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Professor, Program Director
University of California San Diego
San Diego, California, United States
Dr. Watson is a Professor of Surgery and the Program Director for the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine and completed general surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residencies at the UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Watson had the privilege of receiving advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is double Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Watson joined the faculty at UCSD’s Department of Surgery in 1999. She has regular teaching and mentoring responsibilities with the UCSD surgical residents, medical students, and bioengineering students. In addition, Dr. Watson has pursued basic science research in autologous tissue-engineered cartilage for its use in craniofacial reconstruction as well as research in the educational arena with 3D models and virtual platforms for surgical training enhancement and graduate medical education virtual program implementation. She serves on two major national examining boards, has chaired multiple national meetings, and has published more than 80 journal articles, chapters, and abstracts. She was honored as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, has received numerous teaching awards, and has consistently been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” by her peers since 2003.
Dr. Watson is also a recognized artist, having had her work displayed at art exhibitions and published in journals and magazines. Her artistic skills include drawing, painting, sculpting and calligraphy, and these artistic talents enhance her surgical and reconstructive expertise.