Erin K. O'Brien

Dr. Erin K. O'Brien is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic, where she serves as the Division Chair of Rhinology in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. She also holds a joint appointment as Consultant in the Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. O'Brien is a fellowship-trained rhinologist with expertise in complex endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Her educational background includes:

• MD from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2000)
• Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at University of Iowa (2007)
• Fellowship in Rhinology and Chemosensory at University of Nebraska Medical Center (2008)
• BA in Biology, Magna cum laude from DePauw University (1996)

Dr. O'Brien's research focuses on chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). She employs mass cytometry of sinus tissue and polyps to identify inflammatory markers and develop more targeted treatments. Her work also examines chronic rhinosinusitis in systemic diseases such as vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) disease. She collaborates extensively with colleagues in allergy, pulmonary medicine, and rheumatology to provide multidisciplinary care for patients with complex sinus conditions.

Dr. O'Brien has received numerous honors and awards including:

• 2024 Honors Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
• 2024 Teacher of the Year at Mayo Clinic
• NIH Loan Repayment Program award (2010)
• Multiple academic honors during her training including the Kenneth H. Hinderer, M.D., Memorial Award

As an educator, Dr. O'Brien provides mentorship to medical students and residents. She serves as an Oral Examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology and has held leadership positions in professional organizations including the American Rhinologic Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. She is a founding member of the Women in Rhinology Section of the American Rhinologic Society and has served as President of the Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology.