Rocco Ferrandino, MD

Dr. Rocco Ferrandino, MD, is a head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington. He earned his medical degree and master’s in clinical research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, where he graduated with honors, including membership in Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Ferrandino completed his residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital, receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award, recognizing him as the top graduate of the program. He further refined his expertise with advanced surgical training in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Neal Futran at the University of Washington.

Dr. Ferrandino specializes in the surgical treatment of both benign and malignant head and neck tumors, as well as complex reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. His clinical focus includes caring for patients with tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, endocrine system, skin, and salivary glands, whether cancerous or non-cancerous. Dr. Ferrandino is particularly skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS), skull base surgery, complex endocrine surgery, and microvascular free flap reconstruction, which are vital for restoring form and function during cancer treatment.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ferrandino is dedicated to advancing the field of head and neck oncology through research. His work primarily explores the applications of liquid biopsies for diagnosing, risk-stratifying, and monitoring head and neck cancers. He has authored numerous scientific publications and frequently presents his research at national and international conferences. Dr. Ferrandino is also deeply committed to the mentorship and training of medical students and residents, ensuring that future physicians are well-prepared to deliver exceptional patient care.

Medical Degree: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York

Graduate Education: Master's in Clinical Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York

Residency: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York

Fellowship: Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction, University of Washington

Memberships: American Head and Neck Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

2010-2011: Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Research Fellowship
2011-2013: Intramural Research Training Award Fellowship, National Institutes of Health
2014: : Presidential Volunteer Service Award
2017: Best Poster in Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
2018 : Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society
2018: Distinction in Research Graduation Award
2018: PORTAL Master’s Thesis Graduation Award in Clinical Research
2022: Resident Reviewer Development Program, Journal of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery 
2023: 1st Place Presentation at 17th Annual New York City Metropolitan Resident Research Day
2023: 1st Place Presentation at Mount Sinai Otolaryngology Hugh Biller Research Symposium
2023: Chairman’s Graduation Award, Mount Sinai Otolaryngology
2023: Best Prevention and Early Detection Manuscript Award, The American Head and Neck Society, 11th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer