Welcome David Forner, MD, MSc

We are pleased to welcome David Forner, MD, MSc as a clinical assistant professor after having completed his head and neck fellowship with the department in June. A native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Forner earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Prince Edward Island, a master’s degree from the University of Toronto and his medical degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia where he also completed his residency. 

Why did you choose the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery?
I was drawn to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery as it allows me to help patients through both medical and surgical treatments. It is an expansive field that encompasses many different types of surgical techniques and approaches, ranging from large open surgeries to microscopic surgery. Most importantly, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is a field that involves key senses that are essential to how we perceive and interact with the world–hearing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.  

Tell us about your clinical interests.
My clinical interests are in head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery. I treat benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, including the mouth, throat, salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands, sinuses and skin. Both the tumors themselves, as well as the treatments for them, can significantly impact one’s ability to eat and drink, to speak, to breathe, and can alter the appearance of the face. 

I was drawn to head and neck surgical oncology as it allows me to help patients with cancer and to help restore the function that cancer may take away from them. It also provides me with the opportunity to see a patient through their diagnosis and treatment, as well as their long-term follow-up and care, and really establish a lifelong relationship with my patients.

Tell us about your research interests.
I study decision-making in head and neck cancer, including how decisions are made with patients, and how we can better incorporate patient values and preferences to come to a shared decision that patients can be satisfied with. This includes studying decisional conflict and regret, and the theoretical models that underpin decision-making. I also study how innovative technologies and treatments should be incorporated with current treatment paradigms.  

What do you find to be the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working in otolaryngology?
Head and neck cancer can be a devastating disease for patients. Restoring the intricate form and function of the face, mouth and throat is exceedingly difficult and presents a formidable challenge where every case is unique. Helping patients through their cancer diagnosis and treatment is an exceptionally rewarding privilege.

Why did you choose to stay at Michigan Medicine?
I chose Michigan Medicine for its people and its mission. I work with incredible colleagues in surgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology across the head and neck cancer disease site. The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, including its physicians, nurses, speech language pathologists, medical assistants and support staff is an extraordinary team. I was drawn to the collective thought of all those at Michigan Medicine who provide great patient care and advance our individual fields.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Ann Arbor or Michigan?
While we have been here for a year, I am excited to experience more of Michigan, including the north.

What do you like to do outside of work or what are your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies include running, music, movies and spending time with my wife and our dog Joyce!

Favorite music genre or artist?
Seemingly rare amongst physicians and surgeons, my favorite music genre is heavy metal and punk. One of my favorites is the Canadian punk band Alexisonfire.