Board Member Spotlight: Albert Park

Board Member Spotlight: Albert Park

Author: Dr. Albert Park

Tell us about your professional background.
 
I am chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Utah. I am a busy clinician with a focus on pediatric hearing loss and am the principal investigator for an NIH funded clinical trial to determine the efficacy and safety of the antiviral valganciclovir for CMV infected infants with isolated hearing loss. I also have an active research laboratory investigating the mechanism of CMV induced hearing loss.
 
What makes the National CMV Foundation’s mission powerful for you?
 
As a clinician, researcher, husband and father, I have been impressed with National CMV Foundation’s mission to improve the outcomes of children from this devastating infection.
 
What does success look like to you?
 
We need better identification and treatment of children with severe CMV infection. I would like to see better diagnostics available especially for older children who may present with hearing loss later in life. We also need to develop effective treatment for children who are developing CMV induced progressive hearing loss.
 


What motivates you?
 
A desire to help the families whose children contract CMV.
 
What does true leadership mean to you?
 
I am a big fan of Lincoln. He was elected by the minority of the electorate and had little leadership experience. He became our most revered president because he saw the big picture, was an unequaled communicator and was able to foster a national agenda amongst a multitude of rivals.
 
What book did you read last? 
 
I am currently reading Essentialism by Greg McKeown.
 
What is an ability you wish you had? 
 
I wish I were better at remembering names of people I meet.
 
What do you like most about living in Utah?
 
The people.

Where would you most like to travel to?
 
Africa – I recently returned from there.
 
What’s your favorite 90’s jam?
 
Macarena
 
You’re happiest when?
 
I am spending time with my family.