C. Alessandra Colaianni, MD, MPhil

I am an otolaryngologist with fellowship training in surgical oncology of the head and neck and microvascular reconstruction. I also hold an M.Phil degree in History and Philosophy of Science. Broadly, I am in interested in the use of narrative, storytelling, and reflective writing to understand the impact of head and neck cancer on patients, families, trainees, and providers. I am also interested in issues of identity and autonomy in head and neck cancer patients, and how these play into concerns about high-morbidity cancer operations, informed consent in complex or experimental treatment plans, and information sharing among oncology team members. I draw from multiple disciplines — philosophy, sociology, creative writing and narrative medicine — in formulating these research questions.