Carissa Thomas, MD, PhD, FACS
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Locations
Practice Locations
UCHealth Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
720-848-2820
Provider Expertise
Clinical Interest for Patients
Microvascular reconstruction of head and neck defects from cancer or trauma. Management of osteoradionecrosis and chronic wounds of the head and neck including chronic scalp wounds. Treatment of oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), laryngeal (voice box), and salivary gland cancers. Treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Specialties
- Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery ( 2019 , 2024 )
Education & Training
Medical Schools
MD, Baylor College of Medicine (2013)
Undergraduate Schools
BA, Luther College (IA) (2004)
Graduate Schools
PhD, Baylor College Of Medicine (2011)
Residency Program
University of Colorado (2018)
Fellowships
University of Toronto (2019)
Professional Memberships
AHNS Reconstructive Head & Neck Surgery Section Research Committee, Co-chair
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Member
American Academy of Otolaryngology Microvascular Committee, Member
American College of Surgeons, Fellow
American Head & Neck Society, Member
Gold Humanism Honor Society, Member
NRG Oncology Head and Neck Cancer General Committee, Member
Phi Beta Kappa (National Academic Honor Society), Member
Research & Grants
Research Interests for Patients
My research focuses on understanding ways in which an altered oral cavity microbiome (dysbiosis) promotes malignant transformation in head and neck cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. Currently we are investigating the oral microbiome as a biomarker of disease and predictor of prognosis with the goal of altering the microbiome to improve treatment response and prevent metastases and recurrence of head and neck cancer. I am also investigating ways the oral microbiome is related to cancer pain, nutrition, and surgical outcomes following major head and neck cancer surgery.
information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
Referral Contact Fax
720-848-2831
