Meghan T. Turner, MD, FACS

Dr. Turner specializes in minimally invasive endoscopic skull base and robotic surgery, and has authored book chapters and articles about these techniques. She provides individualized patient care that is tailored to their disease.

Associate Professor, Director of Robotics

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Department:

Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery

Classification:

Faculty

• MD, Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine, 2010
• BA, University of Virginia, 2005

1. Turner MT, Byrd JK, Ferris RL. “Current Role of Surgery in the Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer.”  J Oncol Pract. 2016. Nov;12(11):1176-1183.  PMID: 27858544.
2. 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 of Skull Base Surgeons.  J Neurol Surg B.  Skull Base.  November 6, 2017.  E-first.
3. Turner, MT, Holsinger FC, and Ferris, RL. “Transoral robotic surgery: Advances and Applications.”  Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence-based Treatment.  Springer Publishers.  Submitted for publication October, 2017.
4. Turner MT and Johnson JT. “Horizontal Partial Laryngectomy.” Operative Otolaryngology, 3^rd Ed. Elsevier.  September, 2017.
5. Turner MT and Ferris RL.  “Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy.”  Myers’ Operative Otolaryngology, 3^rd Ed. Elsevier.  September, 2017
6. Geltzeiler M, Doerfler S, Turner M, Albergotti WG, Kubik M, Kim S, Ferris RL, Duvvuri U. “Transoral Robotic Surgery for Cervical Unknown Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Updates on Efficacy, Surgical Technique, and Margin Status.” Oral Oncol. 2017. Mar; 66:-9-13.  PMID: 28249654.

2016               T32 Grant: 5T32CA060397-22  
2015               NYU Kelvin Lee, MD Award for Excellence in Resident Teaching, 2015
2009               VCU School of Medicine Teaching Award in Head and Neck Anatomy
2008               National Pathology Honors Society
2006               Pfizer Global Health Scholar Award, University of Virginia Center for Global Health
2005               Graduated with Highest Distinction, University of Virginia Distinguished Majors Program
2001-2005      Fary Memorial Scholarship

Click on the "Publications Link" to view Dr. Turner's video publications.

Meghan Turner, MD FACS, is Associate Professor and Director of Robotics in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine. She completed her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by her otolaryngology residency at New York University School of Medicine, and dual fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery and Cranial Base Surgery.

Dr. Turner is internationally recognized for her expertise in robotic head and neck surgery, particularly transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Her clinical practice encompasses robotic surgery, open ablative head and neck surgery, and complex skull base reconstruction. She has pioneered innovative surgical approaches including robotic transmaxillary techniques and nasoseptal flap reconstruction of TORS defects, contributing to the advancement of minimally invasive head and neck surgery.

Her research portfolio includes over 40 peer-reviewed publications focusing on robotic surgery outcomes, complications management, and novel applications of circulating tumor DNA in head and neck oncology. Recent notable work includes machine learning applications for detecting extranodal extension in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and systematic reviews on salvage TORS complications. Dr. Turner has received received several awards including the 2025 Otolaryngology Teaching Award from West Virginia University, 2024 Best Overall Poster in Basic Science at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting, and the 2024 Best Poster in Oropharyngeal Cancers at the AHNS Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.

As an internationally sought educator and speaker, Dr. Turner has served as invited faculty for international conferences in robotic surgery. She also serves as ENT Section Editor for the Journal of Robotic Surgery, and is an editorial board member for the Ear Nose & Throat Journal. Dr. Turner maintains active membership in premier professional organizations including the American College of Surgeons, American Head and Neck Society, Society of Robotic Surgery, and North American Skull Base Society.

Medical Specialties

• Otolaryngology

Board Certifications

• Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology

Special Training

• Fellowship, Open and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2017
• Fellowship, Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2016
• Residency, Otolaryngology
  New York University School of Medicine, 2015