Debara L. Tucci, MD, MBA, a professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Duke University Medical Center, is the 2017 recipient of the Jerome C. Goldstein, MD Public Service Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The award is given annually to recognize an outstanding member for his or her commitment and achievement in service within the United States, either to the public or to other organizations, when such service promises to improve patient welfare.

Dr. Tucci is co-principal investigator (PI) on an NIH-funded grant focused on establishing a national network of research sites to conduct clinical research in hearing and balance disorders and is PI of a grant to study healthcare policy related to hearing healthcare in adults. She recently served on the Committee on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Beyond her work in the United States, Dr. Tucci has an interest in international hearing healthcare and has worked with international colleagues to improve infrastructure and services in developing countries.

She earned her medical degree from University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed her residency at University of Virginia Health System. She completed an MBA with a certificate in Health Sector Management from the Duke Fuqua School of Business in 2013.

Dr. Tucci received the award in recognition of her dedication, passion, and many contributions to enhance translational research and educate the next generation of physician-scientists. The Academy commended her work with the CHEER network, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, federal regulatory boards, the World Health Organization, and her support of global hearing healthcare initiatives.