Chief of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Houston Methodist Hospital – Texas Medical Center
Houston, Texas
Position Overview
Houston Methodist seeks an accomplished academic head and neck surgeon to serve as Chief of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology within the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
The selected candidate will join four fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in head and neck oncologic surgery and microvascular reconstruction and will play a central leadership role in the continued growth and development of the division.
This position represents a unique opportunity to build and lead a growing Head & Neck Surgical Oncology program within one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.
The Chief will provide clinical, academic, and strategic leadership while expanding the program’s regional referral base, academic impact, and national reputation.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional clinical and surgical expertise, a strong record of academic achievement, and a commitment to research and education. This faculty leader will play a central role in the continued growth of the Head & Neck Surgical Oncology Division and will contribute to the department’s long-term strategic vision.
The incoming leader will join Houston Methodist Hospital, one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers located in the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world. Houston Methodist has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Texas for 14 consecutive years and is the only hospital in Texas named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll, placing it among the top hospitals in the nation.
This role offers the opportunity to join a rapidly growing Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery that includes more than 30 faculty across multiple subspecialties and supports a robust academic training environment. The department maintains an ACGME-accredited Otolaryngology residency program, contributes to resident education for both UTHealth Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch, and hosts an AAFPRS-accredited Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship while participating in neurotology fellowship training in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine.
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work closely with colleagues at the Neal Cancer Center and investigators within the Houston Methodist Research Institute are essential. A strong interest in academic medicine and a research-oriented approach to patient care are highly desirable.
Required Qualifications
Qualified candidates must have:
- MD or DO degree
- Residency training in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
- Board certification or board eligibility in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (ABOHNS)
- Fellowship training in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
- Demonstrated excellence in patient care, surgical skill, and academic achievement
- Commitment to research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Eligibility for an unrestricted medical license in the state of Texas
- Academic credentials consistent with appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level
Candidates with experience leading multidisciplinary clinical programs, developing clinical trials, or advancing innovative technologies in head and neck cancer care are strongly encouraged to apply.
About Houston Methodist
One of the Nation’s Leading Academic Health Systems
Houston Methodist is a nationally recognized academic health system located in the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world.
Houston Methodist Hospital has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Texas for 14 consecutive years and is the only Texas hospital included on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll, placing it among the top hospitals in the United States.
The flagship academic medical center is nationally ranked in 10 specialties, with several specialties ranked among the top 20 in the nation.
A Growing Regional Health System
The Houston Methodist health system includes:
- 8 hospitals across the Greater Houston region
- 2,850 operating beds systemwide
- An academic institute and physician organization
- 300+ outpatient locations
Together, these resources support a large and growing regional referral network serving one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.
Clinical Scale and Reach
Houston Methodist’s clinical enterprise continues to expand across patient care, education, and translational research. Systemwide activity includes:
- 2.49 million outpatient visits annually
- 151,000+ hospital admissions per year
- 5,400+ affiliated physicians
- 35,000+ employees
Nationally Recognized Clinical Excellence
Houston Methodist is internationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular medicine, cancer care, transplantation, neuroscience, and advanced surgical innovation.
The system is consistently recognized for physician engagement, clinical quality, and patient safety, and has earned a national reputation for innovation and outcomes-driven care.
This role is based at the Texas Medical Center – The world’s largest medical complex and home to Houston Methodist’s leading healthcare innovation and research
Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
The Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist is led by Chair Dr. Mas Takashima and has experienced rapid growth in recent years.
The department now includes more than 30+ faculty members across multiple subspecialties, including:
- Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
- Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Rhinology & Skull Base Surgery
- Sleep Surgery
- Laryngology and Voice Disorders
The department supports an ACGME-accredited Otolaryngology residency program and contributes to resident education for both UTHealth Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch. The residency program is a five-year training program designed to provide comprehensive clinical and surgical training across the full spectrum of otolaryngology.
In addition, the department hosts an AAFPRS-accredited Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship and participates in neurotology fellowship training in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine.
Faculty practice across the flagship Texas Medical Center campus and Houston Methodist’s regional hospitals, creating a strong platform for multidisciplinary collaboration and continued clinical growth. The department works closely with specialists across the health system — including oncology, pulmonology, immunology, and other disciplines — to provide coordinated care for complex conditions.
The department maintains a strong commitment to innovation, translational research, and advanced technology, with faculty actively involved in clinical trials and research initiatives aimed at developing new treatments for otolaryngologic conditions. Research efforts increasingly incorporate big data and artificial intelligence to advance diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.
Clinicians and researchers have access to cutting-edge technologies including robotic surgical platforms, advanced endoscopic systems, AI-guided imaging tools, and novel minimally invasive treatment technologies used across multiple ENT subspecialties.
Houston Methodist is also home to the Texas Voice Center and the Center for Performing Arts Medicine, internationally recognized programs that provide specialized care for professional performers, including members of the Houston Grand Opera.
Our Team
The otolaryngologic clinicians and faculty at Houston Methodist offer the full range of medical and surgical care for ear, nose and throat conditions. We provide advanced care personalized to each patient’s specific treatment needs. Our team includes experts with deep and comprehensive experience in all ENT subspecialties and complex ENT conditions. Our faculty and clinicians also closely collaborate with other providers within Houston Methodist, including oncologists, pulmonologists, immunologists and allergists, ensuring patients receive the best outcomes.
Faculty by the Numbers
- 34 Total Faculty: The department comprises 34 faculty members, including specialists across all major subspecialties of otolaryngology, ensuring comprehensive care and expertise.
- 19 Faculty with Academic Appointments: Out of the total faculty, 19 hold academic appointments, reflecting a strong commitment to education and research within the department.
- 36 Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2024: In 2024, the department contributed 36 peer-reviewed publications, showcasing ongoing research efforts and contributions to the field.
- 9 Active Clinical Trials: The department is actively engaged in 9 clinical trials, focusing on advancing treatments and improving patient outcomes in otolaryngology.
- 2 ACGME-Accredited Resident Slots per Year (5-Year Residency Training Program): The residency program offers 2 ACGME-accredited positions annually, providing comprehensive training over five years in various aspects of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.
- 18 Conferences & Presentations in 2024: Faculty members delivered 18 presentations at national and international conferences in 2024, reflecting active participation in scholarly activities and knowledge dissemination.
Mas Takashima, MD – Professor & Chair, Houston Methodist Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Department Research
The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist is recognized nationally as a center for innovation and research. Our faculty are driven to uncover new and better treatments for otolaryngologic conditions.
With active clinical trials and industry-sponsored studies, our team engages in greater and more far-reaching research year-over-year. Our work includes partnerships with companies to develop and employ new ways of incorporating big data and artificial intelligence with translational research to develop the latest technologies in the treatment of head and neck conditions.
Key Research Areas
- Voice Rest Outcomes After Phonomicrosurgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedure for Chronic Rhinitis
- Air Quality, Allergic Rhinitis, and Asthma
- Climate Change, Environment & Rhinologic Disease
The Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIE)
MITIE (The Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education): The first facility of its kind, MITIE is at the Houston Methodist Hospital. It encompasses 35,000 square feet of research and training space dedicated to procedural skills acquisition and the development of image-guided technology, medical robotics, telementoring and new procedural techniques. a comprehensive education and research institute. Its educational mission is focused on enabling residents to acquire new procedural skills and learn new technology. Its research mission is to enhance the use of image-guided procedures, incorporate robotic surgery into the image-guided platform, and develop new technology and procedural techniques. To accomplish this mission, MITIE contains three essential elements housed under one roof – a virtual hospital, a procedural skills lab, and a core of research operating rooms.
- Virtual hospital uses simulation technology to recreate any part of the patient care environment. Skills ranging from establishing an airway to management of an operating room emergency are practiced here. Simulation allows the rehearsal of low frequency, high-risk events in a manner conducive to learning.
- Procedural skills lab is equipped to conduct hands-on procedural training using porcine or cadaver models. Each skills station is essentially a compact operating room or endoscopy suite with all the tools necessary to conduct procedures.
- Core suite of research operating rooms in MITIE are focused on training in robotic surgery, image guided procedures, and the development of new technology.
Department Education & Training
Through our residency training program, Houston Methodist Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides hands-on, experiential learning. This includes opportunities for residents to treat and manage sinus and skull base disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, allergic disease, hearing loss and ear tumors, head and neck tumors, upper aerodigestive tract ailments, voice/speech and swallowing dysfunctions, and cosmetic and reconstructive interventions for facial plastic and head and neck disorders.
Our team trains residents from Houston Methodist, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Our department serves as the primary Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery clinical and research training center for students at Texas A&M College of Medicine at Houston and the EnMed program — a joint venture between Texas A&M’s School of Engineering Medicine and Houston Methodist that culminates in a combined medical doctorate and Master of Engineering degree.
The departmental goal is to have a fellowship training program for all subspecialties of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, except for pediatric otolaryngology, where we partner with our colleagues at Texas Children’s Hospital. Currently, we jointly train an otology/neurotology fellow along with MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine. In 2023, we started an AAFPRS accredited Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship.
Residency Program
The Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Otolaryngology —Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program is a newly accredited five-year training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for two residents per year.
Our program is located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in Houston, TX- the largest medical complex in the world Even though we are a newly accredited program, our outstanding faculty, hospital facilities, and perioperative service line has been training Otolaryngology residents for decades. Our goal is to develop residents into mature and responsible otolaryngologists capable of providing comprehensive care to both adult and pediatric patients with ear, nose, and throat ailments.
It is not only our institution’s values, but also our department’s cornerstone, that all physicians, trainees, and health care providers should uphold the ICARE values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. We service the greater Houston metropolitan and Gulf Coast communities with a dedicated passion to provide an academic and scholastic environment which fosters the pursuit of basic and clinical research. Our goal is to create physicians who are life-long learners; who will provide evidence-based quality care; who will display excellent interpersonal skills that relate to the art of medicine; and who will function with utmost professionalism and demonstrate the highest degree of ethical character at every rotation site throughout their residency training.
Clinical
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work at the No. 1-ranked hospital in Texas- Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH). HMH has over 85 operating rooms, more than 900 in-patient beds, 7 different ICU’s and a quality and safety record that is among the best in the nation. The hospital continues to expand its patient care capabilities with new in-patient towers scheduled for construction very soon. Our program’s mission is to be the recognized leader in otolaryngologic clinical care, education, and scientific discovery. We strive to provide our residents with the finest comprehensive training in all aspects of the specialty. Emphasis is placed on academic learning and the basic sciences, surgical and clinical competency, and research. Residents will care for inpatients and consult patients, report and round daily with fellowship trained faculty members, perform tertiary and quaternary level surgeries, and lead a service line with a wide range of adult otolaryngologic cases. There is complicated head and neck cancer, neurotology, sinonasal/ skull base pathology, sleep surgery, laryngology, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery cases. On average, 4000 operative cases are performed by the Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery service line at HMH. Additionally, Houston Methodist Hospital has the award-winning Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, and Education (MITIE). This is an innovative virtual hospital which offers hands-on courses and clinical training for health care professionals seeking to maintain excellent procedural skills and acquire new proficiencies. Methodist has strong affiliations with both Texas A&M College of Medicine and Weill Cornell College of Medicine, and is the primary clinical training hospital for the first of its kind Engineering and Medicine Program (EnMed) with Texas A&M.
Houston Methodist Hospital will be the home institution for our residency training, however our trainees will also spend quality rotations at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital-West Campus, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and the clinical care sites of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. These unique experiences will allow our residents to have an in-depth comprehensive experience for advanced head and neck cancer care, foster longer term relationships with pediatric patients, and rotate through two different level 1 trauma centers with exposure to a variety of otolaryngology/head and neck related injuries, work directly with the patient population of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Houston is not only home to the largest medical complex in the world, but it is also one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. With a metro population of over 7.2 million people, there are on average 250 people a day moving to this great city! With such staggering numbers, we are well positioned in the TMC to offer high quality, cutting edge, compassionate care to our growing and diverse population. Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the 4th largest city in the United States. It was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Since then, Houston has become home to a number of multinational companies, caries the title of “Energy Capital of the World,” and is also nicknamed Space City since NASA is just around the corner. We have 2 international airports, countless number of green spaces and parks, major league baseball, basketball, football, and soccer teams, and one of the best and most vibrate food scenes in the country. The warm days in summer are complimented by mild winters and beautiful spring and fall weather. The gulf coast beaches are a short drive from the city center and offer plenty of family-friendly entertainment options.
Division of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
The Division of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology includes four fellowship-trained surgeons practicing across the Houston Methodist system.
Two surgeons are based at the flagship Texas Medical Center campus, where the majority of complex oncologic procedures are performed.
Two additional fellowship-trained surgeons practice within Houston Methodist’s expanding community hospital network, helping extend access to specialized head and neck cancer care across the Greater Houston region.
This hub-and-spoke model allows the division to draw referrals from across the health system while delivering complex surgical oncology care at the main academic campus.
The Chief will work closely with existing faculty to define the strategic growth of the division, including opportunities for additional faculty recruitment, program development, and expanded regional referral partnerships.
Houston Methodist Hospital
The Houston Methodist Medical Center, prominently situated in the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical center in the world — is a beacon of healthcare excellence and medical research. Deep-rooted dedication to pioneering patient care, this esteemed institution has consistently set benchmarks in both clinical and research arenas. The hospital’s affiliations with elite academic entities, including Weill Cornell Medical College, further its mission to provide world-class medical education. Consistently garnering accolades across numerous specialties, Houston Methodist stands as a global leader in the healthcare domain. Beyond its exceptional patient care, its commitment to groundbreaking research and innovation has positioned it at the forefront of medical advancements, making it a pillar of hope, healing, and discovery in the global medical community.
For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best—and safest—clinical care, advanced technology, and patient experience. That is our promise of leading medicine. Recognizing our dedication to excellence, U.S. News & World Report has named Houston Methodist Hospital the Best Hospital in Texas for 12 years in a row and recognized us on the Honor Roll seven times. In addition, we are nationally ranked in 10 specialties, with nine specialties in the top 20, and two of those in the top five. HMH also holds a prestigious position on Forbes America’s Best Large Employers List.
Houston Methodist Cancer Center
The Chief will collaborate closely with the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, a multidisciplinary cancer program located in the Texas Medical Center.
Established through a transformative philanthropic gift, the Neal Cancer Center serves as the hub for Houston Methodist’s oncology programs, bringing together surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and translational research.
The cancer center is supported by a growing team of oncologists, surgeons, and physician-scientists dedicated to advancing cancer care and clinical research.
The Chief of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology will partner with cancer center leadership to expand multidisciplinary cancer care, develop clinical trials, and strengthen Houston Methodist’s national visibility in head and neck oncology.
Research & Innovation
Houston Methodist offers an exceptional environment for clinical and translational research.
The Houston Methodist Research Institute supports multidisciplinary research programs across fields including:
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Artificial intelligence and data science
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Biomedical engineering
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Imaging science
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Translational medicine
Located within the Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist investigators collaborate extensively with leading academic institutions including Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and other Texas Medical Center partners.
These collaborations create significant opportunities for innovation in surgical technology, outcomes research, and multidisciplinary cancer care.
Regional Referral Network
Houston Methodist’s integrated health system provides access to a broad referral network spanning the Greater Houston region, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.
The system includes eight hospitals and an extensive primary care and specialty physician network, supporting referrals for complex oncologic care.
Patients across the system can receive evaluation and follow-up care in community hospitals while complex oncologic procedures are performed at the flagship Texas Medical Center campus.
This systemwide network provides a strong foundation for continued growth in head and neck surgical oncology volume.
Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group
Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group is an integral part of Houston Methodist’s strategy to become one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.
The physician group enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to clinical practice while growing their practice within a collaborative academic environment.
Texas Medical Center (TMC)
This Chief of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology role is based at Houston Methodist, located within the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in Houston, Texas — the largest medical complex in the world. TMC is a global leader in patient care, education, and research, home to over 60 institutions, including leading hospitals, academic institutions, and specialized centers. Known for its cutting-edge innovations and collaborative environment, TMC offers unparalleled resources, including access to leading-edge technology, diverse patient populations, and a dynamic community of healthcare and research professionals. With a mission to advance health through research and education, TMC provides an ideal setting for transformative leadership and the development of world-class medical programs.
Life in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas, the nation’s fourth-largest city, offers a dynamic blend of Southern hospitality, cosmopolitan sophistication, and booming economic opportunity. With a population of over 2.3 million people and more than 7 million in the Greater Houston area, the city is known for its cultural diversity, robust economy, and vibrant lifestyle. It hosts the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, and is a global leader in the energy sector, with a significant presence of oil, gas, and renewable energy companies, as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens
Culture and Recreation
Houston’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied, featuring world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. The Museum District boasts 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius, and the Theater District offers year-round performances by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, and the Alley Theatre. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy games from the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Houston Dynamo (MLS), while the city’s extensive park system, including Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park, offers numerous outdoor activities
Education and Innovation
The city offers top-tier educational institutions like Rice University and the University of Houston, as well as highly rated public and private schools. Houston is also a hub for innovation and research, particularly in the medical and energy fields, ensuring it remains at the forefront of scientific advancement and healthcare innovation.
Quality of Life
Living in Houston means enjoying a lower cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with affordable housing options ranging from downtown high-rises to suburban communities. The city’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity, offering everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to fine dining and international cuisines, making it a food lover’s paradise.
Climate and Lifestyle
Houston’s subtropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. This supports a lifestyle rich in festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmer’s markets. Despite its size, the city maintains a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home.
Houston is a city of opportunity and excitement, offering a unique combination of economic vitality, cultural richness, and a high quality of life. Whether drawn by career prospects, educational opportunities, or the vibrant lifestyle, Houston provides a welcoming and dynamic environment for all.
How to Apply
The Houston Methodist Neurological Institute has retained the services of Academic Med to assist with this strategically important search for a distinguished investigator to serve as the Director of MS & Neuroimmunology Research. Academic Med is a retained executive search firm that specializes in recruiting physicians, scientists, and leaders for academic medical schools & health systems throughout the United States. This search is led by Gentry Zacheis, President of Academic Med, and Jim Hagood, Managing Director. Please direct your applications, inquiries, or nominations to Jim Hagood at ji*@**********ed.com
EEO
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.