Steven Marc Zeitels, MD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.986813 average rating from 91 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
Steven Marc Zeitels, MD, FACS, (born November 7, 1957 in New York City and grew up in New Rochelle, New York) is the Eugene B. Casey professor of Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation (Voice Center), which is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the world. He is an internationally-recognized surgeon specializing in throat, voice and larynx problems.
In 2004, the first endowed chair in Laryngeal Surgery at Harvard Medical School was created for him while he re-established a Harvard Laryngeal Surgery service at Mass General, which had not been present since the 1920s. Dr. Zeitels' contributions to voice and laryngeal surgery are highly recognized in the world. He has received more than 75 awards and honored lectureships for his achievements including the Casselberry and Newcomb Awards from the American Laryngological Association and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Boston University School of Medicine.
Zeitels is widely regarded as a prolific surgical innovator having designed numerous new voice restoration procedures (phonosurgery) and instruments, and holds a number of patents for these innovations. He is widely acknowledged for pioneering novel laser applications to treat dysplasia and cancer as well as laryngeal papillomatosis, polyps, nodules and is also well known for creating office-based laryngeal laser surgery. Most notably, his introduction of angiolytic laser treatment of vocal cord cancer was a groundbreaking achievement evolving from Judah Folkman's concepts of tumor angiogenesis and Rox Anderson's theory of selective photothermolysis.
In the Media
Dr. Zeitels has also designed unique procedures to restore the voice of those who have had vocal paresis and paralysis. His techniques were featured in a National Geographic documentary, “The Incredible Human Machine”, which highlighted Dr. Zeitels' microsurgery on Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. In addition, his novel surgical treatment of Roger Daltrey (The Who) just prior to his halftime performance in the 2010 Super Bowl was discussed extensively on CBS news. In 2012 there was broad international coverage of Dr. Zeitels' unique microsurgery to restore Adele's voice, who acknowledged his assistance in the acceptance of the first of her six Grammy Awards.
In 2013, a long-form profile of Dr. Zeitels' career and innovations were featured in the New Yorker Magazine. His work has also been featured in the Harvard Medical Alumni Journal, the Harvard Magazine and the Boston University Alumni Journal as well as has been discussed extensively in print media, radio and television both nationally and internationally including:
Good Morning America
Today Show
Wall Street Journal
NY and LA Times
London Sunday Times
Rolling Stone
USA Today
Vogue
Boston Globe & Herald
Bloomberg News
NPR
BBC
National Geographic
Nightline
Voice Restoration Research Program
Dr. Zeitels conceived and directs the Voice Restoration Research Program, which is a collaborative effort of investigators at Harvard, Mass General and MIT. The program has spent over a decade developing a biomaterial that would restore the largest majority of human voice loss. The research group received the 2010 Broyles Maloney Award of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association for its efforts.
Additional Achievements
Dr. Zeitels' single-author Atlas of Phonomicrosurgery is considered by many surgeons to be the leading textbook in microsurgery of the larynx. Dr. Zeitels has authored more than 200 scientific articles, book chapters and videos in these areas as well as presenting over 300 papers and lectures. He serves or has served on the editorial board of five national and international journals. Dr. Zeitels has also been the honored guest of many international organizations.
Visiting Professorships
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
University of California (San Diego & Irvine)
University of Pittsburgh
University of Texas (Dallas)
University of Oregon
University of Cincinnati
University of Utah
Vanderbilt University
University of Alabama
University of Connecticut
University of West Virginia
University of Minnesota
University of Navarra - Pamplona in Spain
Tel Aviv University in Israel
Aukland University in New Zealand
Kumamoto University in Japan
McGill & Dalhousie Universities in Canada
Juilliard School
Education & Training
- Fellowship: Boston Medical Center (BMC), Head and Neck Oncological Surgery, 1988
- Residency: Boston Medical Center (BMC), Head & Neck Surgery, 1987
- Medical Education: Boston University, 1982
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Languages Spoken
- English
Age Group Treated
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.986813 average rating from 91 reviews
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Dr. Steven Zeiteils has shown me so much kindness and patience, while under his care and I wouldn't want to see any other provider. This office is so warm and welcoming and made me very eager to learn about my voice issues as well as calm when it came to providing a course of action for my healing. I adore everyone in this office.
2026-07-07
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Dr Zeitels and everyone on his staff are excellent. They might be the best medical care providers on the planet.
2026-06-20
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Dr. Zeitels is the most knowledgable doctor in the world regarding vocal cord ailments.
2026-06-15
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My provider's care was top-notch!
2026-06-13
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Dr. Zeitels is amazing. He's professional. He's extremely knowledgeable and I consider him the best in the world. Thank you to him and to the entire staff. They're all wonderful.
2026-06-11
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Dr. Zeitels is the BEST in the nation, if not the world, at what he does.
2026-06-10
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Very knowledgeable, skillful and great manners.
2026-06-04
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Was able to pin point the problem.
2026-05-20
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Absolutely the best! Caring, knowledgeable, trustworthy, straightforward, and kind.
2026-05-19
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He is the best doctor I have ever had.
2026-05-18
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Dr. Zeitels and his staff are so outstanding I fly from the west coast to Boston just so that he can treat me. The results have been outstanding. Dr. Zeitels always takes care and time to review my exam and tell me how I'm doing. In addition to that he's a warm and personable person.
2026-05-17
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I have been seeing Dr. Zeitels regularity for many years for throat and squamous cell conditions. Close monitoring of this condition is very important.
2026-05-15
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Every time I visit Dr. Steven Zeitels office it is. A wonderful experience.
2026-05-11
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I wish all providers cared about me presonally as this provider does. When I am with him he is 100% focused on my well being.
2026-05-02
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Very efficient
2026-04-22
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I am very fortunate I found this provider. He has made it possible for me to retrieve something I feared was lost to me forever.
2026-04-20
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Excellent
2026-04-20
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I am very fortunate to have Dr Zeitels as my doctor. He is not only the best vocal cord surgeon in the world, but also kind and caring.
2026-04-19
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Unexcelled
2026-04-19
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Dr listened and respected my input He offered recommendation's for treatment and continuing care Highly recommend this physician I had complete confidence in his expertise
2026-03-26
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Dr. Z is incredible.
2026-03-22
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Dr. Zeitels and his team are absolutely phenomenal. I am treated so well - listened to and cared for in a very family-like way. It's deeply appreciated for such a scary appointment!
2026-03-31
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We appreciated the excellent care and diagnostics we received in Dr. Zeitels office. He took the time to explain our daughter's issues and showed us photos of her vocal cords to educate us on their condition and to continue to care for her voice over time. We were very fortunate and grateful to have had this consultation with him.
2026-03-19
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Good experience where i was welcomed and well treated.
2026-03-18
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dr. Zeitels is the most amazing doctor I have ever met
2026-02-07
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Above and beyond expectations
2026-01-18
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Everyone is very professional, considerate
2026-01-12
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He's good and has helped me tremendously!
2026-01-11
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Overall the experience was excellent by everyone at Massachusetts General Hospital
2025-12-24
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Dr. Zeitels is clearly a world-class expert in his field, which is why I came to see him.
2025-12-16
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Amazing, kind and considerate service from everyone
2025-12-16
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Dr. Zeitels , [redacted] and his staff were off the charts good and could not have made me feel any more important !
2025-12-14
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Dr. Zeitels is amazing, he's knowledgeable, he's kind, he's professional, and I am so grateful to be his patient. Thank you so much. Sincerely, [redacted]
2025-12-11
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Always make me feel comfortable
2025-11-22
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Amazing!
2025-11-17
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Dr. Zeitels is a person who has risen to the highest level in the world in his area of expertise. MGH is very fortunate to have him. Despite all the accolades he has most deserved, and received over the years, he remains a down to earth healer. He continues to work on when lesser men or women would retire.
2025-11-19
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Dr Steven Zeitels is the best Otorologist in the world! I am so thankful that Dr Zeitels practices in Boston MA! His compassion toward all patients is incredible! He treats every patient with dignity and respect! He is very humble about his excellent talents!
2025-11-12
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[redacted] I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Steven Zeitels and his entire team for their extraordinary care. If there were a rating higher than 10, they would absolutely deserve it. From the moment you walk into the clinic, you are welcomed as if you're part of their family. The staff is exceptionally courteous and warm - a true reflection of Dr. Zeitels himself and the culture of compassion and respect he has built within his team. Dr. Zeitels takes the time to listen, explain, and treat each patient with unmatched expertise and genuine empathy. His knowledge and dedication are world-class, and his authenticity sets him apart. I travel all the way from Virginia to see him because I know I will receive not only the best diagnosis and treatment, but also kindness, respect, and sincere care every time. I have never experienced a clinic or medical team like this before. Dr. Zeitels and his staff are a model for how patient care should be delivered across Mass General - a true example of excellence in medicine. He and his team fully deserve the highest recognition the hospital can offer. Simply put: world-class doctor, world-class clinic, world-class team. Respectfully, [redacted]
2025-11-12
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I am blessed because I have the best Doctor in his field!!
2025-11-10
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Dr. Zeitels and his staff stand out for their exceptional professionalism, attentiveness, and deep understanding of their patients. His thorough approach, clear explanations, and evident expertise throughout every stage of care inspire confidence and trust. Under his guidance, patients can be assured they are in highly skilled and reliable hands.
2025-11-07
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Excellent.
2025-11-02
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Dr. Zeitels is the best Dr. ever. He took me from a 0 to 100 I was one lucky man to find him and would NEVER think of changing.
2025-10-24
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Always excellent. Answers any questions and always explains the issue! Dr. Zeitels is the best!!!
2025-10-13
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Dr Zeitels was his usual helpful self we talked about a number of things
2025-10-05
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Excellent
2025-10-04
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Dr. Zeitels is EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY.
2025-09-21
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Superb clinician with amazing technical skills and team to complement his care and procedures
2025-09-18
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I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see this doctor and his staff.
2025-09-17
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Every time that I've been to the office with this provider, there's always a sense of careful listening, good questioning, and a sense of continuity to what I've experienced in the past. Thank you.
2025-09-15
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I specifically sought out care from Dr Zeitels following a recommendation and after reviewing his exceptional credentials! I was treated with respect and all aspects of the procedures performed were explained to me in detail and follow up investigative testing was scheduled. I am sincerely looking forward to further consultation regarding the results of the CT scan and I'm sure that I will receive excellent care and explanations going forward! The office staff was very cordial and accommodating, and all were very professional in their approach to me! I would highly recommend the voice center without reservations!
2025-09-10
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The wait time at the office was rather long, but Dr. Zeitels was clearly spending thorough time with each patient - as he did with me. I respect his approach and was happy to wait. I traveled to see this doctor and I am so glad I did!
2025-08-31
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Thank you Dr.Zeitels for the 26+ years of just trying to help a little girl get her voice back ?
2025-08-24
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- Maine Community Health Options
- TriCare
- WellSense
- Railroad Medicare
- MassHealth
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid VT
- Medicaid NY
- Medicaid RI
- WellSense NH
- Senior Whole Health
- Medicare
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Medicaid NH