serves on multiple hospital and national committees, including in the North American Skull Base Society, American Rhinologic Society, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Jane Wang, MSN, RN, FNP-BC graduated Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1996 from University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. After gaining work experience as a RN in Los Angeles, Jane went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Nursing from UCLA and became a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2002.

Jane joined Stanford Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery Department in 2005 after practicing as FNP for three years; since then has been playing a vital role in patient care in rhinology and laryngology divisions. She actively participates in various aspects of pre and post-surgery outpatient care, and she is well regarded by her colleagues and patients for the high level of professional care she provides.

In addition to direct patient care, Jane participates in the design and execution of clinical research projects. She acts as clinical preceptor for FNP program students and speaks on topics related to ENT (ear nose throat) patient care at regional, state, and national level nursing conferences she regularly attends.

Xueying Cao, MS, BSN, PA-C, graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2016 from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Honors Society of Nursing. After working as an RN for 2 years in cardiothoracic surgery, Xueying went to Stanford University in Stanford, CA, USA, earned her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies and became a Board-Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) in 2022.

Xueying joined Stanford Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Department in 2022 after graduating from her PA program. Clinically, she specializes in laryngology, rhinology, and sleep surgery divisions. Xueying is passionate about providing high-quality evidence-based care to her patients. She is competent in performing ENT related procedures and seeing patients with complaints of nose, throat and sleep issues.

In addition to patient care, Xueying is interested in teaching, medical innovation, clinical research, and leadership focusing on healthcare administration.