A History of the Practice

Our office at 1721 Pine Street is the oldest ear, nose and throat office in continuous use in the same location in the United States.  It was founded shortly after the turn of the 20th Century by George Morrison Coates, MD.  Dr. Coates' family dated back to before the time of the Revolutionary War in the United States.  His relative, Benjamin Coates, was the first Chairman of the Board of Overseers at Pennsylvania Hospital, which was the first hospital in the United States. George Coates practiced at 1721 Pine Street throughout his career, and held numerous prestigious positions. He was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pennsylvania, and was also Professor at Jefferson, Temple, and Woman's Medical College at various times.  He was also Head of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, located at Graduate Hospital.  This unique facility attracted physicians from around the world for advanced degree study after residency training.  Dr. Coates served as Editor-in-Chief of the Archives of Otolaryngology for many years and was a member and officer of nearly all major otolaryngologic societies.  He also started the five-volume loose-leaf otolaryngology textbook (originally Coates and Shenk) that survived until a few years ago (final version edited by Gerald English), when it was discontinued in favor of internet-based texts.

Dr. Coates had a few associates practice with him briefly.  These included Matthew Ersner, MD who later became Professor and Chairman of Otolaryngology at Temple University; William Gordon, MD and George Lieberman, MD who later practiced general otolaryngology in the Philadelphia area; and Ben Shuster, MD who remained on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania and was the primary teacher of otolaryngology at the Graduate School. Dr. Coates' only long-term associate was Joseph Sataloff, MD, DSc who joined the practice at Pine Street in 1946 and remained a part of the practice until his death in 2008.

The personal elegance and attention of a 19th Century Brownstone have been retained.  We pride ourselves not only in the history and expertise of our physicians, but also that of all of our staff.  When Dr. Joseph Sataloff first started in practice, his receptionists included Katherine Bradford, granddaughter of Governor Bradford of Massachusetts, and Sarah Bache, great-great-great granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin.  Over the years, the office at Pine Street has been equipped with the most sophisticated instrumentation and a most dedicated staff of nurses, speech-language pathologists, voice therapists, audiologists, researchers, psychological professionals and others.  All of us at Pine Street remain cognizant of our institution's history, and our responsibility to perpetuate it. For nearly one hundred years, patients, students and colleagues have traveled to our office from all over the world in search of the latest concepts in medical care. We are dedicated to continuing this grand tradition, and to making our visitors' experiences worth the journey.

Joseph Sataloff, MD, DSc was an internationally renowned otologist, surgeon, scientist, and pioneer in occupational hearing loss. His efforts to raise the consciousness of America's leaders in government, industry, and medicine to the adverse impact and tremendous monetary and human costs associated with occupational hearing loss are recognized worldwide. Through service on numerous medical and American Standards Institute committees, and as an advisor to President Nixon, his influence resulted in the drafting of scientifically based laws that have preserved the hearing of millions of Americans. Dr. Sataloff authored more than 150 publications including eleven books. He served on numerous editorial boards and national and international committees. He was also world renown for his contributions to middle ear surgery. He served as Associate Editor of Archives of Otolaryngology for thirty years (a record).  He made countless contributions to clinical care, research and education in otolaryngology. Herbert Kean, MD practiced with him for approximately one year before establishing an independent private practice. Dr. Sataloff's primary long-term associate was his son Robert Thayer Sataloff, MD, DMA who joined the practice in 1980. Dr. Joseph Sataloff passed away on September 26, 2008 at the age of 89.

Robert Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS is known internationally for his contributions to otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery, and especially for his pioneering work in helping to establish the field of voice care.  He is Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine. He is also Adjunct Professor in the departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University; on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts; and Conductor of the Thomas Jefferson University Choir. Dr. Sataloff is also a professional singer and singing teacher. He holds an undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Music Theory and Composition, graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from Combs College of Music; and he completed his Residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellowship in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sataloff is Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Voice Foundation and of the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Graduate Hospital; President of the American Laryngological Society, the International Association of Phonosurgery, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery; and in numerous other leadership positions. Dr. Sataloff is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice, Editor-in-Chief of Ear, Nose and Throat Journal, Associate Editor of the Journal of Singing, and on the editorial boards of numerous otolaryngology journals. He has written over 650 publications, including 38 books. His medical practice is limited to care of the professional voice and to otology/neurotology/skull base surgery.

Karen M. Lyons, MD joined our practice in 1996 and continues to direct our division of general otolaryngology.  She is Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Robert J. Wolfson, MD joined our practice in December 2006. Dr. Wolfson is Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Helen Yoo Bowne, MD joined our practice in winter 2011.

Our previous physician partners include Yolanda D. Heman-Ackah, MD, Venu Divi, MD, John Tucker, MD, Stephen Goldstein, MD, Joseph Spiegel, MD and Anne McCarter, MD.