Alessandro de Alarcon, MD, MPH

I am a pediatric otolaryngologist and surgeon-scientist focused on improving care and long-term outcomes for children with complex airway and voice conditions. In both my clinical and research work, I strive to integrate evidence-based care pathways, current research and innovation with a deep understanding of what matters most to each child and family. When there is no single “best practice” answer, I value shared decision-making and believe the best care happens when we listen closely and partner with families to determine the right path forward. Caring for children and seeing how our work can change the trajectory of their lives is what continues to drive me every day.

My path into pediatrics was shaped by early exposure to physicians who exemplified both compassion and scientific curiosity. Growing up with a father who was a pediatric hematologist–oncologist showed me the profound impact medicine can have on children and families facing difficult diagnoses. Later, working in the research lab of a pediatric allergist after college introduced me to translational research and helped me see how discoveries at the bench could directly inform patient care. Those experiences made it clear that I wanted a career that blended clinical medicine, research and a focus on children.

My research is centered on improving surgical care and outcomes for children with airway and voice disorders, with particular attention to how early interventions affect voice and quality of life later on. Together with collaborators across disciplines, our work has progressed from defining clinical problems to developing new tools, procedures and treatments to improve voices and airway function. This team-based, collaborative approach has also guided my research in areas such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and pediatric skull base tumors. I strongly believe solving complex pediatric diseases requires a “village,” and that diverse expertise working together is not just additive, but multiplicative.

I am proud of the NIH funding our team has secured to support voice and papillomatosis research. These efforts reflect years of persistence, collaboration and data-building, and underscore how focused research in seemingly small clinical areas can have a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and fly fishing. Being outdoors helps me reconnect, regain perspective and return to my work with renewed focus and purpose.