Gender Affirming Vocal Cord Surgery

Dr. Laura Matrka, clinical associate professor of otolaryngology at The Ohio State ​University ​Wexner Medical Center discusses the comprehensive gender-affirming care program for those who are transitioning to find their voice. She talks about cases of vocal cord surgery to achieve voice modification.

My focus is in ear, nose and throat surgery. I specialize in voice and airway disorders. I completed additional training in the field of laryngology, giving me expertise in treating voice and airway problems. I treat patients who speak or sing professionally, as well as those with narrowing of the airway.

I am passionate about helping people live as full a life as possible. Part of this passion comes from recognizing the fundamental role that the voice and airway play in our lives.

Part of my role as a physician is to teach patients as much as I can. I give them the information they need to feel good about making their own decisions about their health care. Our multidisciplinary team of experts works one-on-one with our patients to create a targeted treatment plan specific to their disease.

I love working at Ohio State because it’s an environment of constant improvement. Everyone around me is always trying to make things better for our patients. It inspires me to work harder for my patients every day.

In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, Ohio State football games, reading, traveling and time with family. People are sometimes surprised to learn that I used to be a piano teacher and a Spanish teacher.