Jayakar V. Nayak, MD, PhD

Head and neck surgeon, Rhinologist, Otolaryngologist, Ear, nose, and throat specialist


Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery

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Additional Languages Spoken:
Spanish

Biography


Dr. Jayakar V. Nayak is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Stanford Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. He was born and raised in New Jersey, and received his BA with a concentration in Neurosciences from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed his MD/PhD education (PhD in immunology), as well as residency in otolaryngology, at the University of Pittsburgh. After pursuing additional Fellowship training in Rhinology and Endoscopic Sinus/Skull Base Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, he was recruited to join the Stanford faculty in Fall 2009.

Dr. Nayak is an expert in congenital, acquired and genetic nasal and sinus disorders and in their treatment through medical and surgical alternatives. These include oral medicines, topical sprays and personalized use of medicinal compounds, as well as options that span micro-invasive, minimally invasive, external surgical approaches, and endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery where appropriate. He also serves as the chief of research in rhinology, and heads a basic science and translational research laboratory with three main areas of interest — i) nasal epithelial biology and stem cell regeneration in health and disease; ii) upper airway immunology dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and rhinosinusitis, as well as acute scenarios such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) exposure, and iii) empty nose syndrome and improving surgical procedures to optimize nasal breathing. The ultimate goal of his career is to identify ways to safely and effectively treat debilitating inflammatory and infectious sinus disorders, and improve the health and quality of life of his patients, who now hail from all around the world. Through his bench-to-bedside research, his team seeks to define the cellular and molecular determinants that lead to chronic nasal and sinus problems, in order to design more effective, targeted and affordable treatments. He also hopes to define the best methods to perform turbinate surgery to eliminate the possibility of empty nose syndrome, and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Nayak has received numerous honors including the Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Top Notch Award, the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Navy for significant contributions to the Navy or its members, and the Triological Society Career Development Award to support his research endeavors. He has received 5-year R01 grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well research funding from the CA Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and the Stanford SPARK program, He is a contributing author on over 110 peer-reviewed publications, serves as an invited reviewer for several medical and scientific journals, and has been invited to speak both nationally and internationally on numerous topics in modern rhinology practice, sinus and skull base surgery, and cutting edge research in rhinology.

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology (2010)
  • Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania (2009) PA
  • Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2008) PA
  • Internship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2004) PA
  • M.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, MD - General Medicine PhD - Immunology (2003)
  • Medical Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2003) PA
  • B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience (1992)

Honors & Awards
  • 2D and 3D Electron Microscopy Ultrastructure of Murine Nasal Cavity, Stanford Beckman Center Technology Innovation MiniGrant program (2012)
  • American Heart Association Medical Student Research Fellowship, U Californioa, San Diego (1996)
  • Baccalaureate with Honors, University of Pennsylvania (1992)
  • Bernhard A. Goldman Prize in Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh (2003)
  • Career Development Award - Basal cells in maintenance and regeneration of the nasal epithelium, Triological Society of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2012)
  • Co-Valedictorian, Woodbridge High School, New Jersey (1988)
  • CORE Schering Plough Resident Research Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh (2005)
  • Gold Foundation "Little Apple" Medical Student Teaching Award Finalist, University of Pittsburgh (2004)
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Student Research Fellowship, U California, San Diego (1995)
  • Human Mucosal Immune Responses to Influenza Virus: a Systems Biology Approach, NIH/Human Immunology Project Consortium (HIPC) (2012)
  • Immune Responses to Influenza Virus in Single Human Nasal Epithelial Cells, NIH/Cooperative Centers for Translational Research on Human Immunology and Biodefense (CCHI) (2012)
  • Influenza virus tropism for human nasal epithelial cells of the upper airway, Marion Avery Family Grant (2012)
  • M.D./Ph.D. Transfer Admission & Full Scholarship Award, University of Pittsburgh (1997)
  • National Finalist - Clinical Scientist Development Award, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (December 2014)
  • Stanley J. Sarnoff Endowment Medical Student Research Fellowship, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA (1994)

Administrative Appointments
  • Associate Professor, Stanford University Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (2010 - Present)
  • Co-Director, Rhinology Fellowship Training Program, Stanford Dept. of Otolaryngology (2011 - 2018)

Publications

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.


Practice Locations


Skull Base Surgery at 801 Welch Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Facial Pain Program at 801 Welch Road Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Smell and Taste Disorders Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Sinus Center in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Center of Excellence Stanford, CA
Stanford, CA

300 Pasteur Drive

Stanford , CA 94305

(650) 498-1764

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(96 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.8/5

View Ratings by Category

4.8/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.7/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.8/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.8/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
4.7/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
0.0/5
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Wait time at clinic (from arriving to leaving)

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

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Patient Reviews

(140 reviews)

Jayakar Nayak is amazing. Best doctor I've ever had.
Dr. Nyack is a very compassionate and well-informed Dr. He was in no hurry to end the call , spent plenty of time with me and listen to everything I said, and answered all of my concerns.
I think Dr Nayak is very knowledgeable and kind however the appts generally feel very rushed and the wait time is absolutely ridiculous
Dr Nayak is oustanding in every way: his SUPERLATIVE SKILL as a surgeon,great knowledge, care for the patient, making sure the patient gets all the information needed to make a recovery, and SUPERLATIVE skill as a surgeon
He heard my story and responded germanely.
Dr Nayak is very open and honest when communicating. I have had 2 surgeries and several in office procedures that have all had great outcomes
NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE STANFORD MEDICINE PRACTICE and I've seen a lot bcause of my health issues
Exceedingly knowledgeable, personable, thorough, and patient!
He is a very good doctor and surgeon.
Dr. Nayak is the best!
A very competent, caring and compassionate medical specialist!
Excellent doctor. He explains things very well, and takes time to answer any questions
Dr zNayak is a great doctor.
Excellent care and service
the overall visit was ok and Dr. Chang was good, as was the staff. Strange things happened with Dr. Nayak after my visit
Dr Nayak is an excellent physician. He listened to me and made sure he understood all my symptoms and my medical history. He explained in detail what he believed my issues are. He then worked with me to arrive at the best course of action.
Dr. Nayak attended to me with extreme care.
Dr Nayak. is a very caring and compassionate doctor. I have been very pleased with all of my visits and truly believe he is doing everything he can to help his patients feel better. I feel very comfortable in his care and would highly recommend him to anyone.
extremely professional and thorough
Very good care
Dr. Nayat is a wonderful doctor who answers all my questions and takes the time to explain the procedure he’s doing.
Everyone was great
Dr Nayak discovered a result from my blood test which had not been identified by other doctors which could provide a way forward to address my angiodema
I have 100% trust and confidence in Dr. Nayak and would highly recommend him to others.
He's one of the best in his field. And he's got a great personality
Very pleased with the level of care
Dr. Nayak is Is an extremely knowledgeable ENT specialist who shows his desire to help his patients to improve. He is very easy to talk with and I know I am in the hands of the best professional vailable.
Dr. Nayak spent a lot of time listening to my concerns and giving sound advice on how to manage ongoing symptoms.
Dr. Jayakar Nayak was very welcoming and very informative. 11 out of 10 and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
the doctor is nice and explain to me well
Dr. Nayak & his team were very thorough
Dr Nayak is a very caring doctor and exceptional surgeon.
Excellent
Foe my condition, Stanford is one of the only facilities in the US that I would use and recommend.
I absolutely love Dr. Nayak.
Was very pleased.
Very thorough, provided a lot of information, listened to what I had to say, explained everything well. Greatly appreciated his time to answer my questions and go over my scans. I learned so much and understand my situation.
Dr. Nayak is very professional and caring doctor.
I went to several ent doctors (over 12) and none of them had the expertise or manor of Dr. Nayak. He listened and fixed a problem that the others only rubber stamped a failed to diagnose much less understand!!!!!
Great doc! Very thorough, knowledgeable, and patient. Explained the surgery goals in detail. I can tell he’s quite compassionate. Added bonus he’s hilarious!
Dr. Nayak is outstanding in every way. He is struggling to solve my problem and help me.
Good overall he listen to everything I had to say. Explained to me what to expect in the coming weeks after surgery.
Pleasant, very informative. Explains everything well. Enjoy this dr. very much. Feel I'm in good care.
The dr. took time to explain test and guide me... my condition. Test were finally ran to teach my birthing, which has been a long term issue. After surgery for the first time in almost two years, I can breathe!
Dr. Nayak was great as always.
Jay was amazing, best I have ever had.
this was my first time seeing Dr Nayak I really liked him and his staff! extremely personable and easy to talk too! also included my husband who I had to face time in on appt because of Covid, this was extremely important to us since we discussed surgery, was very Happy with dr and his team!
Dr. Nayak is the best!! Excellent, caring amazing doctor that saved my life along with team. I live a good quality of life thanks to his care. He will forever be in my gratitude.
Dr. Nayak is always very attentive and spent more than enough time to answer any question I have.
The surgical procedure was more serious than I anticipated. Dr. Nayak explained the complex serious nature of my surgery. Excellent!
good
Excellent courtesy and care for my condition. Dr. took a great amt. of time to explain.
Dr. Nayak is a wonderful doctor/surgeon. He is kind and considerate and has the right amount of confidence in his profession. He's not arrogant. I appreciate that.
Dr. Nayak is great!
Dr. Nayak is the very best and has been a blessing to me.
Dr. Nayak presented the various treatments available.
Dr. Nayak was upbeat, professional, and thorough. Thank you!
Nayak is dope man
Dr. Nayak is providing me with excellent care.
I've been seeing Nayak for 10+ years. He is always a joy to see - knowledgeable, kind, and friendly to boot. He makes sure to listen to my concerns and makes decisions as a team. I would never see another ENT - a wonderful doctor.
Dr. Nayak is an exceptional professional.
Great - and found other medical problems I had. Best doctor ever.
Dr. Nayak was superb - Excellent information and detail. Helpful in understanding the surgical procedure.
Dr. Nayak is an exceptional communicator. Very thorough.
Again, I cannot speak highly enough about Dr. Nayak's efforts in regards to my case. Cumulatively, he has spent many hours with me trying to find the root cause of my issue, is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and shows true dedication to helping his patients.
Dr. Nayak is a tremendous asset to Stanford, and as an ENS patient/victim, I am grateful for his research on this syndrome. One of the best doctors I've met when it comes to... Syndrome.
Dr. Nayak is an exceptional communicator.
Dr. Nayak is amazing! He is very attentive and approachable, he also pay close attention to what I am saying.
Dr. Nayak is one of the best communicators of any doctor I've ever encountered.
Dr. Nayak was outstanding in all areas concerning my care. It is rare to find a care provider who talks to you like he has known you all his life and makes you feel at ease the entire time you spend with him. I had many experiences being at Stanford and dealing with the staff due to family illness and the staff is exceptional but Dr. Nayak is what I can only describe as being a cut above that if that is even possible!
So grateful to Dr Nayak and Stanford for doing such a great job.
Dr. Nayak excellent communicator.
excellent doctor
Excellent, great personality.
Dr. Nayak is a phenomenal surgeon (and funny man) who truly cares about reducing people's suffering
Dr. Nayak is EXCEPTIONAL! he is by far the best doctor I've ever had.
Dr. Nayak and his staff are both very skilled and very empathetic. The time the took to explain what's happening to me - together with their understanding of my concerns - set them apart from other doctors who weren't capable of participating in a comprehensive conversation about my concerns.
I liked this dr. a lot.
Dr. Nayak is an excellent Doctor and he and his staff were very nice, friendly, concerned about me, explained clearly any and all procedures. I can't thank them enough for all the help they gave me.
Dr. Nayak is the BEST!
All was excellent I give thanks to the Doctor Jayakar, for his patience & for their kindness. God protect him & give him knowledge for everything he is an excellent doctor.
Dr. Nayak is one of the best doctor I have ever had. He takes time to explain everything, listens, and is an excellent surgeon. A+.
Excellent.
I would like to see him since he seems to be the best doctor around. He seems to be the expert, Dr. Nayak. But I felt like a research subject. He was there teaching a PA and researcher and I totally felt like a case study for a professor lecturing 2 students with a guinea pig that is me Dr. Nayak sprayed my nose with some fluid hurriedly and there was too much that it made me choke continuously for a minute or two. I had to snort the thing out and gurgle 3 times.
Dr. Nayak is a true gem. He truly wants to help find a solution to health issues. Dedicated his limited time. Is very appreciated, as busy as he is, he makes time!
Dr. Nayak demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and interpersonal skills.
Dr. Nayak is a wonderful doctor & professional!
Doctor Nayak was very informative
Dr. Nayak is an incredible doctor. Not only he's a great surgeon but also a very caring and attentive person. I received all the important information, felt very confident about the surgery and frustrated Dr. Nayak.
I have always appreciated the expertise, professionalism, and caring regarding my care. They go out of their way to understand my concerns and listen to my issues. While there might be some delays getting in to see the doctor, I never feel like they are rushing to get done with me to move on to the next patient. Your doctors saved my life. I'm here today, because of the GREAT work everyone at Stanford Health Care provided me. Thank you.
the Team and Physician were great
Appreciated willingness to do biopsy immediately rather than waiting for return appointment.
Dr.Nyack was very helpful and concerned.
There was a problem with getting a special compound prescribed by Dr. Nayak. I did not receive the medication until 2 weeks after post-op. I don't blame the doctor I'm just upset about the delay.
Could not be any better!
Very much appreciated personal attention, time spent, making sure I understood etc.
Dr. Jayakar Nayak, like always, provided me the best possible care during my visit on 03/09/2018. Both his professional and people skills are amazing! I am being impressed and extremely satisfied.
Dr. Nayak is the best! He is so patient and thoughtful. He is a true problem solver and has a wonderful bedside manner.
Dr. Nayak is very thorough and gave me great personal attention.
As during my previous visits to the clinic, Dr. Jayakar Nayak and the Nurse Practitioner also extended me the highest level of professional care during this visit. Their people skills were also excellent!
I have found Dr. J. Nayak a very caring and efficient medical practitioner during all my consultations with him. Dr. Carol Tan was excellent, too.
Dr. Nayak is not only a fantastic doctor but equally the same as a person.............the best
Doctor & nurses were very kind & caring people. To tell you the truth my doctor was outstanding, great. I have never been around people that cared. I suffered for many year with my problem & would go to ER and they would dismiss me and never try to help. So SAD.
Everyone was extremely pleasant and professional and showed a lot of empathy for issue have.
Dr. Nayak is the only ENT who was able to figure out and treat my breathing problem.
Dr. Nayak is great; I know he is busy but he made time for me and my condition.
Dr Nayak cares alot about his patients and really spends the time to explain and help his patients. He even makes time right after a surgery to help do an injection. ive never seen a physician like him before. he is fantastic
Dr. Jayakar Nayak provided the best level of care of possible. His patient skills were excellent. He involve dme in every aspect of the care process.
Dr. Nayak was extremely thorough, stepped me through the CAT scan showing what he believes to be the problem. Resident (I presume) who did the workup didn't even introduce or identify herself. Not so good.
Good information about everything.
Dr Jayakar Nayak and Dr Andrew Thamboo who attended to me provided the very best of care that was possible.
Dr. Nayak has been very informative during my illness. He has explained my situation and choices of treatments thoroughly. Dr. Nayak's nurse practitioner has been so caring, and helpful. She is great and very personable.
Dr. Nayak is a great doctor and is able to diagnosis conditions when other physicians have failed.
I think Dr. Nayak is an awesome doctor!
V. good - Excellent -
Dr. Nayak had been contacted by my son, Dr. Josh Makowgr, Dr. Nayak offered several times & dates to see him, and was very careful not to exacerbate my problem.
Good.
Dr. Nayak is an excellent physician. He is an extremely knowledge able physician.
Dr. Nayak is one of the best doctors I've ever had.
Dr. Nayak is wonderful. He is sure to explain everything that he is doing and his plan for your care. He involves the patient and answers all of your questions. He is very personable and I would recommend him to anyone.
All exemplary!
Dr. Nagala arranged a special appt. time to accommodate my travel schedule.
Would like to discuss wholistic options if possible.
I really like Dr. Nayak and I trust his work. I would have appreciated more information about what I would most likely experience following survey.
Our whole family goes to Dr. Nayak! :-)
Personally I'd rather my provider use whatever words are appropriate. If I don't understand something I can ask follow-up questions or look up the terms later.
Dr. Nayak is wonderful! I will definitely continue with him.
Dr. Nayak is an exceptional professional and I have been very comfortable with his abilities and decisions related my conditions.
Excellent treatment.
I went in with doubts but I'm happy I have Dr Nayak & Dr Teo.
Dr. Nayak has been so helpful and caring through all my visits and surgery! He carefully listens and addresses all concerns clearly. From the very beginning I had so much faith in Dr. Nayak. My day-to-day life has improved tremendously after surgery. I truly feel lucky that I was able to be treated by someone as knowledgeable and experienced as him. I am forever thankful Dr. Nayak and Stanford Hospital.
good
Best doctor patient outcome I've ever had.
Top ENT doc!
Dr. Nayak is the best! Has fixed problems and made health better.
Doctor was A-1 - caring, helpful, kind informative.
Dr. N____ was an expert in his field and provided a solution immediately. (NP) was well train and prepared.
Everyone very attentive, caring, and helpful.
Best ever!!!
AWESOME -

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