Emily Funk

Emily Funk, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, specializing in the Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery. She is a fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic surgeon and microvascular reconstructive surgeon with expertise in advanced surgical techniques for head and neck cancers.

Her educational background includes:

• Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (2023-2024)
• Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Residency, University of California San Diego (2017-2023)
• MD, Penn State College of Medicine (2013-2017)

Dr. Funk's research focuses on innovative technologies to improve surgical safety and efficacy while reducing invasiveness. She investigates robot-assisted surgical platforms for accessing hard-to-reach areas, quality of life outcomes following head and neck cancer treatment, cancer surveillance and survivorship, immunotherapy applications, and specialized management of p16+ squamous cell carcinoma. Her work demonstrates significant contributions to telesurgery, facial reanimation techniques, and minimally invasive approaches to head and neck oncology.

Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a strong emphasis on surgical innovation, particularly in robotic and telesurgery applications. Her work spans from technical developments in surgical robotics and blood segmentation to clinical outcomes research in oropharyngeal cancer and specialized surgical techniques for parotid tumors and facial nerve management. The interdisciplinary nature of her research bridges engineering, computer science, and clinical medicine to advance head and neck surgical care.

Professional affiliations include:

• American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
• American Head and Neck Society

Her scholarly work contributes to advancements in surgical technology and cancer care, with research spanning surgical robotics, cancer outcomes, and reconstructive techniques. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available text, her publication record demonstrates active research in surgical innovation and head and neck oncology.

Dr. Funk's work intersects with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals through her contributions to advancing healthcare technologies and improving cancer treatment outcomes.