Ian M. Humphreys, DO FARS
“I am honored to practice medicine at UW Medicine, where I partner with patients on their journey to better health. My clinical and research expertise focuses on conditions of the nose, sinuses, and skull base. By combining the latest diagnostic tools with advanced treatment options, I strive to deliver the highest quality, personalized, and compassionate care. I also believe care is strongest when it’s a team effort and collaboration is central to my approach—I work closely with colleagues in Immunology, Allergy, Infectious Disease, Pulmonary Medicine, and Neurosurgery to ensure comprehensive, integrated care. As a physician, educator, and leader, I am also deeply committed to training the next generation of medical professionals who will shape the future of patient care and discovery.”
Biography
Ian M. Humphreys, DO, FARS FAOCO-HNS joined the University of Washington Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery in 2015. He currently serves as Associate Professor, Chief of the Division of Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, and Medical Director of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at UW Medical Center. He also co-directs the Neurorhinology and Advanced Sinus Surgery Fellowship at UW Medical Center – Montlake.
Dr. Humphreys specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nose, sinuses, and skull base. His expertise includes sinus disorders, smell loss, nosebleeds, nasal breathing problems, rhinitis, sinonasal tumors (both benign and malignant), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and other complex skull base disorders. He is passionate about offering advanced, personalized care that combines the latest medical innovations with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Humphreys trained at the University of Pittsburgh and conducted research at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute before earning his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he graduated summa cum laude with Psi Sigma Alpha distinction. He completed residency in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Michigan State University’s Detroit Medical Center, serving as chief resident, followed by fellowship training in advanced rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery at Stanford University.
Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr Humphreys is an operational leader and scholar leading research on sinus cancers and invasive fungal infections affecting the nose and sinuses. Outside of medicine, he enjoys an active lifestyle as an Ironman triathlete, wakesurfer, and traveler. He and his wife are proud to call Washington home, where they are raising their two children.
Current CV
Overview
Undergraduate Education: University of Pittsburgh, 2004
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2009
Internship: Michigan State University at Detroit Medical Center, 2010
Residency: Michigan State University at Detroit Medical Center, 2014
Fellowship: Stanford University, 2015
Board Certification: Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, 2015
Memberships: American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery
Specialties
Awards and Honors
Dr. Humphreys has been widely recognized for his excellence in medicine, education, and service. In medical school, he received more than 10 scholarships for academic achievement, leadership, and service, graduating summa cum laude with Psi Sigma Alpha distinction. During residency, he was awarded grants to support humanitarian medical projects internationally.
He has continued to earn national and regional honors throughout his career. Dr. Humphreys was named a Seattle Met Top Doctor in 2018, 2019, and 2020, received the WWAMI Pro Recognition Award for his dedication to medical student education, and in 2023 was honored with the Presidential Achievement Award from the American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. He also plays an active role in advancing the field through leadership positions on national committees, including serving as Director of Rhinology Education for the American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology and contributing to the development committee of the American Rhinologic Society.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Humphreys has over 10 years of specialized experience and has performed more than 2,000 surgeries treating conditions of the nose, sinuses, and skull base. He cares for patients with complex sinus disorders, nasal obstruction, chronic runny nose or post-nasal drip, nosebleeds, smell problems, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and both non-cancerous and cancerous growths in the nose and sinuses. Many patients are referred to Dr. Humphreys by other ENT specialists for some of the most challenging cases in the Pacific Northwest.
He offers advanced and minimally invasive treatments some of which be performed in the office, including techniques to reduce swelling inside the nose for better breathing, and targeted treatments to relieve chronic nasal congestion and runny nose.
As both a sinus specialist and skull base surgeon, and a member of the UW Skull Base Team, Dr. Humphreys uses the latest technology and collaborates closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, allergists, infectious disease specialists, and lung doctors. This team-based approach ensures patients receive comprehensive, coordinated, and personalized care.
Publications
Research Areas
Research Focus
Dr. Humphreys is dedicated to advancing care for patients with complex sinus conditions. His research focuses on sinus cancers and serious fungal infections of the nose and sinuses, and he partners with experts across the country to find better treatments. At UW, he also helps lead studies that look at how different treatments affect patients’ health and quality of life, with the goal of continually improving care for people with nasal and sinus disorders.