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Thomas Gallagher, DO

Education

Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Fellowship: Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary

Certification

American Board of Otolaryngology

Personal Statement

I have spent the better part of 14 years training and practicing in the Hampton Roads area caring for active duty military members, their families and retirees. My focus since 2011 has been pediatric ENT. CHKD offers me the opportunity to continue serving the children in the place we now call home at an institution that provides world-class pediatric care.

Bio

EVMS Otolaryngology

Dr. Gallagher is an associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and belongs to several professional societies including the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

He is an associate editor (pediatric otolaryngology) of the journal for the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and has been active in the editorial process of the journal since 2012. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

Dr. Gallagher is a third-generation educator and is passionate about graduate medical education. His enthusiasm for teaching otolaryngology and mentorship infuses his practice and provides quality, evidence-based care for his patients. This care includes an excellent bedside manner and taking the time to listen to the concerns of his patients and their parents.

He and his wife “Bug” are native New Yorkers and have two daughters. After 25 years, Dr. Gallagher retired from the Navy in 2022 achieving the rank of Captain. He spends his spare time enjoying the waters around the Chesapeake Bay, exploring the Eastern Shore, fitness, and spending time with his family.

Additional Information

Clinical Interests

  • Aerodigestive medicine: Pediatric airway, swallowing, and voice disorders (i.e. chronic cough, congenital and acquired airway stenosis, aspiration)
  • Velopharyngeal insufficiency (i.e. hypernasal speech)
  • Pediatric neck masses
  • Chronic sinusitis (including children with cystic fibrosis)
  • General pediatric ear, nose and throat disorders

Research Areas

  • Obstructive sleep disorders
  • Aerodigestive disorders

Honors & Awards

  • Gary Schechter, MD Faculty Teaching Award - Department of Otolaryngology, EVMS (2024)
  • Virginia Business Magazine "Top Doc" (2024, 2025)
  • Coastal Virginia Magazine "Top Docs" (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • Honor Award, American Academy of Otolaryngology (2022)
  • Navy Meritorious Service Medal (2019)
  • Star reviewer – Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (Five consecutive star awards 2013 -2018)
  • First Prize, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Charles F. Ferguson Clinical Research Award (2018)
  • Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Department of Otolaryngology Teacher of the year – (2012, 2016, 2017)
  • Associate Master Clinician, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA (2015)
  • Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2004, 2010)
  • Resident Academic Achievement Award, Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA (2007-2008, 2008-2009) 

Memberships

  • Tidewater Otolaryngology Society
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (Fellow)
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
  • Virginia Society of Otolaryngology (Board member)
  • Aerodigestive Society (Board member)
  • Society of Ear, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children (SENTAC)
  • Operation Airway, surgical team member
  • American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO)

Community Involvement

  • Officer of Elections, City of Norfolk
  • Larchmont Elementary PTA member and W.A.T.C.H. Dog member

Publications

Dr. Gallagher’s published research can be viewed  at PubMed

Refer to EVMS Ear, Nose and Throat

Our team provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for ear, nose, throat, face and neck disorders for patients from birth through 21 years of age. We also provide audiology services, such as newborn hearing screening, hearing impairment management, and cochlear implants.

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Exceptional Surgical Care

Level I Children's Surgery Center

Safety guides every surgical decision from start to finish at CHKD. That’s one reason why the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has repeatedly granted CHKD the highest level of certification for pediatric surgical care.