Nicole Fowler, MD

Nicole Fowler, MD, is a head and neck surgeon who specializes in treating head and neck cancers, HPV, thyroid cancer, and salivary gland masses.

“I treat every patient as I would a family member,” she says. “I strive to create a sense of comfort, knowing that many come to me during one of the most difficult times of their lives — when faced with a potentially life-altering diagnosis. My role is to guide them with compassion, provide clear education, and alleviate as much uncertainty as possible.”

Dr. Fowler was born and raised in the small town of Litchfield, CT, in a home built in the 1700s where she gained a love for history and tradition. She earned her medical degree at the University of Connecticut, where she was honored by her peers with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award for her empathy and compassion. She completed her otolaryngology residency at the Cleveland Clinic.

During her residency, her mother received a cancer diagnosis that deeply shaped her career path, inspiring her to dedicate her career to treating patients with head and neck cancer. She then completed a fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology and reconstruction at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Fowler previously practiced at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, where she was honored with the Teacher of the Year award by the ENT residents.  She was the program director of the Head & Neck Fellowship and the director of quality for the ENT Department. At UVA Health, Dr. Fowler is the division director of Head & Neck Surgery as well as the quality officer for ENT.

Outside of work, she and her husband recently relocated to Virginia with their three sons and 2 dogs. Together, they enjoy riddles, puzzles, and family game nights, but especially love spending time outdoors hiking and exploring. Some of their favorite travel adventures have included night kayaking in a bioluminescent bay at St. Croix, horseback riding in Colorado, a helicopter ride over an Alaskan glacier, and camping in Yosemite. They are excited to discover all that Virginia has to offer and to become part of the community.

Organizational Involvement/Memberships

• American Academy of Otolaryngology
• American College of Surgeons, fellow
• American Head & Neck Society
• American Medical Association
• Association of Women Surgeons

Gender

Female

Languages

English

Age Groups Seen

Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)

Primary Education

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Residency

Cleveland Clinic

Fellowships

University of Washington Medical Center

Certification

American Board of Otolaryngology (Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck)

Additional Specialties

Otolaryngology