Considered one of the pioneers in head and neck microvascular surgery, Dr. Urken has also been responsible for numerous innovations in head and neck and thyroid surgery. His groundbreaking work in head and neck microsurgery has resulted in numerous improvements in the function and quality of life of patients treated for head and neck cancer. He has lectured in more than 20 different countries on topics related to head and neck cancer, head and neck reconstruction, and thyroid and parathyroid diseases.