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Dr. Mark Varvares, MD

Dr. Mark Varvares, MD

Ear, Nose, and Throat*
35+ years of experience

Dr. Mark Varvares, MD is a head & neck surgery otolaryngologist in Boston, MA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1986. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.8 Star Rating
Based on 22 reviews 4.8 Star Rating (22 reviews)

Practice

243 Charles St Boston, MA 02114
Telehealth available
(617) 523-7900

Dr. Varvares is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Ear, Nose, and Throat

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Varvares specializes in the areas of Otolaryngology & Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. • See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. • See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ • See hospitals
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Dr. Varvares' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Varvares

4.8
22 ratings, 11 with a written review
5 star
95%
95%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
5%
5%

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None better
Dr Varvares is a class act, generous with his time, patient and thorough in explaining the situation and what he recommends, and empathetic about how the diagnosis might make the patient feel. His demeanor confirmed in my mind that I am in the best of hands.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jake L – Jan 18, 2023
Hi Jake, thank you for your kind words and this... Read More
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Dr. Varvares is simply the best in the world
You never want to hear the word "cancer" - but, I did and was immediately referred to Dr. Varvares at Mass Eye and Ear. I wouldn't want to go through this journey with any other doctor. He and his staff are kind, empathetic and informative. He is a miracle worker with his surgical craft and ongoing care. I'm grateful to have him lead me through this unfortunate process. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JDG – Mar 05, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to recommend Dr.... Read More
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Dr. Varvares is at the top of every chart: his skill as a surgeon is of course a given, but in addition, he is thoughtful, deeply caring, and treats you as if you were the most important person in the world. He listens to your needs, about what's important to you in your life, he never rushes, his empathy just fills the room, he was extremely responsive and collaborative with another of my doctors in figuring out a particular medication they thought I should try - and in my book he's everything one could hope for in a doctor and as a human being.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 17, 2021
We are happy to read such a remarkable review for... Read More
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DR. Varvares listens and answers all your questions. You never feel rushed. He cares about his patients. When I needed to call his office with a question, he always responded within one or two days. I am very lucky to have Dr. Varvares as my physician.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mike A. – Dec 12, 2020
Hi Mike, your wonderful feedback and kind words... Read More
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Dr. Vavares is a true professional in all aspects of his field. An honest, compassionate, and attentive gentleman with a knack for personable communication, in a calm , confident demeanor. A great doctor and a first class person. Thank You so very much for your care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Paul B. – Oct 25, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to write a review,... Read More
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I have been a patient of Dr. Varvares for 18 years. In 2002, he performed a hemi-glossectomy, a procedure to replace half of my tongue with tissue and a vein from my forearm and skin grafts from my thigh. Since that 11 hour operation and 14 day stay in the hospital, I had been cancer free until July 2018, when Dr. Varvares found a new primary site cancer ~ throat cancer. He saved my life in 2002, but this time, the cancer was too extensive. I have trusted him without hesitation. He is a caring, warm professional who puts the needs of his patients first and for this, I will forever be indebted to him.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bryna Kaufman – Aug 25, 2020
Bryna, thank you so much for sharing your... Read More
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I’ve been seeing Dr. Vavares for almost 2 years now, through 2 surgeries related to throat cancer. This was a routine check up, but I always enjoy talking to him. He knows who you are and is always respectful and thorough. I trust him completely. I am serious when I say that he is my ideal of a clinician. If you are in need of a specialist in this area, you’ll be fortunate indeed if you get Dr. Vavares as your doctor. And the off is staff are friendly and professional.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Nancy Nienhuis – Aug 03, 2020
Hi Nancy Nienhuis, thank you so much for your... Read More
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Having trained under Dr. Varvares for 5 years, I can verify that he is the ultimate mentor for a head and neck cancer surgeon, an otolaryngologist, and any doctor in general. Not only does he possess the knowledge and technical skills of a bonafide master surgeon, but he is one of the most caring people I have ever met. I was lucky to have a chance to learn from him, and his patients should feel lucky to have Dr. Varvares as their doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 04, 2019
Thank you for your kind words and this wonderful... Read More
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I was told I didn’t have cancer after a growth was found in my neck after an MRI for a herniated disk. I knew my body and pushed for a second opinion and was then referred to are. Varvares. The second him and the team walked in the room I trusted 100% that they k re what they were doing. Surgery was perfect, I was complimented on my sutures by others in the medical field, and the follow up from him and staff has been amazing. I’d recommend Dr. V to any of my loved ones and am eternally grateful!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 20, 2019
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I will forever be grateful to Dr. Varvares for.saving my life. After being told nothing was wrong with me for 6 months because of no health insurance at other hospitals I finally found Dr. V He knew immediately it was cancer and did not blink an eye at my insurance issues. Stage 4 parotid cancer. 9 1/2 hour surgery. Called me personally to check on me. Even though he has moved and so have I he still is helping me get the best care available. All Dr's could learn something from him. He cares.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Billie Jo in Orange Park, FL – Oct 04, 2017
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Diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer in December of 2012 - operated on in January 13 - everything doctor told me came to be - miss him here in Saint Louis
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
John Kling in Saint Louis, MO – Dec 23, 2015
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Know Before You Go

About Me

care philosophy

Dr. Mark Varvares is a fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon at Mass. Eye and Ear. He offers surgery for head and neck cancer and thyroid/parathyroid masses.

  • Ear, Nose, and Throat

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Harvard Medical School

    Residency Hospital, 1991

  • Saint Louis University Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 1988

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1987

  • Saint Louis University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1986
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Otolaryngology
- 
Otolaryngology†
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery®
- 
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
†Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

Dr. Varvares is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Ear, Nose, and Throat

    Read our methodology

    Focus on Eczema

    Locations

    Practice

    Massachusetts Eye and Ear243 Charles St Boston, MA 02114
    1

    Practice

    Boston University Radiation Oncology Inc.830 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02118
    2

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Massachusetts General Hospital

      55 Fruit St
      Boston, MA 02114
      Recipient of 31
      hospital awards

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      90%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      6% higher than the national average

      86%
      Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

      21% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Brigham and Women's Hospital

      75 Francis St
      Boston, MA 02115
      Recipient of 31
      hospital awards

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      91%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      7% higher than the national average

      84%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      9% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback

    • Deaconess Hospital

      600 Mary St
      Evansville, IN 47710
      Recipient of 28
      hospital awards

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2024, 2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2023)

      Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      85%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      1% higher than the national average

      79%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      3% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality