About Dr. Kern

In the early 1970s at Mayo Clinic, listening to patients learning the enduring lessons of Rhinology.

In traditional Mayo surgical scrubs. Senior surgeions often wore their surgical mask on their forehead between operations.

Eugene B. Kern, MD, MS is Professor Emeritus of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at Mayo Clinic and Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. During more than five decades in academic medicine he has authored over 200 scientific publications and six textbooks, performed more than 10,000 major surgical procedures, including over 1,000 trans-nasal pituitary operations in cooperation with neurosurgeon Edward R. Laws, Jr., MD. The best surgery begins with understanding normal function.

Dr. Kern devoted his career to understanding the physiology and surgery of the human nose believing that the best surgery begins with understanding normal function. His work has increasingly focused on the relationship between nasal anatomy, sensory physiology, and the conscious perception of breathing. He served as President of both the American Rhinologic Society and the International Rhinologic Society and directed the Mayo Clinic Rhinology Laboratory, where, over the years, 31 physician-scientists from around the world advanced modern concepts of nasal physiology and surgery.

Science advances one observation at a time. If these pages encourage a physician to think differently, a student to ask a better question, or a patient to understand what they are experiencing, then they have fulfilled their purpose.

Professional Timeline

Temple University School of Medicine, graduated 1963
Mayo Clinic Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) residency, graduated 1968
Air Force service, Viet Nam era, 1968-1970
Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota faculty 1970-2003
Full Professor, ENT Surgery Mayo Clinic 1981
American Rhinologic Society, Past-President 1981-82
Teacher Hall of Fame, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education (1991)
Endicott Professorship in Medicine Mayo Clinic 1995
International Rhinologic Society, Past-President 1996-2000
Temple University School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award 2008
Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumnus Award 2010
State (SUNY)University of New York, at Buffalo 2006-present
Vice President; Director, Gromo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Buffalo, NY 2006–present

The Mayo Clinic Rhinology Laboratory (1970–1999)

Dr. Kern directed the Mayo Clinic Rhinology Laboratory for nearly three decades. Thirty-one physician-scientists trained in the laboratory, producing award-winning investigations that advanced understanding of nasal physiology, muco-ciliary function, airflow regulation, reconstructive surgery, and objective assessment of nasal function. Many trainees later became international leaders in rhinology, extending the laboratory’s influence throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

The laboratory emphasized careful physiological investigation linked directly to clinical practice, a philosophy that continues to guide Dr. Kern’s work and teaching today.