About Eric Holbrook, MD, MS
Dr. Eric Holbrook, the Chief of the Rhinology Division at Mass. Eye and Ear, is a fellowship-trained rhinologist with more than 15 years of experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of problems involving the nose and sinuses.
At Mass. Eye and Ear, Dr. Holbrook was involved in the establishment of the Sinus Center, the Smell and Taste Clinic, and the Endoscopic Skull Base surgery team. Dr. Holbrook has been an invited speaker at national and international meetings and has published more than 35 peer-reviewed papers and several textbook chapters. He has also been named “Best Doctor in Otolaryngology” by Boston Magazine and Best Doctors, Inc.
Dr. Holbrook’s clinical interests include diseases of the nose and sinuses, endoscopic approaches to the skull base, and smell and taste disorders. He is a member of the Skull Base Center at Mass. Eye and Ear/Mass General, the Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center at Mass General, and the Center for Thyroid Eye Disease and Orbital Surgery as Mass. Eye and Ear.
His research interests include olfaction and chronic rhinosinusitis. His olfactory research is partly funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Clinical Interests:
- Disorders of smell and taste
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Endoscopic skull base surgery
- Rhinology
- Sinusitis
Treats:
- Adult
Locations
Mass General Cancer Center: Neuro-Oncology
55 Fruit St.
Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-5130
Mass Eye and Ear
243 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-523-7900
Medical Education
- MD, State University of New York Upstate Medical University
- Residency, Medical College of Virginia
- Fellowship, Medical College of Virginia
- Fellowship, University of Nebraska Medical Center
American Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Maine Community Health Options
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid NH
- Medicare ACO
- TriCare
- Tufts Health Plan
- WellSense
- WellSense NH
Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.
Research
Dr. Holbrook conducts research in the area of olfaction. Patients with smell disorders currently have little therapeutic options. Part of the reason is the lack of understanding of the pathophysiology behind the most common forms of smell loss. One current projects look at the cellular composition of human olfactory epithelium in subjects suffering from loss of smell. The immunohistochemical staining pattern in human epithelium is remarkably similar to that seen in rodents. Several models of olfactory lesions in rodents are being compared to specimens from patients suffering from smell loss in attempt to identify areas of abnormality. A second project looks at the ability of strengthening the survival and axonal projections of olfactory neurons with odorant exposure in a mouse model of olfactory epithelium regeneration with the hope that this may form the basis of new therapeutic techniques for those suffering from smell loss. This work is in collaboration with Dr. James Schwob at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Additional research collaborations are taking place with Dr. Sabina Berretta at McLean Hospital identifying a protein specific to schizophrenia and found in olfactory epithelium. Collaborations with Dr. Daniel Hamilos at MGH Immunology/Allergy work on identifying changes in innate epithelial immunity in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis.
Publications
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Holbrook EH, Mieleszko Szumowski KE, Schwob JE. An immunochemical, ultrastructural, and developmental characterization of the horizontal basal cells of rat olfactory epithelium. J Comp Neurol 1995.
Holbrook EH, DiNardo LJ, Costanzo RM 2001. Olfactory epithelium grafts in the cerebral cortex: an immunohistochemical analysis. Laryngoscope 2001.
Holbrook EH, Leopold DA, Schwob JE. Abnormalities of axon growth in human olfactory mucosa. Laryngoscope 2005.
Excellent experience with Dr. Holbrook.
He was professional and fortunately after exam reassured me that there was not a serious concern. The PA was also very helpful.
I've been under the care of Dr. Eric Holbrook for 11 years. We have an excellent rapport.
Overall excellent experience. Only real issue is parking and traffic which is a nightmare. I knew this in advance and planned for this at least.
Prompt, professional and explained everything in detail. He was obviously extremely skilled in the procedure.
The doctor and everyone at MGH the day of my visit was up to date on my previous visits and conditions I had earlier the month before at MGH. I was treated and looked at by the doctor after I saw 2 other people that went over my meds . and all the standard procedures required by hospital. I feel confident in going to MGH because the doctors are ... Read More
Excellent care. I already have recommended Dr. Holbrook to family and friends.
I had a wonderful time, I expected the procedure (rhinolith removal) to be painful, but it actually tickled a bit and was very relieving
he was kind and helpful. I was happy when he said he wanted to see me in person.
Listened and patience.