As an integral member of the Department of Otolaryngology since 1984, Glenn Peters, M.D., has dedicated over four decades of his career to the field of otolaryngology. Peters will be retiring at the end of September 2023 as the Julius N. Hicks Endowed Professor, Vice Chair of Patient Safety and Quality of the Department of Otolaryngology, and Associate Chief of Quality Medical Officer for the UAB Health System.

Dr. Glenn Peters’ commitment as an educator and physician has centered on enhancing head and neck procedures and treatments, concentrating on thyroid and parathyroid surgery in the latter part of his career. He also dedicates his time and expertise as a mentor to residents and fellows within the program, guiding them to become exceptional leaders in advanced patient care in the field of otolaryngology. Many of the otolaryngologists in the state trained with or under Dr. Peters’ leadership.

Before achieving department status, Peters assumed the role of Director for the former UAB Division of Otolaryngology, concurrently serving as Director of the Residency Program for a decade and holding the role of John S. Odess Professor of Otolaryngology. Along with longtime friend and former colleague, Eben Rosenthal, M.D., Peters helped transform the former UAB Division of Otolaryngology into a department in 2015, which was led by former inaugural chair and professor emeritus William Carroll, M.D.

After graduating from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1980, Peters underwent residency training with the Department of Otolaryngology, and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins before returning to UAB where he has consistently championed exceptional standards throughout his tenure. As the holder of the Julius N. Hicks Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology, Peters embodies the principles honoring Dr. and Mrs. Hicks for their dedication to supporting resident education efforts, sustaining a tradition of hosting esteemed national speakers who contribute to resident learning, and advancing the field of otolaryngology. 

Peters has committed his professional journey to research, education, and patient care. Notably, he has earned a spot on the “Best Doctors in America” roster and has been consistently acknowledged as one of “America’s Top Doctors” throughout his career. r. With over 60 published manuscripts and 10 authored book chapters, he has also held numerous leadership positions within national and regional otolaryngology organizations, had his research presented at numerous national and international gatherings, and has been a sought-after invited guest speaker for local, regional, and national events and courses.

Recently, Peters was named the Chair Guest of Honor at The American Head and Neck Society International Conference in Montreal.

Peters says he plans to pursue personal hobbies, teach and mentor medical students, participate in health system quality projects, and “bother my wife.”

 “Dr. Peters elevated UAB Otolaryngology to new heights. He was a remarkable educator and inspirational leader. He always espoused excellent patient care as the most critical service of our Department. This permeated all clinical, educational, and research activities of our faculty and residents,” says Bradford Woodworth, M.D., and interim chair of the Department of Otolaryngology.

As Dr. Peters transitions to this next chapter, his influential role within the field of otolaryngology as an educator and outstanding physician stands as evidence of his unwavering dedication to the future of UAB otolaryngology.

“I have centered my practice on availability, accessibility, excellent patient care, and communication. Although I will truly miss my patients and my loyal referral physicians, I am quite confident that my colleagues will continue this time-honored tradition. I am very proud of my affiliation with UAB and I hope that your confidence in UAB Otolaryngology will continue,” says Peters.

The Department of Otolaryngology has instituted an endowed professorship in honor of Dr. Peters and his wife, Allison, to help attract exceptional individuals and perpetuate his legacy of excellence within the department.

To make a contribution directly to the Allison & Glenn Peters Endowed Professorship in Otolaryngology, please visit our Giving Page.