Jeffrey T Laitman, PhD
- DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR | Medical Education
- PROFESSOR | Otolaryngology
Research Topics:
Aerodigestive Tract, Anatomy, Comparative Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Evolution, Growth, Language, Larynx, Respiratory Tract, Speech, Vocal TractEducation
BA, Brooklyn College
MPhil, Yale University
PhD, Yale University
-
2008
Fellow -
2006
Abraham Jacobi Medallion -
2005
Fellow -
2004
Daniel C. Baker Award -
2002
Distinguished Professor -
2000
Karl Storz Award -
1991
Guest of Honor -
1987
Basmajian/Williams & Wilkins Award -
1986
Medal of the College de France -
1986
Honorary Fellow
Comparative anatomy, development and evolution of the mammalian aerodigestive tract (upper respiratory, upper digestive, vocal) and contiguous areas of the cranial base.
Our laboratory’s research focuses upon the comparative anatomy, development and evolution of the mammalian aerodigestive tract (upper respiratory, upper digestive, vocal) and contiguous areas of the cranial base. Our laboratory has explored the functional anatomy of this region in an array of mammals - from rodents, to humans and our primate relatives, to whales. Recently, in conjunction with colleagues, the laboratory has been supported by the Office of Naval Research to explore how the great whales produce their unique low-frequency sounds; and on how cetacean upper respiratory systems respond to underwater disturbances. In the area of development, our group has made considerable strides in investigating change in the breathing, swallowing and vocalizing patterns of human infants. This work has had implications for understanding both basic human anatomy as well as certain clinical disorders such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as Crib Death. (Dr. Laitman’s work on the development of the infant aerodigestive tract was honored by the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology in 2000.)
Our research on the evolution of the aerodigestive tract has helped to usher in a new methodology that enables the use of fossil remains as a guide to reconstructing the vocal tract of human ancestors. Our groups work in this area has shed light on the distinguishing features of our respiratory system, and has had particular implications for understanding the origins of human speech and language. Our laboratory’s findings in these areas have frequently been the source of much discussion on how humans may differ from other groups such as Neanderthals. Research on the evolution of the vocal tract and speech have been supported by the National Science Foundation, The Foundation for Research into the Origins of Man and The Speech Origins Fund of the American Museum of Natural History. (Dr. Laitman was honored by the American Laryngological Association in 2004 for his pioneering work in charting the anatomy and evolution of the human aerodigestive region.)
Current Projects in our laboratory by our graduate and medical students, and collaborations both at Mount Sinai and other institutions, include: 1) Investigations into the biology and development of the primate nasopharyngeal area, and how this relates to the evolution of respiratory and vocal behaviors in humans; 2) comparative biology of mammalian sinus function, and relationships to the evolution of sinusal disease; 3) developmental change in laryngeal position in human infants, and the relationshipto diseases of infancy such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); 4) the comparative biology of the Neanderthal upper respiratory tract, with emphasis on understanding the relationship of their anatomy to diseases, such as sleep apnea; and 5) evolutionary effects of aging on biological systems.
For more information on our Laboratory and students see: Laitman Laboratory
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Laitman during 2022 and/or 2023. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Equity (Stock or stock options valued at greater than 5% ownership of a publicly traded company or equity of any value in a privately held company)
- Inner Sprout, Inc.
Industry-Sponsored Lectures: MSSM faculty occasionally give lectures at events sponsored by industry, but only if the events are free of any marketing purpose.
- Inner Sprout, Inc.; NY College of Podiatric Medicine; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Other Activities: Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership.
- Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY); Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); CUNY Graduate School Dept Speech Language & Hearing; Museum Anthropology and Prehistory of Monaco; The Anatomical Record
Scientific Advisory Board:
- Assn Anatomy, Cell Biology, Neurobiology Chairs - Past President; Inner Sprout, Inc.
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.