John Truelson

John Truelson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has held roles including Residency Program Director and Director of the Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at John Peter Smith Hospital. His career spans academic, clinical, and administrative leadership in head and neck surgery, oncology, and surgical education.

Education:

• Bachelor of Sciences in Zoology with High Honors, University of Texas, Austin (1978)
• Phi Beta Kappa distinction (1978)

Research Interests: Focuses on clinical advancements in head and neck oncology, including early cancer detection (e.g., Tolonium Chloride rinses) and novel therapies for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma. His work integrates surgical innovation with translational research, emphasizing patient outcomes and treatment efficacy.

Professional Contributions:

• Peer reviewer for Head & Neck and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Leadership roles in Dallas Academy of Otolaryngology (Treasurer, President)
• Active in institutional committees (e.g., Blood Utilization Committee, Surgical Performance Improvement Committee)

Grants & Research: Served as Principal Investigator for studies evaluating Cisplatin/Epinephrine Gel and Ad5CMV-p53 therapies for head/neck cancers (1997–2000) and ongoing trials with Tolonium Chloride rinses.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Simmons Cancer Center at UTSW and contributes to multidisciplinary cancer committees at Parkland Memorial Hospital and Zale-Lipshy University Hospital.