Meet Uttam K. Sinha, MD 

Dr. Sinha is a head and neck surgeon and director of the USC Head and Neck Center at Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in treating patients with benign and malignant tumors.

He also offers plastic and reconstructive procedures to help restore speech and swallowing following cancer surgeries. In addition, Dr. Sinha is a professor and Watt Family Endowed Chair for Head and Neck Cancer research at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.  

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. 

He achieved his dream job. 

“When I was growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a surgeon.” 

He’s an exercise and movie buff. 

“When I’m not working, I usually spend my time reading, writing and watching movies. The ‘Mission Impossible’ movies are my favorite. I also enjoy hiking and playing tennis.”  

Travel tops his bucket list. 

“I’d like to do more international travel. Visiting Antarctica, hiking in the Himalayas and going on an African safari are all on my bucket list. “ 

Ever heard of Schrödinger’s cat? 

“If I could trade careers with anyone, it would be the Nobel Prize–winning scientist Erwin Schrödinger because I love quantum physics. You’ve probably heard of his famous thought experiment involving a hypothetical cat inside a box.” 

His holistic approach extends to all areas of life. 

“I believe in a holistic approach to medicine and life in general. I pay equal attention to physical, mental, social and spiritual health. The best advice I ever received was about unifying body and soul with the universe.” 

He looks up to his mother. 

“My mother has always been my most influential role model.” 

He loves the opportunity to collaborate. 

“I chose to work at an academic medical center because I love the opportunity to collaborate with students, residents, postdocs and expert faculty members from across various specialties. I can always learn something from each of them. 

I also appreciate the focus on integrative oncology and the commitment to using evidence-based practices to treat the whole person.” 

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