Robert E. Pickard, MD, is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Medical Director & Founder of the Hearing Research Institute, Inc. of South Miami, Florida – a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution that not only focuses on hearing research, but strives to assist children and veterans through community outreach and involvement. Dr Pickard founded the hearing institute while working as an instructor at a pediatric ear, nose & throat clinic, after caring for & diagnosing children who had previously been labeled as autistic, schizophrenic, learning-disabled, and mentally retarded.

During his examinations, he realized that these children were simply deaf – tragically, their diagnoses came too late, and were unable to develop normal language and speech abilities. Thereafter, Dr. Pickard made it his mission to devote his life to helping children with hearing disorders, and this led him to found the Hearing Research Institute. He was also instrumental in establishing universal infant hearing screenings in Florida by working closely with State Representative Manuel Prieguez. Dr. Pickard wrote the bill that would become Florida House Bill (FLHB) #399, which was signed into law on June 6th, 2000 by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, after more than 10 years of lobbying & raising awareness. As a result of the efforts of Dr. Pickard and others, passage of the bill meant that infants throughout the state of Florida are given the best possible chance of early diagnosis of deafness and hearing disorders – which leads to a better quality of life through the opportunity to develop speech and language capabilities from an early age.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Pickard has earned a range of awards and accolades. As part of President George H. W. Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light” initiative, Dr. Pickard received of a letter of recognition from the former president for serving his fellow citizens in a distinguished manner. He also received the Southern Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Medal in connection with his writing and lobbying for passage of the aforementioned FLHB #399. Additionally, he has received the JC Penny Golden Rule Award in recognition of the volunteer work he has done for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Brigadier General William Whitaker Citizenship Award has also been bestowed upon Dr. Pickard. He has also earned the International Association of Lions Club Medal of Merit, the Lions Clubs International Distinguished Leadership Medal, the Southern Medical Association Distinguished Service Award, and the Meritorious Service Medal & Florida Commendation Medal. He also a member of the Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists. Additionally, Dr. Robert Pickard is a member of the Dade County Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, and the Southern Medical Association.

Dr. Pickard is a retired United States Army Colonel and a board certified Otolaryngologist – also known as an ear, nose & throat specialist. He specializes in the treatment and research of hearing and related disorders, such as sensori-neural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss (CHL), tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance, dizziness and many other conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat & related structures. After completing his medical degree at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Pickard completed residency training in Otolaryngology at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Make an appointment with Dr. Robert Pickard today to discuss your specific medical needs & goals.