Aria Jafari, MD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

I am committed to recognizing patients’ individual values and preferences towards a shared goal of improving their symptoms and quality of life. I strive to provide compassionate and evidence-based care, using cutting-edge and minimally invasive techniques. It is a privilege to partner with patients, their families, and the exceptional team of providers at UW Medicine.

Biography

Aria Jafari, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Washington. Dr. Jafari is a fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in the full spectrum of sinus and nasal disorders, including chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, sinus tumors and cancers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and disorders of taste and smell. Dr. Jafari also collaborates with other surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery to access tumors in the brain and orbit and treat disorders of the tear duct (lacrimal) system.

Dr. Jafari completed his fellowship at Harvard Medical School in rhinology, sinus and endoscopic skull base surgery. After graduating from Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Jafari completed his residency in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery at the University of California, San Diego, where he was also a NIH post-doctoral research fellow. He is the recipient of numerous awards and grants and has participated in humanitarian missions to underserved areas in Mexico, Central America, and Africa.

Current CV

Overview

Undergraduate Education: University of California, San Diego, B.S. with Honors in Neuroscience, 2008

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine, 2013

Residency: University of California, San Diego Medical Center, Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, 2019

Fellowship: Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, 2020

Research Training: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (T-32), Scripps Research Institute/ University of California, San Diego, Neuroscience, 2016

Specialties

Awards and Honors

2004-2008: Provost’s Academic Scholar, UCSD Revelle College

2006: Ernest Mort Award, UCSD International Center

2008: Phi Beta Kappa

2008: Highest Departmental Honors, UCSD Division of Biology

2008: F. Thomas Bond Outstanding Academic and Leadership Award, UCSD Revelle College

2009-2013: Goodrich Scholar, Stanford University School of Medicine

2009-2013: Corvin Scholar, Stanford University School of Medicine

2009-2013: Medical Research Scholar, Stanford University School of Medicine

2011: Mary Duke Biddle International Scholar, Stanford University School of Medicine

2015: Best Clinical Research Presentation, UCSD Department of Surgery Research Symposium

2015: Leadership Grant, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

2016: Humanitarian Grant, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

2019: 1st place, Triological Society Resident Bowl

2019: 2nd place, Triological Society Combined Sections - Rhinology & Allergy Poster Award

Recent Publications

Research Areas

Research Focus

Dr. Jafari’s research focuses on improving quality of life and outcomes in sinus and skull base disorders, studying the neurocognitive effects of rhinosinusitis, and developing novel techniques for minimally invasive orbital surgery. He also enjoys mentoring trainees to develop and advance their own research endeavors. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters and has presented his research at national and international conferences. He is an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the American Rhinologic Society.