William Gao, MD, is a fellowship-trained laryngologist passionate about helping people with voice, airway and swallowing problems. Working with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest level of holistic care, Dr. Gao uses state-of-the-art technology for both diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of laryngeal disorders. He specializes in minimally invasive, in-office treatments, such as vocal cord injections, laser procedures, and EMG-guided laryngeal Botox injections. Common conditions he treats include:
- Hoarseness (Dysphonia)
- Vocal Cord Polyps, Cysts, Nodules, and Scar (Sulcus Vocalis)
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Laryngeal Dystonia (Spasmodic Dysphonia)
- Vocal Cord Cancer and Dysplasia
- Recurrent Respiratory (Laryngeal) Papillomatosis
- Laryngeal, Subglottic, and Tracheal Airway Stenosis
- Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
- Zenker’s Diverticulum
Dr. Gao’s expertise extends to voice restoration surgery, voice-preserving laser removal of voicebox cancers, airway reconstruction and surgical treatments for swallowing disorders. His philosophy of care centers on personalized medicine and healing. By recognizing that each patient is a unique individual, Dr. Gao guides his patients in making shared healthcare decisions to promote wellbeing and better quality of living.
As a researcher, Dr. Gao’s work has focused on innovative surgical techniques, novel laryngeal injectables and advancing care for laryngeal dystonia. He is dedicated to drawing on discoveries within basic science to better our clinical understanding and management of complex laryngologic conditions.
Areas of Expertise
- Airway Disorders
- Minimally Invasive ENT Surgery
- Swallowing Disorders
- Voice Disorders
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Laryngeal Dystonia
- Professional and Singing Voice Care
- Vocal Fold Paralysis
- Reconstructive Airway Surgery
- Dysphonias
- Vocal Cord Dysplasia
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Practicing Since
- 2013
Languages Spoken
- English
Medical Education
- Jefferson Medical College
Internship
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
Residency
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Fellowship
- University of Southern California
- Aetna HMO (specialists only)
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
- BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna POS
- Cigna PPO
- CountyCare *see insurance page
- Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
- Medicare
- Multiplan PPO
- PHCS PPO
- United Choice Plus POS/PPO
- United Options (PPO)
- United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
- United W500 Emergent Wrap
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
- United Choice HMO (specialists only)
- University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)
Our list of accepted insurance providers is subject to change at any time. You should contact your insurance company to confirm UChicago Medicine participates in their network before scheduling your appointment. If your insurance company is not listed here, or if you have any other questions, please contact Managed.Care@uchospitals.edu.