Matthew O. Old, MD

My mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery and reconstruction—restoring health, function, quality of life and confidence for every patient. Your care is our collective mission. In head and neck cancer surgery and reconstruction, every member of our multidisciplinary team works together to provide seamless, compassionate care. We believe healing happens best when expertise and empathy unite, ensuring you and your family feel supported at every step of the journey.

Dr. Matthew Old is chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington and holds the Allison T. Wanamaker Endowed Chair. An accomplished surgeon, educator, and leader, Dr. Old specializes in head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery.

Before joining UW, Dr. Old served as the David E. and Carole Schuller Chair and Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. At Ohio State, he directed one of the nation’s largest head and neck surgery programs, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and advancing complex oncologic surgery, microvascular reconstruction, and skull base procedures.

A recognized innovator in reconstructive microsurgery, Dr. Old founded the International Head and Neck Microvascular Fellow Bootcamp and developed collaborative initiatives to enhance surgical training and multidisciplinary care. His mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous residents and fellows nationwide.

Dr. Old’s research focuses on head and neck cancer biology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including landmark studies on adenoid cystic carcinoma, circulating tumor DNA and HPV-associated cancers. He has held national leadership roles with the American Head and Neck Society and serves as an examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

Honored for excellence in patient care and education, Dr. Old is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and recipient of multiple teaching and clinical awards. He is also a strong advocate for physician wellness and leadership development.

A native of Texas, Dr. Old earned his BA in Human Biology from Stanford University and his MD from the University of Texas at Houston. He completed residency at the University of Michigan and fellowship training in Microvascular Reconstruction and Skull Base Surgery at Vanderbilt University.

As chair, Dr. Old’s vision for the department centers on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in patient care. He aims to expand research and education initiatives, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and enhance access to world-class care for patients across the region. His leadership reflects a dedication to combining scientific progress with humanity—delivering hope and healing to those who need it most.

Undergraduate Education: BA, Human Biology, Stanford University, 1997

Medical School: MD, The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, 2003

Residency: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, 2008

Fellowship: Head and Neck Oncologic, Reconstructive, and Skull Base Surgery, Vanderbilt University, 2008-2009

Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2009; Adult Complex Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery, 2025

Memberships: American Head and Neck Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NRG Oncology, Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer, American Society Clinical Oncology, North American Skull Base Society, American Board of Otolaryngology.

• Executive Leadership, Secretary, American Head and Neck Society, 2025-present
• Chair Reconstructive Section, American Head and Neck Society, 2024-2025
• Chair, Quality and Value Task Force, American Head and Neck Society, 2024-2025
• Best Doctors in America, 2012-present
• The James Outstanding Physician Peer Award, The Ohio State University, 2024
• The David E. Schuller, M.D., and Carole Schuller Chair Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, 2022
• Inducted into the Mazzaferri-Ellison Society of Master Clinicians at The Ohio State University College of Medicine
• AHNS Community Service Award, 2020
• Elected to Courage to Teach, The Ohio State University, 2016
• Excellence in Teaching Award, Department of Otolaryngology – H&N Surgery, The Ohio State University, 2011 and 2015
• Forty under Forty 40 Award, Columbus Business First Magazine

Dr. Old’s clinical interests include head and neck surgical oncology, advanced head and neck and microvascular reconstruction, skull base surgery, and trauma. He specializes in transoral robotic surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and the management of paragangliomas, schwannomas and rare conditions and tumors of the head and neck.

Matthew Old‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬ [ADD LINK]

My research in head and neck cancer spans translational science, clinical outcomes, and innovation in surgical oncology. I established a comprehensive clinical database for oropharyngeal, oral cavity, and adenoid cystic carcinomas, paired with tissue to enable biomarker discovery and personalized treatment strategies. In parallel, I lead outcomes-based research focused on improving quality of life and reducing postoperative complications in head and neck surgery, including microvascular reconstruction.

I actively participate in Phase I–III clinical trials and have served as site PI and co-PI for multiple immunotherapy and targeted therapy studies, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant checkpoint inhibitor trials. My work has contributed to national guidelines, such as the ASCO task force on immunotherapy, and I maintain leadership roles in multidisciplinary tumor boards and national committees. My research integrates clinical care, education, and innovation to advance survival and functional outcomes for patients.