Dr. Leigh J. Sowerby, MD, MHM, FRCSC is a nationally recognized academic otolaryngologist and the Division Chief of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He is an Associate Professor with cross-appointments in Otolaryngology, Clinical Neurological Sciences, Medicine (Allergy), and Ophthalmology. A graduate of the University of Calgary (MD, 2006) and the University of Western Ontario (FRCSC, 2011), Dr. Sowerby completed advanced fellowship training in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Alberta and holds a Master’s in Health Management from McMaster University.
Dr. Sowerby is the founding president of the Canadian Rhinologic Society and a leading Canadian expert in chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal obstruction, septorhinoplasty, olfaction, and anterior skull base surgery. He has served as principal or co-investigator on more than 10 phase III clinical trials and multiple federally funded research initiatives including CIHR, NIH, and CFI grants. His work focuses on therapeutic innovations, surgical outcomes, health economics, and care optimization. Dr. Sowerby is also known for his leadership in anosmia and parosmia awareness, frequently contributing to national media and patient advocacy initiatives during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. He has authored or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has brought two devices to market for treating rhinologic disease. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, he is a recognized innovator in surgical efficiency and outpatient care redesign, committed to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered otolaryngology care in Canada and internationally.