
Nicholas R. Rowan, MD
Skull Base Surgery
Rhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base Surgery
Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
Otolaryngology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Nicholas R. Rowan
Professional Titles
- Clinic Director, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center – Green Spring Station
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Background
Nicholas Rowan is an endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeon who is committed to providing patients the highest quality care. He has a breadth of experience treating a range of conditions involving the nose and sinuses, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasal congestion and sinus tumors. Dr. Rowan cares for patients of different ages who have a variety of symptoms and histories, and offers initial evaluations as well as second and third opinions. He specializes in endoscopic sinus, nasal and transnasal orbital surgeries.
A large portion of Dr. Rowan’s practice involves performing surgery to treat sinus tumors, cerebral spinal fluid leaks and tumors of the base of skull and brain. He holds an appointment in the Department of Neurosurgery and works closely with the neurosurgical team to manage pituitary and other intracranial tumors that can be accessed through the sinuses. Additionally, Dr. Rowan treats patients with head and neck cancer as part of the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team.
A champion for patient care both in his clinical practice and research work, Dr. Rowan researches the sense of smell and quality of life outcomes in patients who undergo sinus or skull base surgery, with a focus on how to improve patient outcomes and experiences. Additionally, he is involved in clinical trials that study cutting-edge therapies for individuals with chronic sinus disease.
Dr. Rowan has co-authored more than 125 peer-reviewed publications, in addition to several book chapters and international guideline statements. He is regularly invited to speak about his research findings at local, national and international meetings.
Centers and Institutes
X (Twitter)
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
- A pro athlete trained with tape over her mouth. You probably shouldn’t. Washington Post (08/12/2023)
- Will Your Cold Medicine Actually Work? Real Simple (11/29/2023)
- Your Nose Knows: Loss of Smell Can Help Predict Frailty and Unhealthy Aging, MedIndia (11/18/2023)
- Can Mouthwash Protect You From Getting COVID On A Flight? Experts Weigh In. HuffPost (10/20/2023)
- Webinar by the Pituitary Tumor Association, Optimizing Patient Quality-of-Life Following Pituitary Adenoma Surgery, (2/16/2022)
- Covid Stole Your Sense of Smell? Try Physical Therapy for Your Nose. New York Times (3/26/2021)
- Avoiding the Operating Room: In-Office Treatment of Sinusitis Webinar - (4/30/2019)
- Women's Health Magazine, Will Apple Cider Vinegar Cure my Cold? (10/18/2018)
- Herald-Mail (Hagerstown), W.Va. woman reaching out to others after losing sense of smell due to COVID (11/02/2020)
Additional Academic Titles
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
Lab Website
Nicholas Rowan Lab
- Dr. Rowan is actively involved in both outcomes and translational research relating to chronic rhinosinusitis and endoscopic skull base surgery. He has a keen interest patient-reported quality of life outcomes as well as those that pertain to smell and taste. Dr. Rowan is also involved in sinus-related clinical trials, pursuing new medical therapies and technological advancements for the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Research Summary
Dr. Rowan is actively involved in both outcomes and translational research relating to chronic rhinosinusitis and endoscopic skull base surgery. He also has a keen interest and experience with the sinonasal micobiome and quality improvement initiatives in otolaryngology.
Selected Publications
Rowan NR, Soler ZM, Othieno F, Storck KA, Smith TL, Schlosser RJ. IMpact of Bitter Taste Receptior Phenotype upon Clinical Presentation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis. In press, Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.
Rowan NR, Stapleton AL, Heft-Neal ME, Gardner PA, Snyderman CH. The natural growth rate of residual juvenile angiofibroma. J Neurol Surg B. 2018 Jun:79:257-261.
Rowan NR, Turner MT, Valappil B, Fernandez-Miranda J, Wang EW, Gardner PA, Snyderman CH. Injury of the carotid artery during endoscopic endonasal surgery:surveys f skull base surgeons. J Neurol Surg B. 2018 Jun;79:302-308.
Courses & Syllabi
- Southern States Rhinology Course, Charleston, South Carolina, 1/1/18
- Instructor, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 1/1/17
Honors
- Research Award, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy Foundation, 1/1/17
- Resident Member Nomination, Alpha Omega Alpha, 1/1/16
- Best Clinical Paper by a Resident/Fellow 1st place, North American Skull Base Society, 1/1/15
Lectures & Presentations
- A Skull Base Course Participants' Experience with Endoscopic Endonasal Carotid Artery Injuries, Oral Presentation, North American Skull Base Society, New Orleans, LA, 3/3/17
- Effect of Viral Infection on Clinical Severity of Sinonasal Disease and Iron Sequestration in Cystic Fibrosis Patients, Oral presentation, Annual Meeting, American Academy of Otolaryngology, San Diego, CA, 9/16/16
- Impact of Bitter Taste Receptor Phenotype Upon Clinical Presentation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Oral Presentation, National Harbor, Maryland, 4/20/18
- Minimally Invasive Maxillary Antrostomy, Oral Presentation, Simposio Internacional de Rinologia, Porto Alegre, Brazil, 10/6/17
Memberships
- Alpha Omega Alpha
- The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
- The American Rhinologic Society
- The American Medical Association
- The Triological Society
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Professional Activities
- American Academy of Otolaryngology 2017, CORE Grant Reviewer
- American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. Editors:R Chandra, R. Sindwani and A. Peters, 2017 - present, Reviewer
- American Rhinologic Society, Resident & Fellows Committee Member
- American Rhinologic Society Annual Meeting Oct 2018, Program Committee Member
- Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. Editor:R.J.H. Smith 2016 - present, Reviewer
- International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Editor: David W. Kennedy 2017 - present, Reviewer
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2300, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2297
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 443-997-6467
Expertise
Education
Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship, Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, 2018University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2017Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Medical Education, MD, 2012Board Certifications
Otolaryngology
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2018Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
199 ratings, 79 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2025
Excellent visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/3/2025
Doctor Rowan is very knowledgeable and has pleasant personality. He helped to understand the situation and assured right treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Superstar!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
Dr Rowan is obviously at the top of his game but has a lovely way about him. Personable, good guy with a practical approach.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
My regular ent asked Dr Rowan to see me because of sinus problem. It was urgent. The office manager called and I got in within a few hours. The entire appointment was excellent. Dr Rowan went over all my CT scans and I am very confident and grotto have him on my case!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr. Rowan made me feel comfortable and sure of his ability to care for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Dr Rowan always provides excellent service. He has a great bed side manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
I feel very comfortable with him and his assistants. Gave me control of how to proceed with what we will be doing with the issue I went there for.I have total confidence in this doctor and I have never met him before. I wish more doctors could approach a patient the way he did with me. That also includes the nurse practitioner and the nurse who got things started. Thank you Johns Hopkins!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
He was the best. Knowledgeable and informative. Set up a game plan for me. I felt so much relief after out appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Dr. Rowan is always very approachable and friendly; he has genuine concern. He always has appropriate time; the visits are on time. He listens. He is always familiar with my past condition, making me think that he has studied my chart and refreshed his memory prior to each visit. He is gentle in draining my sinuses.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Exceptionally high level of care and professionalism.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
He discussed HHT at length
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
He always listens and always takes the time to Explain things.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2024
This was my first visit with Dr. Rowan. Although he had a great briefing from the resident, he also listened carefully to my answers to his questions, and physically examined the areas in question. He outlined possible remedies and gave his expert medical opinion on my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
DR. ROWAN IS EXCELLENT IN ALL ASPECTS.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
Knowledgeable,personable, and caring. Great combination!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
Extremely professional, caring and understanding. Probably the best I have been listened to in a Doctor Office next to my own family Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Dr Rowan is great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2024
Very competent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/17/2024
Very pleased.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2024
He is very knowledgeable. Understand of your problems. He always listen to your concerns of you illness. Very pleasant doctor. Always greet you with a smile and a hand shake. Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Dr. Rowan is a phenomenal ENT (Otolaryngologist). He is straightforward yet very caring, knowledgeable, personable, understanding and just gifted in his profession. I thank God that I was placed in his care when I was diagnosed with a CSF Leak 02/2024.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Great team. Reassuring, open to questions, explains clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Pleasant, compassionate, good listener, clear and concise in providing information an options. He was able to reduce any fears and apprehensions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr. Rowan is the best! He is very personable, compassionate and caring. He listens to my concerns and takes the time to address each one. He explains things to me in a way that is easy to understand and he Is very thorough. He is amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Dr. Rowan is absolutely the best. Feel incredibly fortunate to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2024
Explained treatment on my level, not medical terms I did not understand. Very good bedside manner.Love him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
Dr. Rowan used his great skill and care to prolong my life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2024
Dr Rowan answered all my questions, addressed my concerns and gave me good news about my condition. I appreciated his candor and honesty.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/5/2024
Very knowledgeable about the subject of my health concern. He listened and was candid in his assessment of what could, or would not, help me. Spent adequate time with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2024
Explained post op well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2024
Dr Rowan is and remains highly regraded. Alway on the top of his game!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
He was very clear and made me feel confident
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Excellent physician with fantastic bed side manner and very responsive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Dr. Rowan was very friendly and explained things very clearly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Dr. Rowan and his team are very knowledgable and helpful. I greatly appreciate their assistance and support!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Dr Rowan is one of the best doctors I have seen. He is professional in all sense of the word. He kind, caring, and respectful. He remembers personal issues from your last visit. He informs you each step of the exam.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Excellent Visit and everyone I spoke with more than helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
Listens to myConcerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2024
Dr. Rowan is easygoing and a great listener. He offers practical ideas for my care and does not rush to recommend surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2024
Wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2024
Dr. Rowan is very thorough, thoughtful and professional doctor. The surgeries he performed and the follow up care he provided have significantly improved my quality of life!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/1/2024
Dr, Rowan and his team were fantastic. The surgery and follow-up went perfectly, and the end result is better than I could have hoped for. After so many years of not having clear breathing through my nose, the change is incredible. I'm very grateful to Dr. Rowan and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2024
Dr Rowan performed sinus surgery on me 3/12/2024. The procedure has helped very much.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Very attentive and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
First visit thru an urgent referral. Very pleased with everything!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr. Rowan is outstanding, and has maintained his excellence over years. His skill is unequaled.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr. Rowan was very professional, friendly and very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
Excellent provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
First visit was good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
Dr Rowen was terrific. He took time to explain everything I asked and even did a show and tell of my throat. He was kind and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
VERY PERONABLE , CONCISE , CARING AND PROFESSIONALLY
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Rowan to provide the best possible care for my sinus health needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2024
Thankful to be able to see him, good doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/6/2024
Dr Rowan is always professional and friendly. He is very attentive to what I say and my concerns. He ensures I'm aware of options and involved with all decisions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2024
Doctor Rowan is a 12 out of 10! Saw his initially in January 2020, and he's great. He spends time with you, explains things in an easily understandable manner, is very personable, and cares. Would highly recommend!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2024
Dr. Rowan is a remarkable surgeon and empathetic human being as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2024
Confidant, inspired trust. Remembered (or had notes he reviewed prior to entering room) personal details about me and my wife that made the visit more comforting.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2024
I really like Dr Rowan, have a good rapports with him and trust him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2024
All went good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
Dr. Rowan is exceptionally knowledgeable and professional, yet explains his diagnosis and recommendations clearly and understandably. He is reassuring and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Dr Rowan has excellent bedside manner. He is extremely knowledgeable and competent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Dr Rowan gave all of the necessary instructions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Very professional. Concerned about my health.,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Very informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2024
Dr. Rowan is the BEST period.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
I LOVE THIS PROVIDER !!!!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr Nicholas Rowan is terrific, he is: extremely technically competent, a great listener, and a great communicator. There is no one better.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr. Rowan spent a lot of time with me to address my questions about surgery and my condition, including addressing my concerns and trauma over impact from a prior non Hopkins surgery. I felt well taken care of and confident I knew pros cons, and what to expect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/11/2024
Dr. Rowan is excellent. But having to deal with clinic administration on issues like scheduling and appointments can be problematic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2024
Dr. Rowan is very knowledgeable and an expert surgeon. He exemplifies the best of Johns Hopkins.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/4/2024
Caring, willing to take time to solve the issue
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2024
Dr. Rowan is by far one of the most personable and talented surgeons that I have had the pleasure of meeting
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/21/2024
Best in the business. Describes things well and is thoughtful and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/21/2024
Dr. Rowan is simply THE Best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/14/2024
After 30 years trying different treatments Dr. NICHOLAS RAY ROWAN was the one since day one showed me that he knows what his talking about and he was spot on with the surgery and post surgery medicine and treatments, I couldn't not be more happier than have my life back to normal and met this very knowledgeable, polite, fun to talk doctor, I feel like he is more a friend that my doctor. Thank you Dr. Rowan for everything.