Welcome Maria V. Suurna, MD, Coordinator for International Affairs

Maria V. Suurna, MD (center)
AAO-HNSF Coordinator for International AffairsMaria V. Suurna, MD, is a professor of clinical otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and director of sleep surgery at the University of Miami Health System. Her areas of expertise include sleep surgery, sleep medicine, and general otolaryngology. Dr. Suurna has been named the first woman AAO-HNSF Coordinator for International Affairs. With a career rooted in innovation, collaboration, and international advocacy, Dr. Suurna is poised to expand the Academy’s international outreach and foster new international partnerships.

From Estonia to International Influence

Born and raised in Tallinn, Estonia, Dr. Suurna moved to the U.S. at the end of high school, bringing with her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of international collaboration. This early exposure to global perspectives shaped her career and personal interests, which include a love for languages and cross-cultural exchanges. “I’ve always been fascinated by different languages, and I had the opportunity to learn and speak English, Estonian, Russian, French, and now Spanish,” she explained. “Had I not pursued a career in medicine, I likely would have followed a path in international affairs.”

After earning her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Suurna was drawn to the field of otolaryngology, the challenges it posed, and the personalities of the colleagues she met along the way. After her residency at the University of Cincinnati, she pursued board certification in sleep medicine, finding herself intrigued by exciting technological advancements in the field and their potential to transform lives through improved sleep quality, which is “an essential part of everyone’s life,” she said.

With her training in sleep medicine, Dr. Suurna became involved with the International Surgical Sleep Society, where she helped organize successful international meetings in 2019 and 2024. The events brought together clinicians from all over the world seeking to build global connections and interaction within the international sleep surgery community. She also became an advisor for Europe on the AAO-HNSF International Steering Committee as her involvement with the Academy’s International Affairs Committee increased and was involved in coordinating multiple joint meetings around the world.

Leadership as Coordinator for International Affairs

As the recently appointed Coordinator for International Affairs, Dr. Suurna views her role as an opportunity to address global disparities in healthcare access and education. She believes that fostering international collaboration can bridge knowledge gaps, improve patient care worldwide, and strengthen the specialty of otolaryngology on a global scale.

“This position allows me to strengthen global collaborations within the community,” Dr. Suurna shared. “It’s a unique opportunity to facilitate education, share knowledge, and help address challenges related to resource access in underserved regions.”

One of her key priorities is encouraging more international representation at Academy meetings, on panels, and in research collaborations. She also emphasizes the importance of advocacy for both the specialty and the diverse populations it serves. “The stronger we are globally, the more effectively we can advocate for our patients and our field,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Suurna is excited about the Academy’s numerous initiatives, including the Global Grand Rounds, which have become a cornerstone of international engagement. She hopes to expand humanitarian programs and foster opportunities for physicians to engage in international work, whether through mentorship, collaborative projects, or travel grants. Dr. Suurna also highlighted various travel grants available to international physicians to help offset travel expenses to attend the AAO-HNSF  Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO^SM, including the International Visiting Scholar Program and the Eugene N. Myers, MD Global Education Fund.

Her vision for the future of otolaryngology is rooted in inclusivity. “I want to ensure we are bringing in diverse perspectives—clinicians from all backgrounds, genders, and stages in their careers,” she said. “Everyone has something valuable to contribute to our specialty.” In addition, she looks forward to working with AAO-HNSF leadership to better understand the Academy’s strategic plans regarding global outreach and collaboration with International Corresponding Societies and the global ENT community.

Dr. Suurna’s ultimate mission is to make as many connections for the Academy as possible. “Friendship fosters collaboration, and collaboration drives progress. I encourage our members to explore opportunities to get involved with the international otolaryngology community, whether through educational or humanitarian efforts. We have both virtual and in-person activities to help strengthen and expand our global outreach and influence.”