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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


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

Trends and factors associated with receipt of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in private, public, and alternative settings in the United States.

Journal Article Vaccine · September 17, 2024 BACKGROUND: One of the goals of the President's Cancer Panel was to maximize access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination through expansion of alternative settings for receiving the vaccine, such as in public health settings, schools, and pharmacies. M ... 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 Institutes of Health · 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.