Robert James Morrison, MD
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About
Dr. Morrison is an Associate Professor in the Division of Laryngology of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has a clinical practice which sub-specializes in the surgical and medical management of airway, voice, and swallowing disorders. He developed and helps direct the University of Michigan Complex Airway Intervention and Reconstruction (AIR) Program, and is an active contributing member of the North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC), helping to drive innovation in the understanding and treatment of complex airway disorders. He is integrated into the Biomedical Engineering-Otolaryngology collaborative consortium and is a member of the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR). He serves as Director for Quality and Outcomes for the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Medical Director for the Department of Speech Language Pathology in adult hospitals at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Morrison received his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University. He completed his post-graduate surgical training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan during which he completed an 18-month NIH funded research fellowship in the Biomedical Engineering with a focus on 3D-printing applications in surgery, patient-specific medical device development, and cartilage tissue engineering. He then completed a fellowship in Laryngology and Complex Airway Reconstruction at the Vanderbilt Voice Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Morrison has research interests representative of his diverse training background. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and gives lectures and instructional courses nationally on airway stenosis and laryngologic disorders. He has a particular interest in the etiogenesis and treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS), treatment of acute laryngotracheal injury and iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis, complex airway reconstruction outcomes, voice disorders and recurrent laryngeal nerve rehabilitation.
He is a national expert in 3D printing in medicine and the regulatory framework and development process of medical devices and novel therapeutics. He serves as physician leadership within the Michigan Medicine IND/IDE Investigators Assistance Program (MIAP) and is active within the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program and national biomedical engineering bodies such as the American Society of Manufacturing Engineers (ASME).
Dr. Morrison has completed additional education and leadership experiences in patient safety and quality improvement (PS/QI) including the AAMC Teaching 4 Quality curriculum and the University of Michigan PASQUAL scholars program. He serves a number of institutional roles in PS/QI leadership, implementation, and also directs the residency PS/QI educational curriculum.
Areas of Practice
Voice, airway, and swallowing disorders; Laryngotracheal Stenosis (including auto-immune and acquired stenosis); Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis; Endoscopic and Open Airway Reconstructive Surgery; Care of the Professional Voice; Phonomicrosurgery; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Benign and Malignant Laryngeal Lesions; Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis; Endoscopic Laser Surgery; In-office Laser Treatment for Laryngeal Lesions; Laryngeal Dystonias (including spasmodic dysphonia)
Expertise
- Airway Stenosis
- Auto-Immune & Inflammatory Conditions Affecting the Upper Airway
- Dynamic Airway Collapse
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
- Functional Dysphonia
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Muscle Tension Dysphonia
- Respiratory Papilloma
- Spasmodic Dysphonia
- Vocal Fold Lesions, Nodules, Cysts & Polyps
- Vocal Fold Paralysis
Locations
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Otolaryngology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance 1, Level 2
Brighton, MI 48116-9416Get Directions -
Vocal Health Center | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 1 Reception A
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5312Get Directions
Insurance Accepted
University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.
Education & Training
Medical School or Training
Residency
Fellowships
Board Certifications
Professional Organizations
Research Overview
Three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing applications in medicine, patient-specific medical device development, medical device regulation, cartilage tissue engineering, etiogenesis and treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS), treatment of acute laryngotracheal injury and iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis, complex airway reconstruction outcomes, voice disorders and recurrent laryngeal nerve rehabilitation, patient safety, quality improvement, cost conscientious care
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Patient Ratings & Comments
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Patient Ratings
421 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
June 30, 2026 - "Dr. Morrison answered my questions with patience and clear explanations. I have total confidence in Dr. Morrison."
June 30, 2026 - "My experience with Dr Morrison has been exceptional every visit. You would be fortunate to have him as your physician."
June 25, 2026 - "The care provided by Dr. Morrison and [...] is always outstanding. They explain the procedure well and always give me the opportunity to ask questions."
June 18, 2026 - "Dr. Morrison is excellent. He heard me out patiently, answered my questions and explained/suggested future line of treatment.He was very polite and easy to deal with"
June 17, 2026 - "Dr. Morrison was amazing. I wouldn't want anyone else."
June 8, 2026 - "Dr. Morrison was exceptional during my appointment. He explained everything in detail, ensuring I was actively involved in understanding the process. Additionally, he made me feel extremely comfortable with the prospect of having him as my surgeon. I cannot express how impressed I was with his bedside manner; he was kind and exhibited great patience in answering all of my questions about the procedure. I am looking forward to my surgery with Dr. Morrison, confident that I am in excellent hands, as I believe he is truly an expert in his field of medicine."
May 15, 2026 - "Dr. Morrison did an excellent job! He listened, asked questions, and did a very thorough exam. He explained the results completely. He explained treatment options and answered all questions. He was patient, kind and gave me all the time I needed. EXCELLENT!!!"
May 15, 2026 - "It could not have been improved upon. Dr. R.J. Morrison is very thorough, thoughtful and the communication, respectful and well done. I appreciate him. He is awesome."
May 14, 2026 - "If I have any questions or concerns, I send Dr. Morrison a message on the portal, but he's very dismissive and reductive. [...]"
May 7, 2026 - "Dr Morrison always listens and shows great care at answering any questions we might have."
