OtolaryngologyDecember 1, 2025

By Liam Connolly

**(SACRAMENTO) **

A state-of-the-art temporal bone lab has opened at Aggie Square, marking a major step in UC Davis Health’s commitment to advancing world-class research and surgical training.

The new facility, operated by the Department of Otolaryngology, gives residents, fellows and faculty a dedicated space to refine techniques for complex ear and skull base surgeries. It replaces the previous smaller and outdated lab in the UC Davis Medical Center.

“This new lab gives our trainees and team the opportunity to practice highly specialized techniques in a controlled, hands-on environment,” said Arnaud F. Bewley, chair of otolaryngology. “This type of training is an essential step in preparing surgeons for complex ear and skull base procedures. It reflects UC Davis Health’s commitment to excellence in education and patient care.”

Specifics of the new lab

The new facility is named the Hilary and Maureen Brodie Temporal Bone Dissection Lab, honoring former otolaryngology chair Hilary “Hil” Brodie and his wife, Maureen.

Hil currently serves as chairman emeritus of otolaryngology at UC Davis Health. He began his career at UC Davis Health as a resident in 1984 and joined the faculty in 1991. In total, he has been with the health system for 41 years, including 20 years as department chair. His clinical expertise focuses on hearing loss and diseases affecting the middle and inner ear.

“As an academic health system, training and education have always been at the heart of our residency program. Having a dedicated space like this will allow us to better prepare our residents to become the future leaders of our field.”—Hil Brodie

“This is such a wonderful surprise, and we are deeply grateful for this honor,” shared Hil. “As an academic health system, training and education have always been at the heart of our residency program. Having a dedicated space like this will allow us to better prepare our residents to become the future leaders of our field.”

Hilary and Maureen Brodie unveiled the Temporal Bone Lab during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Hil and Maureen received a plaque that will hang in the lab. The plaque was presented during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by nearly 30 people, including otolaryngology residents, faculty and staff.

During the ceremony, the couple cut a strip of salmon-colored waterproof tape — reminiscent of the operative tape used by Hil in all his otologic procedures — with Bellucci scissors, a common tool in ear surgeries. Both the tape and the ribbon cutter were recognized by residents and faculty as time-honored tools traditionally used by Hil in the operating room.

The lab features 20 stations, each equipped with a microscope, a high-speed drill and a large screen that displays the microscope view and drill work in real time.

Because the inner ear’s anatomy is highly complex, hands-on, lab training is essential.

“With the new visual connectivity tools, it’s going to be much easier to show what one resident is doing and share that concept with all the others,” shared Rodney C. Diaz, professor of otolaryngology and department residency program director. “This built-in connectivity allows us to communicate and learn more visually and efficiently.”

In addition to providing opportunities for team members to hone their skills, the department will offer specialized courses and intensive boot camp trainings focused on highly specific areas.

The Temporal Bone Lab will allow trainees and faculty the opportunity to practice highly specialized techniques in a controlled, hands-on environment.

About Aggie Square

Aggie Square, developed by Wexford Science & Technology and anchored by UC Davis, is a first-of-its-kind innovation district based on the UC Davis Sacramento campus that leverages the university’s strengths in research and teaching, industry and the community to create opportunities across the region. The new 1.1 million-square foot mixed-use facility encompasses commercial labs, classrooms, a residential tower and ground floor public space.

“Aggie Square is where the university transforms innovation into impact,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May during the building’s grand opening. “It represents our university’s research, teaching and public service mission by bringing together the brightest minds in research with entrepreneurs, industry partners and neighbors, all in one place.”