Dr. Coviello Joins Team as Facial Plastics Fellow

Caitlin Coviello, MD, recently joined Houston Methodist Hospital’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery as the new Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Fellow. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience, specialized training and the unique perspective of balancing a demanding career with an active family life. Throughout her training, Dr. Coviello developed a strong interest in both the clinical and creative aspects of facial plastic surgery. Her passion grew as she gained hands-on experience with procedures like rhinoplasty and local reconstruction for skin cancer defects as well as advanced cosmetic techniques addressing facial aging. “I started gravitating toward ENT in my third year of medical school. I loved the anatomy and the diversity of surgeries. My interest was solidified in facial plastic surgery with the complexities of rhinoplasty and understanding the nose through nasal surgery,” she said. “I enjoy having the mix of clinic and OR (operating room). I love the people in ENT and the way we interact with our patients. I enjoy creating an optimal patient experience. It’s a fun challenge.”

Caitlin Coviello, MD

Along the complicated and exhaustive path most physicians typically travel, keeping up high grades and leadership skills throughout, Dr. Coviello married during her first year of residency and had her son during her fifth year of residency. Her husband, Dallas Sheinberg, MD, is a neurosurgery resident at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and her son, Luca, is now 10 months old. “It can be busy juggling fellowship training and home life, but having a family and being a mom makes me a better person and a better physician. It has taught me about sacrifices and that those sacrifices are always worth it,” she said.

“It can be busy juggling fellowship training and home life, but having a family and being a mom makes me a better person and a better physician. It has taught me about sacrifices and that those sacrifices are always worth it,” she said. Dr. Coviello’s research interest this year will focus on perceptions and experiences of women in otolaryngology, including issues of bias, attitudes and opportunities for advancement. “Men and women will be asked to participate in the study so everyone can be involved. The survey covers everything from bias and attitudes toward women to how one feels women are treated in this specialty. It will also focus on mentorship and look for areas we can improve on in our facial plastic surgery community,” she said. She hopes to have recommendations for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery as far as increasing awareness, education activities and mentorship activities. Dr. Coviello started at Houston Methodist in July and spent her first weeks under the guidance of Anthony Brissett, MD, FACS, vice chair of Houston Methodist’s Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and director of the fellowship program. Her training will continue with complex rhinoplasty and cosmetic surgery with Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS, and then Angela Sturm, MD, who is in private practice and co-director of the fellowship program. “Houston Methodist has a very well-rounded fellowship program. I am excited to see the entire breadth of facial plastic surgery throughout the year,” she said, mentioning the exposure to cosmetics and eye surgery with Amina Malik, MD, who specializes in oculoplastic surgery. “Oculoplastic surgery can be intimidating because you don’t always receive as much exposure to it during otolaryngology training, which makes it a great additional component of the fellowship program.” All the physicians will teach her about reconstructive surgery but there will be a focus on microvascular reconstructive surgery with Laura Minhui Kim, MD, MSc. “I like the challenge this field gives you. You can prepare all you want with Plans A through E, but you never know exactly what you’re going to be getting; you have to let the wound talk to you. This is one of my favorite parts of facial plastic surgery.”