Patrick Gullane

Patrick J. Gullane is a Canadian academic and surgeon specializing in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. He is a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and a Professor of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Early life Gullane was born in Ireland and received his medical degree from National University of Ireland, Galway, in 1970. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. In 1975, he was selected as the McLaughlin Fellow and then pursued advanced Fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncology in Pittsburgh and New York. While there, he focused on integrating multidisciplinary cancer care into surgical practice and initiated several clinical training programs for residents. In 1983, he was recruited to the University of Toronto, where he expanded the head and neck oncology program and contributed to developing fellowship opportunities for international surgeons.

In 1989, he was appointed Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at the University Health Network, which includes the Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Toronto Western Hospital. In 2002, he became Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Toronto, serving two terms until June 2012.

Research and publications Gullane’s research focuses on head and neck oncology, including oral cavity, salivary gland, and skull base cancers, as well as microvascular reconstruction. He has published over 384 peer-reviewed articles, 98 textbook chapters, and 10 books, including Principles and Practice of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology. He serves on the editorial boards of ten journals and has trained more than 100 fellows from over 30 countries.

He has held leadership positions in professional organizations including the American Head & Neck Society, the North American Skull Base Society, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the Triological Society.

Gullane has been a strong advocate for HPV vaccination policies in Canada to prevent oropharyngeal cancers. His clinical and academic leadership has directly influenced public health policy related to cancer prevention and treatment.

Leadership positions He has held leadership positions in professional organizations including the American Head & Neck Society, the North American Skull Base Society, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the Triological Society.

Advocacy Gullane has been a strong advocate for HPV vaccination policies in Canada to prevent oropharyngeal cancers. His clinical and academic leadership has directly influenced public health policy related to cancer prevention and treatment.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences 2011 Elected Fellow University of Toronto / University Health Network 2014 Endowed chair named in his honour the Gullane/O'Neill Chair

Western University 2022 Honorary Doctorate (DSc) Princess Margaret Cancer Centre 2025 Inducted into Hall of Fame