Ralph Metson, MD

Otolaryngologist, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Professor, Harvard Medical School

Biography:

Ralph Metson specializes in the treatment of patients with disorders of the nose and sinuses. He is a clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and a third generation otolaryngologist practicing at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. He is the author of the popular consumer health book, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healing Your Sinuses (McGraw-Hill/Harvard Health Publications, 2005).

Dr. Metson is a member of the Harvard Medical School research team that recently discovered key genes that appear to serve as a trigger for sinusitis. The 5 genes form a unique “genetic signature” for sinusitis, enabling doctors to identify those who have a genetic predisposition for the disease. These findings are expected to help physicians to better diagnose and treat patients with this disease in the future.

Dr. Metson’s other research endeavors include the development of minimally invasive techniques for sinus surgery, the advancement of computer navigational systems for sinus surgery, and the measurement of the effects of sinusitis on quality of life through clinical outcomes studies.

Dr. Metson has been quoted in the Boston Globe, New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and he has appeared on “Good Morning America.”