Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout William Tierney
Biography
Dr. Tierney graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 2008 and completed a graduate degree in Applied Human Anatomy at Case Western Reserve University in 2011. During his graduate education he discovered a passion for head and neck anatomy and decided to pursue a career in Head and Neck Surgery. He completed his medical education at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and completed a second graduate degree in Clinical Research Science concurrently with his MD. He completed his residency training at the Cleveland Clinic. After residency he completed a Fellowship at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Laryngology and Care for the Professional Voice.
His interests within Laryngology includes the full range of voice, airway, and oropharyngeal swallowing disorders. He is specially qualified in the management and treatment of professional voice users, the medical and surgical treatment of vocal fold lesions such as polyps and nodules, management of early laryngeal cancers and recurrent papilloma, diagnosis and management of neurolaryngeal disorders such as spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor, the evaluation and treatment of post-intubation airway injury, medical and procedural management of refractory chronic cough, evaluation and treatment of oropharyngeal swallowing disorders, and open and endoscopic management of airway stenosis (laryngeal stenosis, bilateral vocal fold paralysis, post-intubation stenosis, high tracheal stenosis).
He is a dedicated clinical researcher and has participated in national studies of idiopathic subglottic stenosis, airway reconstructive techniques, and oropharyngeal surgical outcomes. He completed a graduate thesis evaluating the relative risks of office laryngeal procedures. His ongoing research focuses include airway reconstruction, quality improvement in tracheostomy care, risk minimization during intensive care, and acute laryngeal injury.
Listen to Dr. Tierney on our Head and Neck Innovations podcast - Speaking Clearer: Updates on Vocal Cord Paralysis Treatment
Locations
- Westlake Medical Campus Building A
- 850 Columbia Road, Westlake, OH 44145
- Get Directions
- A Building - Crile Building
- 2049 East 100th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106
- Get Directions
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Vanderbilt University, 2022
- Residency: Cleveland Clinic, 2021
- Graduate School: Case Western Reserve University - School of Graduate Studies, 2016
- Medical Education: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 2016
- Graduate School: Case Western Reserve University - School of Graduate Studies, 2011
- Undergraduate: UC Berkeley, 2008
Board Certifications
- Head and Neck Surgery: American Board of Otolaryngology, 2023
Innovations & Patents
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2026-01-04, Dr. Tierney has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
Insurances Accepted
Video
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
246 ratings, 41 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/7/2026
Can''t say enough about Dr. Tierney and his staff! Excellent care in every way!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/7/2026
Dr. Tierney has been a blessing . Diagnosed my condition, treated it and followed up st appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/30/2026
Dr. Tierney is an excellent doctor. He is a knowledgeable physician. He listens and answers questions. He wants his patients to get better.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/16/2026
The doctor spent over 40 minutes with meWho does that ????
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/16/2026
All amazing and especially Dr. Tiermey
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr. TIERNEY IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Very pleased with doctor's attention to my needs, and his expertise
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/6/2026
Dr listened to any of my questions and answered everything. Explained what was going to happen very clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Dr. Tierney took the time to not only gather information but run test to determine what has been an ongoing issue for three months
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
This doctor was more than understanding and a huge help to everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Dr, Tierney is absolutely amazing! I could not ask for a better doctor/person to treat me!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/22/2025
Dr Tierney is the greatest doctor. He's very courteous friendly and professional. He is at the top of his game. A great person as well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Dr. Tierney is a very good listener, and works well as a team with his staff and patient. Personable, good natured, and very bright and informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
I was very impressed by Dr. Tierney. He was warm, friendly, listened carefully, and explained his diagnosis and plan of treatment very clearly. I always greatly appreciate when a doctor asks if I have any questions about anything. This, Dr. Tierney also did.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Dr. William tierney is a wonderful and caring doctor~
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Probably the best doctor I've ever seen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
I love that Dr. T spends quality time with me. I also appreciate that he wants to try therapy before invasive procedures.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
I feel fortunate to have a doctor that understands
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr. Tierney was excellent! He did a thorough exam, explained the procedure thoroughly, checked for my understanding & performed the procedure in the most painless way possible. When I had a bad reaction that required emergency assistance, Dr Tierney recognized the situation & wasted no time requesting an emergency response team. He was very professional & reassuring the entire time. The reaction was in no way a reflection on Dr. Tierney's skills. OkI'm grateful I was in Dr Tierney's capable care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Dr Tierney was very professional but also very social.Felt very relaxed with him and well informed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
The doctor was an excellent and thorough listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr Tierney was so personable and informational. He worked with Dr Prendes for me to be seen today. I appreciate both doctors!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
Dr.Tierney was very kind, patient , he took time to explain everything to me. He's awesome!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2025
Dr Tierney and staff are wonderful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr Tierney is such a compassionate caring doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr. Tierney is GREAT!He has helped me so much with my vocal cord and neck muscle issues. The entire team is superb!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr Tierney was wonderful. Explained everything well and a very caring doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Dr. Tierney is always kind and really listens to my concerns! He explained everything to me and never rushes through the appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Dr Tierney was kind, understanding and listened to my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Dr Tierney was outstanding. Took a lot of time during my visit to understand my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
I would recommend Dr Tierney to anyone who needs an ENT doctor!He is the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr. Tierney listens to my concerns and explains all the options in a manner that is easy to understand. He answered all my questions and he is always very responsive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2025
Dr. Tierney has provided me with excellent care. I recommend him to anyone in need of his specialty.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2025
Dr.Tierney has an excellent bedside manner! He is great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
Doctor Tierney is a phenomenal doctor and goes above and beyond in helping you with your needs. Explains everything and you feel fully understood when there. I am very fortunate to have him as my doctor with this rare condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
I was impressed with the depth Dr Tierney plans to investigate All prior scans and doctors notes before his prognosis. He was such a gentleman
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Dr Tierney and his team were AWESOME at getting me in when I needed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Doctors Tierney and Agarwal showed a mastery of their craft that made me feel like I'm getting cutting-edge care, without being out-of-touch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Dr.Tierney was good at explaining my condition in terms I could understand and in my options going forward.He did not rush the appointment and I feel very confident in him with my treatment going forward!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2025
Enjoyed my time with Dr. Tinnery! Very informative, kind and knowledgeable.