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Steven Marc Zeitels

Steven Marc Zeitels, MD

Otolaryngology

Mass General Brigham

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adults
  • Geriatrics

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About Steven Marc Zeitels

Steven Marc Zeitels, MD, FACS, (born November 7, 1957 in New York City and grew up in New Rochelle, New York) is the Eugene B. Casey professor of Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation (Voice Center), which is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the world. He is an internationally-recognized surgeon specializing in throat, voice and larynx problems.

In 2004, the first endowed chair in Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School was created for him while he re-established a Harvard Laryngeal Surgery service at Mass General, which had not been present since the 1920s. Dr. Zeitels' contributions to voice and laryngeal surgery are highly recognized in the world. He has received more than 75 awards and honored lectureships for his achievements including the Casselberry and Newcomb Awards from the American Laryngological Association and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Boston University School of Medicine.

Zeitels is widely regarded as a prolific surgical innovator having designed numerous new voice restoration procedures (phonosurgery) and instruments, and holds a number of patents for these innovations. He is widely acknowledged for pioneering novel laser applications to treat dysplasia and cancer as well as laryngeal papillomatosis, polyps, nodules and is also well known for creating office-based laryngeal laser surgery. Most notably, his introduction of angiolytic laser treatment of vocal cord cancer was a groundbreaking achievement evolving from Judah Folkman's concepts of tumor angiogenesis and Rox Anderson's theory of selective photothermolysis.

In the Media

Dr. Zeitels has also designed unique procedures to restore the voice of those who have had vocal paresis and paralysis. His techniques were featured in a National Geographic documentary, “The Incredible Human Machine”, which highlighted Dr. Zeitels' microsurgery on Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. In addition, his novel surgical treatment of Roger Daltrey (The Who) just prior to his halftime performance in the 2010 Super Bowl was discussed extensively on CBS news. In 2012 there was broad international coverage of Dr. Zeitels' unique microsurgery to restore Adele's voice, who acknowledged his assistance in the acceptance of the first of her six Grammy Awards.

In 2013, a long-form profile of Dr. Zeitels' career and innovations were featured in the New Yorker Magazine. His work has also been featured in the Harvard Medical Alumni Journal, the Harvard Magazine and the Boston University Alumni Journal as well as has been discussed extensively in print media, radio and television both nationally and internationally including:

Good Morning America

Today Show

Wall Street Journal

NY and LA Times

London Sunday Times

Rolling Stone

USA Today

Vogue

Boston Globe & Herald

Bloomberg News

NPR

BBC

National Geographic

Nightline

Voice Restoration Research Program

Dr. Zeitels conceived and directs the Voice Restoration Research Program, which is a collaborative effort of investigators at Harvard, Mass General and MIT. The program has spent over a decade developing a biomaterial that would restore the largest majority of human voice loss. The research group received the 2010 Broyles Maloney Award of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association for its efforts.

Additional Achievements

Dr. Zeitels' single-author Atlas of Phonomicrosurgery is considered by many surgeons to be the leading textbook in microsurgery of the larynx. Dr. Zeitels has authored more than 200 scientific articles, book chapters and videos in these areas as well as presenting over 300 papers and lectures. He serves or has served on the editorial board of five national and international journals. Dr. Zeitels has also been the honored guest of many international organizations.

Visiting Professorships

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

University of California (San Diego & Irvine)

University of Pittsburgh

University of Texas (Dallas)

University of Oregon

University of Cincinnati

University of Utah

Vanderbilt University

University of Alabama

University of Connecticut

University of West Virginia

University of Minnesota

University of Navarra - Pamplona in Spain

Tel Aviv University in Israel

Aukland University in New Zealand

Kumamoto University in Japan

McGill & Dalhousie Universities in Canada

Juilliard School

Locations

  1. Massachusetts General Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Boston Medical Center (BMC), Head and Neck Oncological Surgery, 1988
  • Residency: Boston Medical Center (BMC), Head & Neck Surgery, 1987
  • Medical Education: Boston University, 1982

Board Certifications

  • Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1988

Insurance

Search plans
  • Commonwealth Care Alliance
  • Maine Community Health Options
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
  • MassHealth
  • Medicaid ME
  • Medicaid NH
  • Medicaid NY
  • Medicaid RI
  • Medicaid VT
  • Medicare
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Senior Whole Health
  • TriCare
  • Tufts Medicare Preferred
  • WellSense
  • WellSense NH

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5

91 ratings, 52 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Search reviews
  • Reviewed on 5/2/2026

    I wish all providers cared about me presonally as this provider does. When I am with him he is 100% focused on my well being.

  • Reviewed on 4/22/2026

    Very efficient

  • Reviewed on 4/20/2026

    I am very fortunate I found this provider. He has made it possible for me to retrieve something I feared was lost to me forever.

  • Reviewed on 4/20/2026

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on 4/19/2026

    I am very fortunate to have Dr Zeitels as my doctor. He is not only the best vocal cord surgeon in the world, but also kind and caring.

  • Reviewed on 4/19/2026

    Unexcelled

  • Reviewed on 3/26/2026

    Dr listened and respected my input He offered recommendation's for treatment and continuing care Highly recommend this physician I had complete confidence in his expertise

  • Reviewed on 3/22/2026

    Dr. Z is incredible.

  • Reviewed on 3/31/2026

    Dr. Zeitels and his team are absolutely phenomenal. I am treated so well - listened to and cared for in a very family-like way. It's deeply appreciated for such a scary appointment!

  • Reviewed on 3/19/2026

    We appreciated the excellent care and diagnostics we received in Dr. Zeitels office. He took the time to explain our daughter's issues and showed us photos of her vocal cords to educate us on their condition and to continue to care for her voice over time. We were very fortunate and grateful to have had this consultation with him.

  • Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Good experience where i was welcomed and well treated.

  • Reviewed on 2/7/2026

    dr. Zeitels is the most amazing doctor I have ever met

  • Reviewed on 1/18/2026

    Above and beyond expectations

  • Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Everyone is very professional, considerate

  • Reviewed on 1/11/2026

    He's good and has helped me tremendously!

  • Reviewed on 12/24/2025

    Overall the experience was excellent by everyone at Massachusetts General Hospital

  • Reviewed on 12/16/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is clearly a world-class expert in his field, which is why I came to see him.

  • Reviewed on 12/16/2025

    Amazing, kind and considerate service from everyone

  • Reviewed on 12/14/2025

    Dr. Zeitels , [redacted] and his staff were off the charts good and could not have made me feel any more important !

  • Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is amazing, he's knowledgeable, he's kind, he's professional, and I am so grateful to be his patient. Thank you so much. Sincerely, [redacted]

  • Reviewed on 11/22/2025

    Always make me feel comfortable

  • Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Amazing!

  • Reviewed on 11/19/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is a person who has risen to the highest level in the world in his area of expertise. MGH is very fortunate to have him. Despite all the accolades he has most deserved, and received over the years, he remains a down to earth healer. He continues to work on when lesser men or women would retire.

  • Reviewed on 11/12/2025

    Dr Steven Zeitels is the best Otorologist in the world! I am so thankful that Dr Zeitels practices in Boston MA! His compassion toward all patients is incredible! He treats every patient with dignity and respect! He is very humble about his excellent talents!

  • Reviewed on 11/12/2025

    [redacted] I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Steven Zeitels and his entire team for their extraordinary care. If there were a rating higher than 10, they would absolutely deserve it. From the moment you walk into the clinic, you are welcomed as if you're part of their family. The staff is exceptionally courteous and warm - a true reflection of Dr. Zeitels himself and the culture of compassion and respect he has built within his team. Dr. Zeitels takes the time to listen, explain, and treat each patient with unmatched expertise and genuine empathy. His knowledge and dedication are world-class, and his authenticity sets him apart. I travel all the way from Virginia to see him because I know I will receive not only the best diagnosis and treatment, but also kindness, respect, and sincere care every time. I have never experienced a clinic or medical team like this before. Dr. Zeitels and his staff are a model for how patient care should be delivered across Mass General - a true example of excellence in medicine. He and his team fully deserve the highest recognition the hospital can offer. Simply put: world-class doctor, world-class clinic, world-class team. Respectfully, [redacted]

  • Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    I am blessed because I have the best Doctor in his field!!

  • Reviewed on 11/7/2025

    Dr. Zeitels and his staff stand out for their exceptional professionalism, attentiveness, and deep understanding of their patients. His thorough approach, clear explanations, and evident expertise throughout every stage of care inspire confidence and trust. Under his guidance, patients can be assured they are in highly skilled and reliable hands.

  • Reviewed on 11/2/2025

    Excellent.

  • Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is the best Dr. ever. He took me from a 0 to 100 I was one lucky man to find him and would NEVER think of changing.

  • Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    Always excellent. Answers any questions and always explains the issue! Dr. Zeitels is the best!!!

  • Reviewed on 10/5/2025

    Dr Zeitels was his usual helpful self we talked about a number of things

  • Reviewed on 10/4/2025

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on 9/21/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY.

  • Reviewed on 9/18/2025

    Superb clinician with amazing technical skills and team to complement his care and procedures

  • Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see this doctor and his staff.

  • Reviewed on 9/15/2025

    Every time that I've been to the office with this provider, there's always a sense of careful listening, good questioning, and a sense of continuity to what I've experienced in the past. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 9/10/2025

    I specifically sought out care from Dr Zeitels following a recommendation and after reviewing his exceptional credentials! I was treated with respect and all aspects of the procedures performed were explained to me in detail and follow up investigative testing was scheduled. I am sincerely looking forward to further consultation regarding the results of the CT scan and I'm sure that I will receive excellent care and explanations going forward! The office staff was very cordial and accommodating, and all were very professional in their approach to me! I would highly recommend the voice center without reservations!

  • Reviewed on 8/31/2025

    The wait time at the office was rather long, but Dr. Zeitels was clearly spending thorough time with each patient - as he did with me. I respect his approach and was happy to wait. I traveled to see this doctor and I am so glad I did!

  • Reviewed on 8/24/2025

    Thank you Dr.Zeitels for the 26+ years of just trying to help a little girl get her voice back ?

  • Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Exactly as I anticipated! Superb! ?

  • Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Yes, the entire experience. And I've been seeing Dr. Zeitels in his office with his staff now for about four years. They are extremely professional. They follow up well. They're super friendly. And that's really important because, you know, people go in there dealing with a lot of concerns about cancer and other issues related to their voice. And to have them be so open, be so professional, and also friendly and courteous. It's just a wonderful experience. Also, Dr. Zeitels is just the best at what he does. Obviously, I'm very fortunate to be able to be under his care, and I'm just thrilled to death with him and his staff.

  • Reviewed on 8/18/2025

    Excellent treatment by the brilliant Dr Zeitels and his staff.

  • Reviewed on 8/16/2025

    The doctor was fantastic. Really top notch. No need for other feedback here, I emailed him a note of appreciation. But it's cool to see someone at the top of their game and an expert in the field doing what they love to do.

  • Reviewed on 8/6/2025

    Dr. Zeitels's expertise and care are extraordinary.

  • Reviewed on 8/2/2025

    I have been with this provider for the past 16 years. His manner and professionalism, along with his staff, are above and beyond always showing the utmost care.

  • Reviewed on 7/30/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is an amazing care professional. I feel privileged to be in his care.

  • Reviewed on 7/27/2025

    Dr. Zeitels is the best and his entire staff is great!

  • Reviewed on 7/16/2025

    Dr Z has been a blessing

  • Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    I very much appreciated his expertise regarding my medical condition

  • Reviewed on 7/12/2025

    The entire office and staff are extremely helpful and respectful.

  • Reviewed on 7/12/2025

    I am sure and I know that you have heard this before, but Dr. Zeitels is unique in many ways. He's the world's foremost expert in everything he does and teaches; but he's the kindest, most empathic healthcare professional I've ever encountered as a patient and as a healthcare provider myself

  • Reviewed on 6/19/2025

    He is amazing in his caring and his attention to every aspect of my care and in a comprehensive way. And it's just amazing. I feel like I'm in the greatest hands that God could have put me. Thank you.