Brian Cervenka, MD
Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Clinical Interests
Treatment or oral cavity, pharyngeal and larynx cancers Complex reconstructions in the head and neck requiring local and free flap reconstruction Treatment of nasal cavity and skull base cancers Treatment of thyroid cancer Airway reconstruction

Care Philosophy
I chose to specialize in head and neck oncology and microvascular surgery because of the opportunity to develop strong relationships with patients and families as they navigate through the treatment process. Being able to follow an individual closely for five years or more is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career and is what drew me to this field. In addition, I strive to utilize techniques to minimize patient side effects from cancer treatment. By using minimally invasive techniques such as robotic surgery, patients can be spared from major surgeries with greater recovery time and postoperative functional deficits. These surgeries can allow our medical and radiation colleagues to limit the need for radiation and chemotherapy. Our microvascular reconstructions allow patients to achieve highly functional outcomes not possible without free tissue transfer. I also strongly believe in a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care. At the University of Colorado Cancer Center, there is a wonderful group of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, speech therapists and navigators that work together to ensure every patient has a comprehensive cancer care experience.

Personal Interests
I enjoy distance running, skiing, and generally being outdoors. Most importantly, spending time and watching my two children grow up.

Volunteer Activities
Most of my volunteer time has been spent in Mbarara, Uganda. My wife and I spent 9 months in Uganda in 2009 assisting with the opening of the Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital. I have since returned multiple times to Kampala, Uganda working with the Uganda Cancer Institute performing head and neck oncology and microvascular surgery with an emphasis on resident education. We work with residents from Uganda, Kenya, Congo and Malawi. I have also spent time working with the Kijabe residency in Kenya performing mandibular reconstruction for patients with ameloblastoma.