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Tammara Lynn Watts

Associate Professor in Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Head & Neck Surgical Oncology

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences · 2023 - Present Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2019 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published October 25, 2022
A New Generation of Tools To Fight Cancer

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Recent Publications


Comparison of ENLYT®, a Portable Flexible Nasopharyngoscope, with the Standard of Care Nasopharyngoscope.

Journal Article Surg Innov · December 2025 ObjectivesThis study seeks to compare a newly developed portable flexible nasopharyngoscope (ENLYT®) to the standard of care (SOC) flexible nasopharyngoscope.MethodsSubjects were consented to undergo a nasopharyngeal scope exam using ENLYT® after SOC nasop ... Full text Link to item Cite

Genetic and Molecular Differences in Head and Neck Cancer Based on Smoking History.

Journal Article JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · April 1, 2025 IMPORTANCE: Up to 80% of survivors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) currently or previously smoked. Thus, tobacco use is a major modifiable risk factor for HNSCC, even in the era of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease. However, ho ... Full text Link to item Cite

Patient-Reported Distress in Individuals With Head and Neck Cancer.

Journal Article JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · February 1, 2025 IMPORTANCE: Distress is common among patients with cancer, and evidence of disparities associated with distress has been mixed. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most emotionally distressing cancers and is also a highly disparate disease. However, i ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Computational tumor phenotyping to interrogate treatment resistance and immune dysregulation in head and neck cancer

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2029

Disparate Survival, Disparate Workforce: An Integrated Approach to Improving Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes and Diversity in the Oncology Workforce

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research · 2024 - 2029

Otolaryngology Surgeon- Scientist career Path (OSSP) program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Maryland, Baltimore · 2005 Ph.D.
University of Maryland, Baltimore · 2004 M.D.
University of Virginia · 1995 B.A.