Paul G. van der Sloot, M.D.

Cancer has a direct physical impact on patients, but also tests patient values, families and support structures. When deciding on a treatment course, I offer patients their best chance for cure with the understanding that all of these factors need to be considered before treatment can take place.

Head and neck anatomy is complex and has a bearing on a number of vital functions including breathing, swallowing and communicating. I embrace the challenge of helping patients deal with cancers that impact these functions and, in many cases, I am able through reconstructive surgery to restore those functions that impact quality of life long after therapy is completed. I have particular interest in cancers of the voice box and thyroid.

I am always honest and straightforward with my patients. I will take the time to answer questions and encourage patients to communicate their concerns and questions. If I can't answer their questions, I will tell them and, if possible, I will search for an answer. My patients will always get my best.

Conditions I Treat:

- Upper aerodigestive tract cancers, including cancer of the mouth, nose, throat and voice box
- Thyroid gland cancers
- Salivary gland cancers
- Malignant tumors of the skull base
- Advanced skin cancers

Professional Background

Dr. van der Sloot's association with the University of Rochester comes full circle with his return in 2009. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and worked for several years as a professional violinist before returning to school and completing his medical degree and otolaryngology residency at the University of Alberta. He followed with a fellowship at Vanderbilt University in head and neck surgical oncology, microvascular reconstruction and cranial base surgery. For the six years prior to his joining the URMC faculty, Dr. van der Sloot was an assistant professor at West Virginia University.


An Associate Professor, Dr. van der Sloot specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients, and also sees patients with general ear, nose and throat problems. His research interests include the study of immunohistochemical markers in papillary thyroid cancer; head and neck bone carriers, rapid prototyping and osseous reconstruction; and the relevance of PET-positive findings in the chest in patients with head and neck cancer.


Dr. van der Sloot is published in and reviews for a number of leading journals. He is involved at the national level with subspecialty committees and is deeply involved in resident and medical student education.


Dr. van der Sloot's Areas of Expertise Include:

• Head and Neck Cancer
• Microvascular Reconstruction of the Head and neck
• Cranial Base Surgery both Open and Endoscopic
• Transoral Laser Microsurgery
• Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
• Post-Mohs Reconstruction following treatment for Skin Cancer
• Rehabilitation for Vocal Cord Paralysis


Research interests include:

• Prognostic Molecular Markers in Thyroid Cancer
• Biofilms and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Bone Replacement Materials and 3D Modeling of Bony defects

Research