Ryan J. Carlson, MD, PhD
Ryan J. Carlson, MD, PhD, grew up in Puyallup, WA. He graduated with honors and cum laude from the University of Washington (UW) with degrees in Neurobiology and Biochemistry. After graduation, he completed an IRTA post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, MD. He then returned to the University of Washington to join their MD-PhD program.
Back at the UW, Dr. Carlson completed a PhD in Genome Sciences in the laboratory of Dr. Mary-Claire King, PhD. His work included the identification of novel genes and variants linked to hearing, characterization of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity among those with childhood hearing loss, and the association of specific genes and variants with cochlear implant efficacy and hearing loss characteristics. While in the MD-PhD program, he was awarded the Turner Society and Poncin Endowed Fellowships, the Achievement Reward for College Scientists, two Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center mini-grants for innovation in hearing research and was elected to the AOA honor society.
Dr. Carlson’s interests include the identification and classification of novel genes and variants implicated in hearing loss, the development and delivery of inner ear gene therapies, and the application of modern genomics technologies to hearing. During his PhD, he collaborated closely with investigators and families in Israel and Palestine on the above projects, and he also maintains an ongoing interest in global health.
Education
Undergraduate School
University of Washington
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine