Patient-centered care. All day. Everyday.
Kevin M. Higgins, MD, is an academic surgeon and full professor at the University of Toronto, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is a Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist & Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and is an affiliate scientist for evaluative clinical sciences with the Odette Cancer Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute. Dr. Higgins also serves in the capacity of associate staff otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and a courtesy staff otolaryngologist at Toronto hospitals including Michael Garron Hospital and North York General Hospital.
He is a member of the Odette Cancer Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Canadian Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Vice President of the Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology.
Born and raised in Toronto, Dr. Higgins completed his Bachelor of Sciences at Queen’s University and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Toronto. Dr. Higgins continued his education with postgraduate training and surgical training at the University of Toronto, NHS England-South West, McMaster University, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Higgins greatest love is cheering and supporting his 3 teenaged boys. When not car-pooling or watching rink-side, he can be found competing in Marathons, Ironmans, and Road Cycling competitions around the world.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION INTERESTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
Dr. Higgins has authored numerous studies in both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed journals, scientific abstracts, book chapters, and reviews. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Higgins frequently gives presentations, special lectures, and media appearances on topics in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. His primary focus of research is Head and Neck Oncology in which he teaches and mentors medical students, postgraduate clinical trainees and clinical fellows. Dr. Higgins serves as a reviewer for major journals and has contributed to the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Thyroid, Melanoma, and Head and Neck Cancer with Cancer Care Ontario.
INTERNATIONAL WORK
Kenya
-
Helping provide global humanitarian outreach with a strong emphasis on endocrine surgery with endemic goitre.
Ukraine & Poland
-
Providing quaternary microsurgical care to civilian and military casualties as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Awards and Distinctions
2024: Teacher of the Year Award, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
2015: Honour Award, Canadian Society of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Canada. (Distinction) In recognition of his contribution to the Society.
2013: A Sunnybrook Moment of Service Excellence, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. (Distinction, Specialty: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery) Given by the Office of the Patient Experience to recognize outstanding service and dedication to patients.
2010 - present: Member, The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society (the “Trio”). (Research Award, Specialty: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery). Thesis Accepted.
2003 - 2004: Nominated Teacher of the Year, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Distinction)
2001 - 2002: Chief Surgical Resident. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Distinction)
Residency and Fellowships
Diplomate
American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Licentiate
Medical Council of Canada
Fellow
The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Education/Training
Master of Sciences
McMaster University
Health Research Methodology
Hamilton, ON
Doctor of Medicine
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine
Toronto, ON
Bachelor of Sciences
Queen's University
Life Sciences
Kingston, ON
