James Burns

James Burns USA

Dr. James Burns is a laryngeal surgeon at MGH’s Voice Center. He specializes in treatment of laryngeal diseases with emphasis on medical and surgical management of patients with voice and swallowing disorders. Dr. Burns helped pioneer the introduction of fiber-based office laser surgery for vocal fold dysplasia and papilloma. He teaches Harvard Medical School students and co-directs the laryngeal surgery fellowship program at MGH. He also lectures extensively at several Boston music conservatories.

Dr. Burns’ research interests include laser laryngeal surgery, vocal fold paralysis, and high-speed vocal fold imaging. He is interested in developing high-fidelity simulation models to teach office-based laryngeal surgery. His numerous clinical and research works have been featured in national peer-reviewed journals, and he has been a guest speaker internationally including prestigious meetings in Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, and Cairo.

Dr. Burns is President of the American Bronchoesophagological Association and an active Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Burns received the Broyles-Maloney award from the ABEA in 2014 for presentation of treatment results after KTP laser ablation of early vocal fold carcinoma.

Dr. Burns completed residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. His Fellowship in Laryngeal Surgery was completed at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Burns served on active duty with the United States Air Force from 1996-2000. During that time he served as medical director of the Otolaryngology service at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.