In Memoriam: Dr. Mark A. Varvares

On May 20, Mark A. Varvares, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery for Mass General Brigham and the William W. Montgomery/John W. Merriam Professor and Chair at Harvard Medical School, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. His passing leaves an extraordinary void in the field and in the communities he helped shape through decades of visionary leadership, devoted mentorship, and remarkable humanity.

Dr. Varvares dedicated his career to the care of patients with head and neck cancer, becoming a nationally recognized expert in both ablative and reconstructive surgery. His work restored not only form and function, but dignity and hope for patients facing some of the most complex diagnoses in the field. Colleagues often spoke of the precision of his surgical technique, defined by its clarity and completeness, but what stood out just as much was his presence at the bedside—calm, attentive, and reassuring.

For Dr. Varvares, caring for patients was personal. He believed that every encounter carried weight, and that patients placed immense trust in their physicians and listened closely to their words. That belief shaped both how he practiced and how he led, underscoring the lasting impact of a physician’s presence, empathy, and guidance. Dr. Varvares had a rare ability to connect with others, greeting colleagues and patients alike with warmth and compassion, offering genuine encouragement, and living by the principle of always doing your best for the patient.

His career was driven by exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to building strong, collaborative programs. After joining the faculty of Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School in 1992, he went on to serve as Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Saint Louis University beginning in 2003, where he developed a nationally respected multidisciplinary head and neck oncology program.

He returned to Mass Eye and Ear in 2015 to serve as Associate Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and in 2021, was named Chair of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. In October 2025, he was appointed Chair of the newly integrated Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery for Mass General Brigham, a reflection of the extraordinary leadership and vision he brought to the specialty and the institution.

Dr. Varvares was a deeply committed educator and mentor whose impact is reflected in the generations of surgeons he trained. He believed strongly in a hands-on approach to teaching, placing trust in his trainees and encouraging them to develop both confidence and independence. This philosophy not only shaped how they learned, but also how many went on to teach others. He created an environment where individuals felt supported and valued, empowering them to pursue their own paths with assurance. In recognition of his lasting influence, in 2024 the Chief Resident Teaching Award, presented at the Resident and Fellow Graduation Ceremony, was renamed in his honor—an acknowledgment of the profound respect and admiration he inspired among those he mentored.

Beyond his clinical and educational contributions, Dr. Varvares was a thoughtful and influential voice in advancing care for patients with head and neck cancer. He was widely published, with research focusing on the impact of surgical pathology on survival in head and neck tumors. His work also explored head and neck reconstruction, the potential role of oncolytic adenoviruses as a therapeutic modality, and the use of music therapy as an intervention in cancer care.

He brought particular attention to critical gaps in treatment, most recently the importance of dental and oral health in cancer therapy and recovery, emphasizing how these often-overlooked factors can significantly affect outcomes and quality of life. He also championed HPV vaccination as a critical tool in head and neck cancer prevention, advocating for greater awareness and improved access.

His commitment extended beyond research into meaningful community work, where he was a passionate advocate for initiatives such as the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, helping ensure that vulnerable populations receive essential, personalized care.

Even as he faced his own health challenges, Dr. Varvares remained engaged, advocating for patients and speaking on behalf of cancer survivors. He testified at the Massachusetts State House for the Massachusetts Oncology Patients, Survivors and Supporters (MOPSS), helping bring attention to the long-term challenges faced by individuals with head and neck cancer. This advocacy reflected the compassion and humanity that defined Dr. Varvares throughout his career and his life.

For those fortunate enough to know him, it was evident how deeply he loved his work; it was his passion. He was a natural leader with an uncommon ability to make people feel seen and heard. He listened attentively and led openly and honestly. He was, in the words of many, both brilliant and entirely approachable—someone whose accomplishments never overshadowed his kindness.

Dr. Varvares is survived by his wife, Chris; his three daughters, Alexis, Sophie, and Tessa; sons-in-law, Drew and Henry; grandchildren, Rhea, Lincoln, and Eleanor; and siblings, Teddy Hart and Chris Varvares. He also leaves behind a vast community of colleagues, trainees, staff, and patients whose lives were shaped by his care and guidance.

His legacy will be remembered not only for his distinguished professional and academic achievements, but for the lasting impact he had on the surgeons he trained, the colleagues he supported, and the patients who trusted him. That legacy will continue in exam rooms, operating rooms, laboratories, and classrooms—and in the countless lives touched by his care, mentorship, and example—for generations to come.

Those wishing to honor Dr. Varvares’ memory may consider a gift to the Mark A. Varvares Memorial Fund at Mass Eye and Ear, established to carry forward his passion for patient care, education, and cancer survivorship.