About Me
I’m an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon with many clinical and research interests, including head oncology, swallowing disorders, salivary gland disorders, sialendoscopy, endoscopic sinus surgery, and endoscopic and open skull base surgery. I am a member of The Ohio State University’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, which I joined in 2011 as a tenured professor, as well as director of the Comprehensive Skull Base Surgery Program and co-director of the Anatomy Laboratory Toward Visuospatial Innovation in Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery (ALT-VISION), a research and education lab. I was also named to the Castle Connolly list of "America's Top Doctors" from 2014 to 2019.
In 2014, the OSUCCC – James received a five-year, $11 million Specialized Program of Research Excellence grant from the National Cancer Institute to study thyroid cancer. I am co-leading one of the projects being supported by the grant: a study that attempts to identify biomarkers of damage to salivary glands and find new ways of protecting them from damage they can incur during thyroid cancer treatment.
Being part of OSUCCC – James has been a highlight of my career because it represents the cutting edge of treatment and of research. New technologies help us get to tumors that used to be impossible to reach — especially ones in the skull base. They also allow our multidisciplinary teams to perform minimally invasive surgeries with much faster recovery times.
I have been a doctor for over 35 years and served in the Air Force Reserve for five as a major in the medical corps. I’ve published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, and edited, co-edited, or co-written more than a dozen medical books. I was raised in Puerto Rico and am bilingual in English and Spanish. I also have conversational skills in Portuguese and speak a little Italian and French.
Highlights
- Named to the Castle Connolly list of “America's Top Doctors”; "American's Top Doctors for Cancer"; "Regional Top Doctors"
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2017, 2018
- Best Doctor in America, 2017
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Laryngeal Cancers
- Lip Cancers
- Melanoma
- Otolaryngology
- Skin Cancers
- Oropharyngeal Cancers
- Mouth Cancers
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Skull Base Tumors
- Jaw Cancers
- Paraganglioma
- Pituitary Tumor
- Facial Cancers
- Bell Palsy
- Facial Nerve Diseases
- Facial Paralysis
- Goiter
- Graves Disease
- Jaw Diseases
- Mandibular Diseases
- Maxillary Diseases
- Maxillofacial Injuries
- Mouth Diseases
- Nasal Surgical Procedures
- Nose Diseases
- Nose Cancers
- Parathyroid Cancers
- Parathyroid Diseases
- Pharyngeal Diseases
- Pharyngeal Cancers
- Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
- Thyroid Cancer
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
8/8/1977 - 6/5/1981
Internship
Va Medical Center-San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
7/1/1981 - 6/30/1982
Fellowship
Eye and Ear Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
7/1/1989 - 6/30/1990
Board Certification
American Board of Otolaryngology
10/9/1987
Academic Information
My Department
Otolaryngology
My Division
Otolaryngology
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
174 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.8 out of 5
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Kept you informed about your condition and treatment
4.8 out of 5
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Amount of time spent with you
4.7 out of 5
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Concern for your questions and issues
4.9 out of 5
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Skill and knowledge
4.9 out of 5
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Overall quality of care
4.8 out of 5
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/29/2023, Dr. Carrau has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- North American Skull Base Society
Good
Excellent care
I'm confident in my doctor's and their care for my well-being
Dr. Carrau is the very best. I am blessed to have him as my surgeon.
Dr. Carrau and the entire staff has been exceptional during this whole 6+ years process for me. I have always felt that I was in the absolute best care facility with the best care providers!
Dr. Carrau is the best when it comes to caring, sharing options, and knowing what the problem is in the first place. He is straightforward and answers all questions.
Doc was good
Excellent experience. Dr Carrau is definitely one of a kind. Best doctor I've ever seen and the kind of person that excels in his field.
Doctor is great
Dr. Carrau is awesome, when I had surgery couple years ago, he got all the cancer during surgery.
I'm sure he's one of the best. His concern and compassion about the problem you be having is wonderful
I'm. Impressed
All very professional and knowledgeable
I can't say enough office things about Dr. Carrau. The VA referred me to him so knowing he is a Veteran as well was a nice surprise and put me at ease. As a suggestion, maybe military Veterans could have something on their ID or labcoat. It definitely is a conversation starter and allows others to thank them for their service.
Above and beyond in every aspect! No complaints.
Can't say enough. Everyone was fantastic. Whatever the mass is,I feel good that this is the place to take care of it
Extremely happy with provider and his staff. Always knows what is going on with me before he enters the room.
Dr Carrau is probably the friendliest most professional doctor I've ever seen. I also very much appreciate his surgical skills which provided an excellent outcome for me.
After speaking and seeing the Oncology Dr. And staff having our questions answered anxiety was lessened and was given a more positive outlook than received by hometown physicians. Great job by Dr. Carreau and staff that met with me and assisted in the swallow test and answering and addressing my concerns.
They spent enough time to answer our questions and explain procedures.
I didn't have many questions because I trust the doctor to make the best decision for my condition.
They are the best team of doctors anywhere! They have always been respectful and considerate of the emotional and physical stress of the situation. Need more doctors with their level of professionalism, skill and compassion in the world.
Staff was awesome!!
Dr. Carrau is the BEST doctor that I have dealt with as far as all my cancer issues. Takes the time to explain and listen to my concerns. Never had this experience in the past. Top notch doctor!
My doctor and his nurses, are Awesome
Dr carrau and Dr McColl are wonderful doctors.
The doctor discussed a future procedure and explained it as clear as possible
Dr. Carrau's staff is always caring and pleasant. He has a good team.
GOOD JOB.
Dr. Carrau is great!
Very good.
Dr. Carrau and his staff are fantastic and the main reason I travel to Columbus for tests/follow-up.
Dr. Ricardo L. Carrau and staff make me feel comfortable and welcome and make a good team as I travel from Zanesville, Ohio. Great job - Guys. Keep up the good work & good attitude. THANKS!
Dr. Carrau is extremely professional, knowledgeable and caring.
Everyone should concern & discussed everything so I was at ease.
Excellent care, I truly appreciate the opportunity to have access to talented physicians like Dr. Carrau.
Dr. Carrau & staff are wonderful.