Karen Y. Choi, MD, FACS
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery
About Dr. Karen Y. Choi
Karen Y. Choi, MD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, and subsequently pursued an advanced fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Choi is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS), and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). She plays a vital role in these organizations, serving as vice-chair of the AHNS Cutaneous Cancer Section and the AHNS Women in Head and Neck Surgery service, as well as being an active member of the AAO-HNS Head and Neck Surgery & Oncology committee. Additionally, since 2023, she has been a member of the American Radium Society – Appropriate Use Committee for Head and Neck. Her clinical expertise centers on high-risk cutaneous malignancies and mucosal malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, with a particular emphasis on oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. She employs advanced techniques such as transoral robotic surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy in her practice.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Choi holds an MS in Teaching from Pace University reflecting her early career as a public middle school teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She remains deeply committed to medical and surgical education, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Her research interests focus on improving surgical and quality-of-life outcomes for head and neck cancer patients and includes efforts to develop clinical programs in rural areas to extend high-quality care to underserved populations.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2012 | University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, US, Medicine, Doctor of Medicine |
| 2006 | Pace University, New York, New York, US, Adolescent Education, Master of Science in Teaching |
| 2004 | Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, US, Neuroscience, Bachelor of Arts |
| 2001 | University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, US, Commonwealth College (Honors Program) |
Postgraduate Training
| 2018-2018 | Fellowship, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2012-2017 | Residency, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2026 | Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure |
| 2024 | Florida Board of Medicine |
| 2024 | Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure |
| 2024 | Georgia Composite Medical Board |
| 2024 | Washington State Department of Health |
| 2024 | Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners |
| 2024 | Arizona Medical Board |
| 2024 | Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners |
| 2024 | Alabama Board of Medical Examiners |
| 2019 | Diplomate - American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery |
| 2018 | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - State Board of Medicine |
| 2017 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 2018 - 2023
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Lead - MDACC Cancer Algorithm Reviews, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2025 - Present
Associate Program Director for H&N Residency Program, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2025 - Present
P11 Inpatient Medical Director, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - Present
Editorial Activities
Associate Editor, Head and Neck, 2025 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2022 | Medical Student Research Recognition Award, Penn State College of Medicine |
| 2021 | Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Penn State College of Medicine |
| 2020 | Hill Family Medical Student Cancer Research Fund Award, Hill Family |
| 2016 | Triological Society Resident Travel Award, Triological Society |
| 2015 | Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department Resident Research Award, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
| 2008 - 2009 | Sejong Scholarship Foundation |
| 2006 | Americorps Education Award, Americorps |
| 2002 | Hughes Summer Research Grant, Howard Hughes Medical Institute |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
National Presentations
- 2024. Challenging Cases in the Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin - Challenging Cases in Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Invited. American Society for Radiation Oncology. Washington, DC, US.
- 2024. Role of Extracapsular Dissection in Management of Salivary Gland Neoplasms. Invited. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Miami, FL, US.
- 2024. Updates on Evidence-Based Approach to Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Invited. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Miami, FL, US.
- 2024. Women in Head and Neck Surgery - Building Impactful Programs. Invited. American Head and Neck Society/COSM. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2023. Salivary and Sinonasal Tumors: Multi-Disciplinary Individualization of Patient Care. Invited. American Society for Radiation Oncology. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2023. Carlisle KM, Choi KY. Effectiveness of Social Media Advertising on HPV Vaccination in Adult Men. Poster. Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings. Boston, MA, US.
- 2023. Hot Topics in HPV: Treatment and Deintensification Strategies of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Invited. American Medical Women's Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, US.
International Presentations
- 2023. Patient Selection for Oral Cavity Sentinel Node Biopsy: Current Approach and Future Innovations. Invited. American Head and Neck Society, 11th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer. Montreal, CA.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2019 - 2026 |
| Title: | Randomized Phase II/III Trial of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Versus Elective Neck Dissection for Early-Stage Oral Cavity Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NRG Oncology |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 2020-0277 (NRG-HN006) |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Townes TG, Martinez J, Gross ND, Li G, Goepfert R, Myers J, Sikora AG, Choi K, Hutcheson KA, Song W, Lee A, Moran A, Lewis CM, Akhave N, Johnson F, De Sousa LG, Maniakas A, Wang JR, Su SY, Lai SY, Hanna E, Zhao X, Lango MN. A Standardized Algorithm's Impact on Primary Detection in Head and Neck Carcinoma of Unknown Primary. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 42059064.
- Shukla ME, Misono S, Amini A, Sieracki R, Takiar V, Ward MC, Bakst R, Chandra RA, Chang SS, Choi K, Galloway T, Hu KS, Robbins JR, Siddiqui F, Walker G, Witek ME, Margalit DN. Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Management of Early Glottic Cancer: A Review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40875219.
- Choi, KY, Chan, K, VanDyke, E, Van Scoy, LJ. Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Needs Assessment and Obstacles Faced by Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Pennsylvania. Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology 10(4), 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40677961.
- Choi KY, Chan K, VanDyke E, Van Scoy LJ. Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Needs Assessment and Obstacles Faced by Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Pennsylvania. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol:10:e70204, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Kaffey, Z, Mirbahaeddin, S, Wahid, K, Kamel, S, Vouffo, M, Otun, AO, Belal, Z, Aponte Wesson, R, Carriere, P, Dede, C, Maniakas, A, Goepfert, RP, Garden, AS, Lee, A, Choi, KY, Christensen, JM, Lincoln, C, Manzar, G, Dudzinski, SO, Thomas, R, Mehrens, H, Cardoso, R, Schellingerhout, D, Watson, E, Chen, MM, Lai, SY, Fuller, C, Moreno, AC, Humbert-Vidan, L. Radiographic classification of mandibular osteoradionecrosis. Radiotherapy and Oncology 208, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40320174.
- Witek ME, Ward MC, Bakst R, Chandra RA, Chang SS, Choi KY, Galloway T, Hanna GJ, Hu KS, Robbins J, Shukla ME, Siddiqui F, Takiar V, Walker GV, Fu Y, Margalit DN. Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancers: Systematic Review and Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria. Head Neck, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40344605.
- Chan, KH, Sweeny, L, Choi, KY. Sentinel lymph node biopsy. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 35(4):347-355, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Chan, KH, Keane, A, Pradhan, S, King, TS, Moroco, A, Goyal, N, Choi, KY. Postoperative Urinary Complications in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstructive Surgery. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology 133(3):284-291, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37902061.
- Choi, KY, Patel, SD, Lane, C, Tucker, J, Chan, KH, Pradhan, S, Mahase, SS, Tam, S, King, TS. Elucidating survival and functional outcomes in patients with primary head and neck malignancies treated in academic versus community settings. Head and Neck 46(2):398-407, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38087455.
- Rothka AJ, Nguyen M, King TS, Choi KY. Impact of USMLE Pass/Fail Step 1 Scoring on Current Medical Students. J Med Educ Curric Dev 11:23821205241281650, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39346123.
- Chan K, Keane A, Fisher N, King TS, Yang Y, Allibone M, Ayala A, Choi KY. Development of a Dysphagia Pathway Program for Head and Neck Cancer in a Rural Patient Population. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Group:1-11, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Carlisle KM, King TS, Choi KY. Effectiveness of Social Media Advertising on HPV Vaccination in Adult Men. Laryngoscope. e-Pub 2023.
- Choi KY, Hao Q, Carlisle K, Hollenbeak CS, Lai SY. Cost-Effectiveness of [(99m)Tc]Tilmanocept Relative to [(99m)Tc]Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Stage Oral Cavity Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 30(12):7689-7698, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37556007.
- Schmalbach, CE, Ow, TJ, Choi, KY, O'Leary, M, Lin, A, Hughley, BB, Emerick, K, Moore, BA, Lee, N, Zandberg, DP, Wang, SJ. American Head and Neck Society position statement on the use of PD-1 inhibitors for treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Head and Neck 45(1):32-41, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36181317.
- Chan K, Keane A, Aynardi J, Choi KY. Phrenic nerve schwannoma presenting as an asymptomatic neck mass. Clinical Case Reports 10(12):e6784, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Daher, GS, Choi, KY, Wells, JW, Goyal, N. A Systematic Review of Oral Nutritional Supplement and Wound Healing. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology 131(12):1358-1368, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35043693.
- Ruszkay, N, Tucker, J, Choi, KY. Otolaryngology in the face of A pandemic. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 33(2):74-83, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35502270.
- Benyo S, Keane A, Warrick J, Choi KY. HPV-positive oral papillomas in an adolescent-A diagnostic dilemma. Clin Case Rep 9(8):e04546, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Choi KY, Amit M, Tam S, Bell D, Phan J, Garden AS, Williams MD, Ferrarotto R, El-Naggar AK, Raza SM, DeMonte F, Kupferman ME, Hanna EY, Su SY. Clinical Implication of Diagnostic and Histopathologic Discrepancies in Sinonasal Malignancies. Laryngoscope 131(5):E1468-E1475, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 32946597.
- Keane, A, Warrick, JI, Andrews, GA, Choi, KY. Pediatric dermoid cyst of the parotid. Otolaryngology Case Reports 18, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Tucker, J, Sarsfield, E, Choi, KY, Goyal, N. Educating School Nurses about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Associated Cancers and the Importance of HPV Vaccination. Journal of Community Health Nursing 38(4):201-208, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34787044.
- Keane A, Warrick J, Andrews G, Choi KY. Pediatric dermoid cyst of the parotid: case report and review of the literature. Otolaryngology Case Reports 18:1-3, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Tsay AJ, Paine AR, Lighthall JG, Choi KY, Hebel J, Flamm A. A possible pitfall of Mohs surgery in collision tumor diagnosis: A case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp overlying a metastatic breast lesion of the skull. JAAD Case Rep 6(2):119-121, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32016155.
- Amit M, Tam S, Takahashi H, Choi KY, Zafereo M, Bell D, Weber RS. Prognostic performance of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition of the TNM staging system in patients with early oral tongue cancer. Head Neck 41(5):1270-1276, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30537405.
- Bent JP, Fried MP, Smith RV, Hsueh WD, Choi KY. Leadership training in otolaryngology residency. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 156(6):1078-1079, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28349779.
- Spielman DB, Hsueh WD, Choi KY, Bent JP. From Morbidity and Mortality to Quality Improvement: Effects of a Structured and Interactive Otolaryngology Conference. OTO Open 1(1):2473974X17692775, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 30480176.
Invited Articles
- Chan K, Saltagi M, Choi KY. The Emerging Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Carcinomas. Plastic and Aesthetic Research 11(6), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Ruszkay N, Tucker J, Choi KY. Otolaryngology in the Face of Pandemics. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 33(2):74-83, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
Review Articles
- Chan, KH, Saltagi, M, Choi, KY. The emerging role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Plastic and Aesthetic Research(11), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Dao JS, Kulkani P, King TS, Yingst J, Choi KY. Characterizing Tobacco Usage in Otolaryngology Patients to Target Smoking Cessation Efforts. Tobacco Use Insights 17, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Yingst, JM, Carrillo, M, Chan, KH, Choi, KY, Dao, J, Kulkarni, P, Bordner, C, Goyal, N, Foulds, J, Bascom, R. Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions among persons with cancer. Psycho-oncology 32(8):1147-1162, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37226331.
- Yingst JM, Carrillo M, Chan KH, Choi KY, Dao J, Kulkarni P, Bordner C, Goyal N, Foulds J, Bascom R. Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions among persons with cancer: A systematic review 32(8):1147-1162, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37226331.
- Choi, KY, Schmalbach, CE. Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancers in the High-Risk Immunosuppressed Population. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America 54(2):397-413, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33602516.
- Hennessy M, Bann DV, Patel VA, Saadi R, Krempl GA, Deschler DG, Goyal N, Choi KY. Commentary on the management of total laryngectomy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Head Neck 42(6):1137-1143, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32298016.
- Choi KY, Yang CJ. A case report of cavernous sinus thrombosis after trauma. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 95:101-103, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28576515.
- Choi KY, Gupta N, Bent JP, John P. Bent III. A Case Report and Treatment Recommendations for Bilateral Piriform Sinus Fistulae. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 13:44-46, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
Other Articles
- Dao J, Choi KY Virtual Otolaryngology Journal Club in Undergraduate Medical Education Curriculum: A Pilot Study. Intl J of Surgical Education, 2023.
- Tucker J, Sarsfield E, Choi KY, Goyal N Educating School Nurses about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Associated Cancers and the Importance of HPV Vaccination. Journal of Community Health Nursing 38:201-208, 2021.
- Kulkarni P, Tucker J, Lighthall JG, Choi KY Facing Image Disturbances Head-on in Cancer Patients:18-19, 2021.
- Sarsfield E, Montano M, Choi KY, Goyal N Laryngectomy Care in the COVID-19 Era. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 146(8):776, 2020. PMID: 32584389.
- Montano M, Kelly E, Choi KY Development of a Formal Dysphagia Program for Head and Neck Cancer Patients:5-6, 2020.
- Hu A, Choi KY Placement and affixation of a salivary bypass tube utilizing flexible endoscopy: a novel use of a through-the-scope helical suturing system. SAGES 2022 Annual Meeting.
Editorials
- Choi, KY. Introduction. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 33(2):73, 2022.
Abstracts
- Chopra D, Sunil V, Terrell JA, Warneke CL, Delvalle-Garza M, Huang Y, Jones GH, Valentine AD, Choi KY. Does timing of psychiatry consultation matter in hospitalized head neck surgical oncology patients? A pre-post quality initiative at a comprehensive cancer center. ASCO Quality Care Symposium.
- Choi KY, Hunter J, Stupak H. Presentation and Management of Complex Pan-Facial Fractures Status-post Vehicular Trauma. Craniofacial Surgical Institute Conference, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
- Choi KY, Gupta N, Bent JP. A Case Report and Treatment Recommendations for Bilateral Piriform Sinus Fistulae. American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
- Choi KY, Bell D, Hutcheson KA, Garland E, Holsinger FC, OW TJ. Resection of a Supraglottic Schwannoma via Transoral Laser Microsurgery. Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Choi KY, Tassler AB. Salvage Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy. 28th Annual Max Som Resident Case Presentation Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
- Choi KY, Gibber MJ. Epistaxis: Risk Stratification and Correlation of INR for Directing Patient-Centered Management. Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Choi KY, McMullen CP, Smith RV. Salvage Transoral Robotic Surgery: Outcomes and Feasibility. Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Choi KY, McMullen CP, Smith RV. Salvage Transoral Robotic Surgery: Outcomes and Feasibility. Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting.
- Choi KY, Gibber MJ. Epistaxis: Risk Stratification and Correlation of INR for Directing Patient-Centered Management. Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
- Choi KY, Yang CJ. A Case Report of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis after Trauma. American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
- Amit M, Tam S, Choi KY, Beadle BM, Weber RS, Hessel AC. Defining the Ideal Cancer Surveillance for Non-surgically Treated Mucosal Malignancy Patients: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Continuity of Care Multidisciplinary Pathway. American Head and Neck Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
- Choi KY, Amit M, Tam S, Bell D, Phan J, Ferrarroto R, Harrison K, Frank S, Raza S, DeMonte F, Kupferman M, Hanna E, Su SY. Clinical Implication of Diagnostic and Histopathologic Discrepancies in Sinonasal Malignancies. North American Skull Base Society Annual Meeting.
- Keane A, Morocco A, Chan K, Goyal N, Choi KY. Postoperative Urinary Complications in Head and Neck Reconstructive Procedures. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Virtual Meeting.
- Daher GS, Choi KY, Wells JW, Goyal N. A Systematic Review of Oral Nutritional Supplement and Wound Healing. AHNS 10th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer, Virtual.
- Chan K, Keane A, Choi KY. Development of a Dysphagia Pathway Program for Swallowing Dysfunction in a Rural Patient Population with Head and Neck Cancer. AHNS 10th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer, Virtual.
- Patel S, Choi KY. Does Treatment Location Matter? Elucidating Survival and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Primary Head and Neck Malignancies Treated in Academic vs. Community Settings. AHNS 10th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer, Virtual.
- Carlisle KM, Choi KY. Effectiveness of Social Media Advertising on HPV Vaccination in Adult Men. Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
- Townes T, Gross N, Goepfert R, Choi KY, Hessel A, Barbon C, Hutcheson K, Sikora A, Lango M. Improved Primary Site Identification with Implementation of a Standardized Algorithm for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary. American Head and Neck Society Meeting at COSM.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified August 25, 2026