
Nicholas R. Rowan, MD
Skull Base SurgeryRhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base SurgeryRhinology and Sinus SurgeryOtolaryngology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adolescent 13-17
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Nicholas R. Rowan
Professional Titles
- Clinic Director, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center – Green Spring Station
- Associate Director, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Center of Excellence
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Nicholas Rowan is a sinus and skull base surgeon who helps patients with conditions such as deviated septum, nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, sinus pressure and chronic sinusitis, as well as complex issues like loss of smell, sinus cancers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and tumors that grow near the brain.
He frequently performs nasal polyp surgery and endoscopic sinus procedures, using minimally invasive approaches to help patients recover quickly and breathe more easily. For tumors of the skull base or brain, he works closely with neurosurgeons and cancer specialists to deliver coordinated, comprehensive care.
Dr. Rowan’s research is focused on improving patients’ quality of life and long-term outcomes after sinus and skull base surgery. A major part of his work involves studying the sense of smell — not just how to restore it, but how it reflects overall health. He explores how smell loss may be an early warning sign of unhealthy aging, frailty or cognitive decline. Through this work, he aims to better understand the biological link between the nose and brain, and what it can reveal about a person’s health trajectory. He works closely with biomedical engineers to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, and he is the principal investigator of multiple ongoing clinical trials that are testing new treatments for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
A frequent speaker at national and international conferences, Dr. Rowan shares insights from his innovative research and surgical experience. He leads courses and delivers lectures on advanced sinus and skull base techniques, smell loss and the evolving science behind how nasal health connects to overall well-being.
Centers and Institutes
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Find a Clinical Trial
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Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
- Can Sense of Smell Predict Future Heart Disease Risk in Older Adults? Everyday Health (10/31/2025)
- A pro athlete trained with tape over her mouth. You probably shouldn’t. Washington Post (08/12/2023)
- Will Your Cold Medicine Actually Work? Real Simple (11/29/2023)
- Your Nose Knows: Loss of Smell Can Help Predict Frailty and Unhealthy Aging, MedIndia (11/18/2023)
- Can Mouthwash Protect You From Getting COVID On A Flight? Experts Weigh In. HuffPost (10/20/2023)
- Webinar by the Pituitary Tumor Association, Optimizing Patient Quality-of-Life Following Pituitary Adenoma Surgery, (2/16/2022)
- Covid Stole Your Sense of Smell? Try Physical Therapy for Your Nose. New York Times (3/26/2021)
- Avoiding the Operating Room: In-Office Treatment of Sinusitis Webinar - (4/30/2019)
- Women's Health Magazine, Will Apple Cider Vinegar Cure my Cold? (10/18/2018)
- Herald-Mail (Hagerstown), W.Va. woman reaching out to others after losing sense of smell due to COVID (11/02/2020)
Additional Academic Titles
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
Lab Website
Nicholas Rowan Lab
The Rowan Lab is actively engaged in both outcomes and translational research focused on the sense of smell, chronic rhinosinusitis and endoscopic skull base surgery. A primary emphasis is on how the sense of smell changes with age. The lab also explores patient-reported quality of life measures, particularly those related to brain tumors and smell. Dr. Rowan leads clinical trials investigating new medical treatments and innovative technologies to improve care for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, including ongoing drug trials evaluating novel therapies for this condition.
Research Summary
Dr. Rowan’s research focuses on improving the understanding and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and disorders of the sense of smell. In addition to studying changes in the sense of smell, he investigates how these changes may serve as early warning signs of broader health problems. His work also emphasizes improving patient quality of life and surgical outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Rowan has contributed to multiple patents for novel therapies designed to restore smell and treat sinus conditions.
PubMed - Publications
Honors
- 2024, 2025: Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- 2022-current: Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- 2022: Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery George T. Nager M.D., Award for Excellence in Teaching
Memberships
2012-present: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Member
2013-present: The Triological Society, Member
2014-present: The American Medical Association, Member
2014-present: The American Rhinologic Society, Member
2024-present: AChemS, Member
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2300, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2297
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina, Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, 2018
- Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2017
- Medical Education: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, MD, 2012
Board Certifications
- Otolaryngology: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2018
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
264 ratings, 125 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
Within 24 hrs, I already felt relieved following the instructions he gave me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
He's an excellent physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Described my tumor and effects very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Dr Rowan was personable and very knowledgeable. I felt very comfortable and respected.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
I was very impressed with how friendly the doctor was and he genuinely listened to me and my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
I love Dr Rowan. He is very respectful, engaging and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Rowan was respectful and very friendly. He also explained things before, during, and after my surgery and appointments before and after the surgery as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Dr. Rowan was extremely friendly and attentive. He listened to what I had to say and shared possible scenarios for next steps.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
He listened to me and answered each and every question. Explained and gave me advice about what to do and how to do it. Very nice and kind. Also his assistant was very helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
He was very kind, professional, and caring. He had read all my notes in MyChart before entering the room to discuss my issue. I havevalready recommended him to a friend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
DR. ROWAN IS ACES . PERSONABLE AND ALWAYS ON TOP OF THINGS.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
Very good listener and thorough check. Very personable. Even came in waiting room to make sure everyone was being helped.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
Dr. Rowan and intern [staff] are wonderful doctors. They know their specialty very well, explain everything in detail and definitely made my recent surgenry experience a very good one.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
Dr Rowan has my life in his hands, and I feel totally at ease knowing he is part of the surgical team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Dr. Rowan has good communication skills and looks you in the eye when he speaks to you. He sat and did not type into a computer.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
He made time to come to me at my visit w/my Dr. They are both the Surgeons I will have in Surgery! They are Good, Kind & most importantly, they exude Confidence & are Knowledgeable!Thank God, bc I Need it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Dr Rowan is the bestHe listens to me when I talk and he is very compassionate. Would highly recommend him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Rowan is a very skilled and I have absolute confidence in his course of treatment. He is compassionate and ipatient with great personality.He is a gem of a doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Explained my recovery process very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Super kind, attentive listener
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr Rowan is an excellent doctor & he was the one who finally solved & corrected my nose problem! Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
This is a wonderful team. They work well together. I am very grateful to have them. I have a chronic condition and they make a significant contribution to my quality of life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Patient, easy to talk too, listens
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
Dr Rowan was very thorough and considerate. He was very concerned regarding the scheduling of a followup based on a secondary discovery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Dr. Rowan is the best. And [staff], his NP, too.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Dr Rowan and his Resident both showed expertise in the field.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
Dr. Rowan is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
Terrific
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2026
I really trusted Dr. Rowan and had great confidence in him. I was very happy with my experience with him and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/21/2026
Always have best time with Dr Rowan.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Rowan had a wonderful bedside manner. He was informative and educating, without being condescending. He also had a resident training with him. He was able to teach her during my visit without losing focus on me as a patient. Overall, this was one of the better doctor visits I've had. I also saw [staff] in the same office, who provided just as excellent of care as Dr. Rowan. I am extremely impressed with this office.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Extremely thorough, and came up with a plan to resolve an issue with the first appointment which worked out very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
I was seeing another doctor for the an ENT.issue that was top rated and my concerns were ignored. Dr. Rowan listened to me and worked with me to resolve my healt issuen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Top Doc, I've got 35 yrs plus dealing w/ top Otolaryngology Doctors, and this one is next best to [full name].
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Doctor is great. Highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Rowan explains things clearly. He is kind, funny and puts his patients at ease. I imagine him being very good with children.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Rowan is extremely personable and very friendly. He spends quality time with me and makes me feel that he truly cares. He doesn't make me feel like I'm just another patient that he has to see.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
The provider was very knowledgeable and very polite and interested in what I had to say.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
AwesomeUnbelievable surgeon
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr.Rowan listened to my concerns and provided excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Very knowledgeable and he has the best bed side manner that I ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
The overall experience was outstanding! Now having access to the practice Is reassuring!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/7/2026
Dr Rowan is a very caring, thorough doctor - he takes the time to explain things thoroughly, hence meaning your not rushed through your appointment which I truly appreciate - if you contact him with a concern he always responds in a very timely manner - he has a awesome personality and truly cares about his patients
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Dr. Rowan is amazing!!!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Doc provided reasonable options for resolving my issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Excellent visit with excellent provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
They are excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Both the NP and the doctor were very attentive, courteous and knowledgeable. They took their time getting and reviewing my info and explaining my condition and possible treatments. I was very pleased with both of these individuals.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Excellent and exceptional care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
The Dr and his Resident were both absolutely fantastic.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Dr rowan is a super star & a great doc. He listens & answers that is understood.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Extremely knowledgeable and fantastic bedside manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Dr. Rowan is amazing!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Dr. Rowan is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Dr. Rowan is one of the best providers I've ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Dr Rowan gave me new information, that will be very helpful in keeping myself healthy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
Always kind and funny and reassuring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Personable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Dr. Rowan is the best doctor, hands down, that I have ever experienced!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/26/2025
Dr.Rowan's care for my condition is EXCELLENT. The best provider have seen at Hopkins in awhile.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Excellant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/24/2025
Dr. Rowan is always very professional. He was very knowledgeable of my health issue from the very beginning and was right there to help assist me with my decision making. Dr. Rowan was answering my questions before I could even answer them. That shows me that he is an excellent doctor and I made the right choice in choosing him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr. Rowan is the gold standard.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Dr Rowan is wonderful. His thoughtfulness and expert guidance has made a profound improvement on my health and health related concerns . I am grateful to be in his practice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2025
My experience with JHU's ENT practice has been better than any medical experience anywhere.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr. Rowan is a very good ENT. Best of any I have seen.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr. Rowan was very comfortable to work with along with [staff].
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/5/2025
Dr. Rowan was very nice and answer the question to all of my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2025
Skilled, professional, charismatic, and sympathetic to my condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Dr. Rowan is very knowledgeable about my condition (loss of taste) and seems to be a leader in this field. He listens to my concerns and is helpful in giving advice, both as to what treatments are not worth my pursuing as well as those that might be.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
Dr Rowan the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Great guy and really friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Dr. Rowan is an outstanding surgeon and sinus doctor.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Very informative & thorough. Answered all our questions unhurriedly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/3/2025
I love Dr Rowan. I am grateful for his care and very happy my ENT referred me to him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2025
On time, prepared, clear about instructions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2025
VERY CARING AND VERY PERSONABLE
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
The best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Very understanding, funny, good listener
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
Doctor Rowan was awesome He and I believe her name was [staff] intern listened to my concerns and was very compassionate After dealing with my sinus issues for decades I left this appointment feeling the most confident Doctor Rowan will help resolve my issues I'm a difficult patient due to having factor five and he reassured me he can do the surgery I can't wait to have the procedure so my post nasal drip will hopefully stopVery confident in Doctor Rowan
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/15/2025
I am please with the interaction with the Dr .he was kind, knowledgeable and professional I am happy to be under his care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Dr. Rowan and his NP [staff] were kind, thoughtful and listened to my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/6/2025
Dr Rowan is in my opinion an excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2025
Dr Rowan might simply be the epitome of compassionate care and expert analysis. Also in the medical field, I feel that he has every single attribute of the most outstanding doctor care provider and health provider in terms of his patient, communication skills, professionalism, and understanding of details and willingness to engage with his patient. He's seen everyone in our family practically and we all cannot say enough good things about him. He is simply the best of the best, and we are grateful for his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2025
I had 4 visits with my previous providers, 3 cauterization and one visit with neurology for frequent nose bleed. None of them found the problem. Dr. Rowan found where it is coming from. He's really good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
Very kind and thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
Everything went really well. Rowan made me feel really relaxed and comfortable when he was examining my nose or whatever it was.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2025
Dr. Rowan and [staff] were both excellent. They asked questions and listened to me. Dr. Rowan explained what he saw after exam & what meds to take. Wants me to follow up in a month.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/16/2025
Satisfied
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Excellent service,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr Rowan always professional, understanding, shows compassion and never makes me feel rushed. Friendly to family and ensures any question they have are answered.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
[staff], and Dr. Nick Rowan were awesome.They were like visiting family and my sisters and I really felt at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Feel fortunate to be under his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
Caring and talented.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
Dr. Rowan was fantastic, very friendly, very gentle,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2025
Well knowledged on problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Dr. Rowan is determined to find the cause and then cure my cough and sinus infections.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Makes you feel comfortable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
One of the best providers I had ever met. We had been circling for the last one year and Dr Rowan and so quick in identifying the issue and gave the right direction. It was such a pleasant experience and so happy we ended up with the right Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Dr. Rowan always listens to me about any concerns I may have. I trust him very much, and has helped me so much. Highly recommend him!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr. Rowan was very personable and also very efficient. He explained In detail what he was going to do and readily answered my questions. (He also apologized for being late but explained that he had been in surgery that had taken longer than anticipated.)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr. Rowan was amazingly charismatic with an incredible bedside manner. He explained everything in detail about the clinical trial and procedures.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Highly recommend Dr Rowan to my colleagues at work !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Listened and tried to help me with my ongoing problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
He is very good doctor he talks time to lesson and gives advice Ilike that.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
He was very caring and provided excellent diagnosis and advice for my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/14/2025
Dr. Rowan is very knowledgeable and very pleasant person.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Everything went very well with visit and I felt at ease as everything was explained in a very concise manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
He was every helpful and left me know everything about what was next. Really nice man and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
Dr. Rowan is wonderful - caring, clear, great sense of humor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
Dr.Rowan, his PA, and his nurse were informative and affable. Dr. Rowan provided me with excellent advice and care. I am very impressed by the smooth, efficient, and congenial operations of his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
May be the best bedside manner for a surgical specialist I have ever encountered. (I practiced 39 years as a Family Physician)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
Dr Rowan was very competent, knowledgeable, patient and thorough in his evaluation. Very good advice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Excellent Doctor and friendly and explains everything to me and answers all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Dr.Rowan and [staff] were excellent, they explained and asked questions about what was occurring with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
A fantastic, knowledgeable, kind doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
Excellent confident competent well educated very interested in by my health
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
Excellent Experiance, very detailed examination and explanation
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
Dr Rowan is a fantastic doctor. He explained everything to me clearly, he is patient, he is exceptionally knowledgeable, works very well with the other healthcare providers, respectful, concerned about comorbidities and he is fun. I trust this doctor implicitly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2025
Dr.Nicholas Rowan was excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2025
He is easy to talk to. Is knowledgeable and professional