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Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Carissa Thomas, MD
Provider's Specialties
- Otolaryngology
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Get to know Carissa Thomas, MD
Experience and background
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.
Undergraduate 2004
Luther College (IA)
Graduate 2011
Baylor College Of Medicine
Medical Education 2013
Baylor College of Medicine
Residency 2018
University of Colorado
Fellowship 2019
University of Toronto
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.
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.
For Referring Providers:
Barry M Goldwater Scholarship 2003
Luther College
MSTP Award for Excellence in Basic Science Coursework 2005
Baylor College of Medicine
Resident Research Award, 1st Place 2016
University of Colorado Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Resident Teacher of the Year Award 2018
University of Colorado Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Best Poster 2019
Awarded at AHNS Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in Austin, TX.
AHNS
NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program Grant Recipient 2020
NIH NIDCR
Community Service Award 2022
“Expressions of the Head & Neck Cancer Journey: a Visual Art Experience for Head & Neck Oncology Patients”
AHNS Cancer Prevention Service
Top Women Leaders of Alabama Finalist 2024
Women We Admire
Patient Experience Provider Recognition for exceptional care & leadership 2024
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
CORE Grant Program Spotlight 2024
AAO-HNSF
Faculty member of
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