John I. Song, MD, FACS

Head and Neck Surgeon
Medical Director, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Head & Neck Program

About Dr. John Song

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. John I. Song is a nationally recognized and fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic surgeon that specializes in the surgical management of head and neck cancers. He offers complex head and neck surgery and reconstruction using the most advanced surgical techniques available.

Prior to moving to Atlanta to open Atlanta Head & Neck Associates, Dr. Song was the Director of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital for 18 years and an associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Dr. Song has served as an invited speaker at symposiums across the US and Asia, and has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in this field. He holds technology patents on early detection of head and neck cancer, and his research interests includes the use of novel technologies such as microRNAs in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer, preserving quality of life in head and neck cancer, and head and neck reconstruction.

With an emphasis on preserving quality of life, Dr. Song is committed to treating his patients and their families with respect and honesty, and to ensure that they have all of the information available to make the best possible decisions in their cancer care.

“I take my job very seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. I try to treat each patient and their family with warmth, honesty, and humor. I believe that we sometimes have to laugh together in order to get through this cancer journey. If you fall down, I will pick you up. And we will keep pushing through together.”

- Dr. Song

In his free time, Dr. Song also loves to travel and explore new cities with his wife, who is a nurse anesthetist (CRNA). He is the proud father of two teenage sons, who are both Eagle Scouts. Having lived in Colorado for 20 years, he is an avid skier and enjoys the great outdoors. Dr Song is also a foodie, and is looking forward to exploring the Atlanta food scene. He has a weakness for homemade pies.

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Residency, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Fellowship, Advanced Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery and Skull Base Surgery-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Certifications & Affiliations

Board Certified, Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Member, American Head and Neck Society
Member, Institute for Hospital Quality, Safety and Efficiency (IHQSE)

Awards & Honors

Castle Connolly Top Doctors (2005-2020)
Marquis Who’s Who in America (2007-2020)
Newsweek Top Cancer Doctor (2015-2018)
Best Doctors in America (2006-2018)
Honor Award, American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
KK Mammel Outstanding Professor of the Year, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Outstanding Fellow Award, Triological Society (Eastern Sectional Meeting); Pittsburgh, PA
Young Investigator Award for Scientific Excellence, American Association for Cancer Research
Chief Resident of the Year, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery / UCLA Medical Center
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society, New York University School of Medicine

Northside Provider Directory Details

View Dr. John Song's profile in the Northside Hospital Physician Directory