Joni Kristin Doherty

Joni Kristin Doherty, MD, PhD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Division Chief of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. She specializes in chronic ear disease, cochlear implantation, vestibular disorders, and skull base tumors like acoustic neuromas. Her NIH-funded research focuses on the genetics and biology of inner ear disorders, particularly vestibular schwannoma. Dr. Doherty completed her residency at USC and held positions at UCSD and the House Research Institute before joining USC faculty.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with Honors from UCLA
• MD and PhD in Cell Biology from Oregon Health & Sciences University
• Otolaryngology residency at USC
• Neurotology fellowship at the House Clinic

Research Interests: Cutting-edge studies on vestibular schwannoma biology, genetic factors in inner ear disorders, and clinical advancements in otology/neurotology. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters.

Key Contributions:

• NIH Career Development Award for acoustic neuroma research
• Member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology
• Temporal Bone Expert Committee member at NIDCD
• Pioneering work on hearing protection and skull base tumor imaging biomarkers

Grants & Awards: NIH-funded research grants, including a training grant for vestibular schwannoma studies, and the prestigious FACS designation.

Clinical Focus: Combines surgical expertise with compassionate care, emphasizing robotic-assisted cochlear implantation and management of complex otologic conditions.

Labs & Affiliations: Collaborates with the House Research Institute and leads USC’s neurotology division, integrating clinical practice with translational research.