Maimonides Health recently welcomed Samer Abou-Rizk, MD to our Department of Surgery. Dr. Abou-Rizk is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon specializing in head and neck surgical oncology and skull base surgery. He provides surgical care for all types of head and neck cancers, thyroid/parathyroid tumors and other nose and sinus conditions. 

Bridging Specialties with Dual Fellowships

Dr. Abou-Rizk is an ENT surgeon who has deep expertise in both rhinology-skull base surgery and head and neck surgical oncology, having honed his skills through multiple fellowships at nationally regarded institutions. The combination of specializations marks his educational journey — he is among the few otolaryngologists in the country to have pursued this unique dual advanced fellowship training.

After completing his residency, Dr. Abou-Rizk pursued his first fellowship in advanced rhinology and endoscopic skull base procedures at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. He then completed his second fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This unique background equipped him with the latest, comprehensive, cutting-edge techniques in cancer surgery.

With Dr. Abou-Rizk’s advanced surgical training, he has expertise in a wide range of surgical techniques, from traditional open surgery methods to minimally invasive approaches. Notably, he has specialized training in endoscopic sinus and endoscopic skull base surgeries as well as transoral robotic surgery. This diverse expertise places him at the forefront of surgical innovation, offering patients top treatment options here at Maimonides.

Research to Advance Care and Outcomes

Dr. Abou-Rizk actively participates in research projects, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in his field. His dedication to research is evident through his numerous publications in respected journals. He fosters a collaborative environment — engaging with colleagues around the world in professional organizations. This involvement ensures that Dr. Abou-Rizk is continually exposed to the latest techniques, innovations, and treatment options, directly benefiting patient care.

“We’re constantly trying to improve our outcomes and offer our patients the best care possible,” Dr. Abou-Rizk says. “I believe this is how we advance medical care – through research and publication.”

Expanding Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Maimonides is proud to be one of the area’s major robotic surgery centers, and one of the reasons Dr. Abou-Rizk joined Maimonides is to spearhead the development of the transoral robotic surgery program.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a recent, minimally invasive technique that uses robotics to access and remove certain cancers in the mouth and throat, while preserving essential functions such as speech, swallowing, and other important quality-of-life abilities. It helps the surgeon use precise movements during surgery in the mouth, allows for quicker recovery and fewer complications, including shorter hospitalization, less scarring, and decreased risks of infection, among many other benefits.

Additionally, his surgical expertise includes:

• Comprehensive treatment for all types of head and neck cancer
• Management of sinus diseases, including inflammatory and neoplastic conditions
• Surgical intervention for thyroid and parathyroid cancers and tumors

Dr. Abou-Rizk is deeply committed to providing each of his patients with individualized treatment. He takes the time to get to know each one and their complete health situation so he can fully tailor their treatment plan. This patient-centric approach demonstrates his commitment to delivering advanced surgical solutions and compassionate, individualized care.

Enhancing Patient Care through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Dr. Abou-Rizk values the multidisciplinary, collaborative team approach that distinguishes the Maimonides team. He appreciates how collective expertise is prioritized over individual wins.

“There’s a very collegial spirit at Maimonides,” explains Dr. Abou-Rizk. “We are here to serve our community the best we can by offering top-tier care.”

For example, he collaborates with other head and neck surgeons, and they engage in comprehensive, multidisciplinary case discussions. This fosters a team-oriented approach. Each patient receives a holistic treatment plan involving a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and other head and neck specialists. Depending on patient needs, two surgeons may work together to perform a single surgery.

Most patients are referred to Dr. Abou-Rizk by their medical oncologist, endocrinologist, or primary care doctor. To learn more about our surgical offerings, visit our website. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 718-283-6260.