Ryan K. Orosco, MD

Ryan Orosco, MD, is a board-certified head and neck surgeon who specializes in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors and complex reconstruction of the head and neck. He cares for patients with head and neck tumors, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, and cancer of the face, scalp, nose, mouth, tongue, and throat.

Dr. Orosco is skilled in advanced reconstruction techniques, including microvascular free flaps, the transplant of tissue to restore function and appearance. He employs minimally invasive techniques, such as transoral robotic surgery and transoral laser microsurgery, when appropriate.

Dr. Orosco is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized care. He collaborates with specialists across a broad range of disciplines to ensure that patients receive the best possible outcome.

Presently, Dr. Orosco is co-leading a translational research laboratory that is devoted to advancing the field of robotic surgery. His work in the UC San Diego Contextual Robotics Institute focuses on melding engineering and medicine.

Dr. Orosco's research has been featured in numerous peer-reviewed publications, including Oral Oncology, Laryngoscope, Thyroid, Nature Genetics, and JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has authored book chapters on topics such as robotic surgery of the head and neck and surgical techniques in otolaryngology. He serves as ad-hoc reviewer for several journals, including Head & Neck, European Journal of Surgical Oncology, OncoTargets and Therapy, and PLOS One.

Dr. Orosco completed fellowship training in head and neck cancer and microvascular reconstruction at Stanford University School of Medicine following residency training in otolaryngology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is board certified in otolaryngology.

Dr. Orosco is a member of several professional medical organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Head & Neck Society, American Thyroid Association, and the American College of Surgeons.

When he's not working, Dr. Orosco enjoys playing soccer, experiencing and creating art, fishing, and going on adventures with his family.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Head and Neck Cancer and Head and Neck Surgery.