Eric Dowling, MD
Eric Dowling MD
Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Surgery
As an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, Eric M. Dowling, MD, specializes in head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction.
Born in Fargo, N.D., and raised in Moorhead, Minn., Dr. Dowling started out in college studying mechanical engineering. But he felt unfulfilled by the field’s “purely mathematical, structural, and physical endpoints.” After a few positive mentoring and clinical experiences with doctors in his hometown, Dr. Dowling realized medicine was the right career path for him.
“The field of medicine has allowed me to use the skills I’ve gained to heal and provide hope to patients,” Dr. Dowling says.
After earning an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth, Dr. Dowling graduated from medical school at the University of North Dakota. He completed his residency in otolaryngology head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Next, he moved to New York City for a fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction with Mark Urken, MD, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel.
“Head and neck surgery can have a tremendous impact on a patient’s wellbeing,” Dr. Dowling says. “I like to emphasize caring for the patient as a whole, rather than simply treating a disease. Doing so often requires collaboration of efforts from a multidisciplinary team of experts.”
Outside of work, Dr. Dowling enjoys tinkering on cars, playing disc golf, and camping with his wife and dog.