Ryan Carey, MD

Dr. Ryan Carey is a head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania, where he provides comprehensive surgical care for patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. His clinical practice focuses on head and neck cancer surgery, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and microvascular reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Carey treats patients with a broad range of head and neck tumors, with particular expertise in cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary glands, thyroid, and skin, as well as complex and recurrent head and neck cancers. He works closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. When appropriate, he uses minimally invasive approaches such as robotic surgery and advanced reconstructive techniques to restore form and function following complex head and neck surgery.
Dr. Carey's goal is to provide the most effective treatment while also preserving the …aspects of life that matter to patients after surgery. This includes careful attention to important functions such as speaking, swallowing, and eating, as well as appearance and overall quality of life. He believes patients benefit from understanding their treatment options and the rationale behind them, and he works closely with patients and their families throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Carey is a surgeon-scientist who leads an NIH-funded laboratory focused on developing new approaches to the treatment of head and neck cancer. He also leads investigator-initiated clinical trials and participates in industry-sponsored clinical trials evaluating emerging therapies for patients with head and neck cancer. By integrating surgery, clinical research, and laboratory discovery, Dr. Carey brings advances in the field directly into patient care and provides patients with access to innovative treatment approaches and clinical trials when appropriate.