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International expert in head and neck surgery

Kerry Olsen, M.D. (MED ’76, ENT ’81), is one of the world’s most widely acknowledged experts in head and neck oncologic surgery.

Beyond his medical prowess, colleagues are quick to praise his selfless investment in the success of others — evident in his interactions with patients, in his many influential leadership and education roles, and in his relentless advocacy for Mayo Clinic colleagues and staff. 

Dr. Olsen is an emeritus consultant and former chair of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery within the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He is also an emeritus professor of otolaryngology, and the former Joseph I. and Barbara Ashkins Professor of Surgery. 

A Mayo Clinic Distinguished Clinician and masterful surgeon, Dr. Olsen pushed the boundaries of tumor extirpation. He collaborated with colleagues to successfully pursue free tissue reconstruction for head and neck cancer, developed surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space, advanced anterior skull base surgery, and discovered multiple new insights into managing salivary cancer. He published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles during his career, research which led to dramatic changes in the current treatment of salivary gland, oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

Dr. Olsen mentored and supported countless students, residents, fellows and colleagues in their pursuit of careers in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. With high expectations and balanced feedback, he simultaneously challenged and instilled confidence in his surgical students. He is a member of the Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame at Mayo Clinic and served on the Mayo Clinic Education Committee. 

Among his many administrative leadership roles, Dr. Olsen served on the Rochester Clinical Practice Committee and for 16 years on the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees. He was elected president of Mayo Clinic staff in Rochester and chaired the Mayo Clinic Model of Care work group. 

He also chaired the Mayo Clinic Facilities Committee for 15 years and led many facility projects including the Practice Integration Projects workgroup that designed and oversaw the construction of the Gonda Building in Rochester, Minnesota. He continues to work as an executive leadership coach for Mayo Clinic. 

A champion for the wellbeing of his colleagues, he was influential in the development of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and served as its inaugural medical director for 10 years. He continues to promote wellness worldwide through his program, the 12 Habits of Highly Healthy People. His greatest source of satisfaction is his family, wonderful wife, four married children, and 12 grandchildren.

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The Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1981 by the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees to acknowledge and show appreciation for the exceptional contributions of Mayo alumni to the field of medicine, including medical practice, research, education, and administration. Individuals receiving this award are recognized nationally — and often internationally — in their fields. Read about the other 2024 recipients here.