Biography

Kevin P. Higgins, MD, is an Otolaryngologist at Cleveland Clinic Canada. Dr. Higgins specializes in examining, diagnosing and treating diseases of the head and neck, especially those involving the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). In addition to his role at the Clinic, Dr. Higgins is an affiliate scientist for evaluative clinical sciences with the Odette Cancer Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute. Dr. Higgins is also a head and neck surgical oncologist/microvascular reconstructive surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Higgins is an associate staff otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and courtesy staff otolaryngologist at several other Toronto hospitals including Toronto East General Hospital and North York General Hospital. Dr. Higgins’ academic vocations include associate professorship at the University of Toronto, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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, including at the University of Toronto where he served as Chief Resident, ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, and at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Dr. Higgins is a principal author or co-author of numerous studies published in both peer and non-peer reviewed journals, scientific abstracts, book chapters and book reviews. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Higgins gives regular presentations, special lectures and media appearances related to otolaryngology.

Dr. Higgins continues to conduct research that is focused on head and neck oncology. Dr. Higgins also mentors postgraduate clinical trainees and supervises their research. Dr. Higgins is on the editorial board for the International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and his contributions to the Cancer Care Ontario program helped develop clinical practice guidelines for Melanoma and Head and Neck Cancer.

Dr. Higgins is a member of several associations including 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.

He has finished four Boston Marathons and two Ironmans and is active in masters road racing for the Morning Glory Cycling M1 team.

Education/Training

Doctor of Medicine
University of Toronto
Faculty of Medicine
Toronto, ON
Master of Sciences
McMaster University
Health Research Methodology
Hamilton, ON
Bachelor of Sciences
Queen's University
Life Sciences
Kingston, ON

Residency and Fellowships

Fellow
The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society
Fellow
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Diplomate
American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
Fellow
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Licentiate
Medical Council of Canada

Specialty Interests

  • Ear, nose and throat diseases

Awards & Honours

  • Chief Surgical Resident, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
  • Research Award, The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society
  • Achievement Award, Boehringer-Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
  • Percy Ireland Day Award, University of Toronto
  • Teacher of the Year Award (nominated), University of Toronto
  • IFOS Scholarship, International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies
  • Dr. Chester William Ferrier Scholarship in Surgery, University of Toronto
  • C.S. Wainwright Scholarship, University of Toronto
  • Dean’s List, Queen’s University
  • James H. Rattray Memorial Scholarship in Science, Queen’s University

Professional Memberships

  • Odette Cancer Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute 
  • American Head and Neck Society Scientific Review Committee
  • American Head and Neck Society
  • The AO Foundation (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation)
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
  • Canadian Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Canadian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
  • Canadian Medical Association
  • Ontario Medical Association