Dr. Dana Thompson

Biography

Dana M. Thompson is a leading figure in pediatric otolaryngology, serving as Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and a Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate medical education in a six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and later earned a Master's degree in clinical outcomes research from Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and an MBA from National Louis University. With over 22 years of experience in the field, Dr. Thompson has significant expertise in airway surgery and aerodigestive medicine, and has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic. She has contributed extensively to the academic community, publishing 86 scientific articles, authoring 20 book chapters, and delivering over 300 presentations on topics ranging from clinical research to healthcare bias. Dr. Thompson has been recognized as a trailblazer in her field, being the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of Professor in Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery in the United States. She has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Mosher Award from the Triological Society, and has played key roles in pediatric laryngology and healthcare advocacy.

Research Interests