Biography


Dr. Jackler was raised in Waterville, Maine, attended college and medical school in Boston, and moved west to the University of California, San Francisco for residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (1979-84). After completing a Neurotology fellowship at the House Ear Clinic (1985), Dr. Jackler joined the faculty at UCSF where he remained until 2003 when he was appointed the Sewall Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and professor in the departments of Neurosurgery and Surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine. During his 18 years as Chair the faculty grew from 6 to 53, residents/fellows from 14 to 35, and basic and translational research greatly expanded. In both 2023 and 2024, Stanford OHNS was ranked #1 on US News.

Prior to his retirement from clinical practice in 2024, Dr. Jackler served as otologist-neurotologist specializing in complex ear diseases with a special interest in tumors of the lateral and posterior cranial base. He has contributed numerous analytical papers derived from his microsurgical series. A longstanding collaboration with medical illustrator Chris Gralapp has produced @3000 original illustrations of ear and cranial base surgery. For over 3 decades Dr. Jackler offered a fellowship program in neurotology & skull base surgery which trained many academic leaders in the field.

Dr. Jackler has authored 200+ peer reviewed papers, 40+ chapters, numerous editorials, published four books Neurotology (1994, 2004, planned 3’rd edition 2025), Atlas of Neurotology & Skull Base Surgery (1996, 2008), Tumors of the Ear and Temporal Bone (2000), and Ear Surgery Illustrated (2019). Along with Professor Stefan Heller, Dr. Jackler created the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss whose mission is to create biological cures for major forms of inner ear hearing loss through a research effort that is sustained, large-scale, multidisciplinary, focused, goal–oriented, and transformational. He is past president of the American Neurotology Society, editor-in chief emeritus of the journal Otology & Neurotology, and is an honorary member of the Royal College of Surgeons in both London and Edinburgh.

In 2006, Dr. Jackler founded the interdisciplinary research group Stanford Research Into The Impact of Tobacco Advertising which conducts research into the promotional activities of the tobacco industry. SRITA has collected >62,000 original tobacco advertisements which now reside in the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution. SRITA maintains an extensive online digital collection of tobacco advertisements for use by scholars (tobacco.stanford.edu) which has had over 1.1 million unique users from around the world.

Among other accomplishments, SRITA research was instrumental in exposing the promotional activities which underlay JUUL’s viral popularity among teens. Current SRITA research is focused upon emerging tobacco products such as IQOS, Puff Bar, Elf Bar, and recreational oral nicotine products with a special emphasis upon how these new devices are marketed to adolescents via use of social media and influencers. Following retirement from his clinical practice and leadership roles, Dr. Jackler’s primary career focus is research into the advertising practices of the tobacco industry with studies designed to provide the analysis needed by regulators and legislators to inform policy decisions.

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Residency: University of California San Francisco (1984) CA
  • Internship: University of California San Francisco (1980) CA
  • Medical Education: Boston University School of Medicine (1979) MA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology, Neurotology (2004)
  • Fellowship: House Ear Institute (1985) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology (1984)
  • MD, Boston Univ School of Medicine, Medicine (1979)

Honors & Awards
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Boston University (2015)
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Boston University School of Medicine (2014)
  • Distinguished Service Award, American Academiy of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery (1999)
  • Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) (2005)
  • Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons (London) (2012)
  • Honorary Member, French Society of ENT (1996)

Administrative Appointments
  • Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education, School of Medicine (2007 - 2011)
  • Stanford OHNS Departmental Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (2003 - 2021)

Publications

Specializing In

Practice Locations


Skull Base Program Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

2452 Watson Court, Suite 1700

Palo Alto , CA 94303

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Ear Institute Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

2452 Watson Court, Suite 1700

Palo Alto , CA 94303

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(58 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

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4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.8/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
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
4.9/5
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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

(121 reviews)

Dr. Jackler, answered all my questions and concerns and provide me with some very important information. I look forward to having him on the team for my surgery.
Very pleased with Doctor Jackler. Would recomend him to any one with a hearing problem.
Got my answers! Thanks Dr Jackler
Dr Jackler is very personable and easy to talk to. He took his time answering my questions and made sure I had no further questions or concerns.
De Jackler and his assistant were very good
The staff and doctors are all very nice, making a stressful situation more palatable.
very professional
Dr Jackler has been my physician for 30 years- I trust him and value his care and expertise immensely.
Dr. Jackler and Ondine were wonderful, as usual.
I would like to thank Dr. Moore for her thorough review of the history and symptoms of my condition. Dr. Jackler has been my doctor at Stanford, and I have great respect for him. He has always made me feel like my health issue is of utmost importance. I truly appreciate both Dr. Jackler and Dr. Moore.
Dr. Jackler and Dr. Moore are exceptional. They took the time to explain my diagnosis in detail and answer any questions that we had. They were very patient and professional. I would highly recommend these providers to others.
Excellent care
Great Dr, and his team is very helpful, and fun too.
i love dr. jackler!
He was great and did an excellent job. The best!
Absolutely exceptional!
Parking great, ontime appointment. Great Dr. What more could you want ? An ice cream cone as a reward for good behaviour ? (now that's an idea)
Fabulous doctor and extremely knowledgeable. He relates to me and my family members with great concern and sensitivity.
Dr jackler is the best dr I have ever been seen by
Dr Jackler is the best. We are very lucky to have had his expertise on our Stanford faculty these many years. He will be missed
Excellent doctors in all respects!
Good care and attention by this provider and team
Always professional!
Rob Jackler is a caring and conscientious professional.
Dr . Jackler really cares about my care
He’s the best. Patient, listens so well.
Dr. Jackler is an outstanding ear surgeon and a great person I am lucky to have him as my doctor
Very friendly and warm. I always feel very pleasant after visit.
Dr Robert Jackler is exemplary a topnotch physician and surgeon. I have 100% trust in him. I am glad thst I have him as my physician with my medical condition. To God be the glory.
After this visit, I just feel that I am so fortunate to live in the Bay Area near this world class hospital.
The best doctor!
I would and have recommend Dr. Jackler, he is a great person and Doctor. His staff is also great and kind from the Nurses to the Fellows.
Dr. Jackler is very knowledgeable and has great bedside manner.
Good.
Dr. Jackler is tops in his field, but the communication at the hospital itself negates my views on him.
I have had a rough road and Dr Jacklar has been there for me throughout the whole time. This clinic is wonderful
I'm very satisfied with the treatment I'm receiving from Dr. Jackler and his staff but would like to have been given updates about the status of the delayed appointment.
Dr. Jackler is a very warm person.
Dr. Jackler is always amazing...love him.
I could not ask any more from my care provider. Dr. Jacklar has been with me every step of the way. I am very little lucky to have him navigate this difficult journey for me.
very good doctor
Dr. Jackier was kind, thorough, thoughtful & considerate, I really appreciate it.
Dr. Jackler and his PA are amazing. They are very pleasant to work with.
It was obvious by his knowledge of my responses to his intern, that Dr. Jackler had reviewed my record before he saw me. he was professional while being PERSONAL - perfect for me. I totally TRUST him. (He took his time while being efficient. I appreciated that.)
Excellent.
He is the best of the best! I am so fortunate to have such an exceptional doctor.
This was probably the best doctor/patient appt. I have ever had.
Dr. Jackler is a great doctor & a fine man!
Dr Jackler is excellent on all counts.
All round excellent experience.
My provider was excellent in giving information about my condition. The time he took to talk to me was excellent, did not feel rushed.
Excellent all around. The residents were particularly attentive & courteous.
It is always such a positive experience seeing Dr. Jackler. He is very knowledgeable, kind, and empathetic. Always takes the time to answer my questions thoroughly.
Dr. Jackler is extraordinarily professional, concerned, kind, & knowledgeable.
Dr. Jackler is one of care and very excellent care providers who is an expert in his field with exceptional communication skills and bedside manner. We need more Dr. Jacklers!
Dr. Jackler is the best!!! I drive from Santa Rosa just to see him.
the providers are the best
I felt Dr. Jackler showed care & concern to support me and introduce me to Cyber Knife Department.
Charming, finny & yet professional. Fantastic!
Dr. Jackler was fantastic. He gave me a great deal of time and was extremely patient w/me.
I have been a pt. of Dr. Jackler since 2012, due to complications, I still feel the need to see him - As a RN in health care I am aware of the extra time & effort he takes with me. Time that it is very precious. I just want to say thank-you to everyone.
Without a doubt, Dr. Jackler was the most helpful surgeon and specialist I have known to date. Dr. Jackler: The BEST PROVIDER with the most comprehensive knowledge. Extremely focused and caring.
Dr. Jackler was amazing in explaining everything. I also enjoyed Dr. Jackler's interaction with the residents. He is also good teacher.
Love Dr. Jackler. He has been my go to MD, rather than neuro. He has a great bed-side manner, is truly concerned about the pt.
I am out of town patient and I appreciate very much for immediate accommodation between MRI to Dr. Jackler, MRI made sure results immediate available for Dr. Jackler the following day, very much appreciated.
Jackler is an extremely competent doctor. He is most kind and caring as well.
Relieved anxiety and gave me confidence! I am not alone and I have an excellent medical team! Thank you!
An excellent doctor with excellent communications.
Dr. Jackler is amazing, intelligent, caring, the top/best provider I have had in my lifetime.
Dr. Jackler & his resident Jason were outstanding.
Dr. Jackler is the best! Anyone would be lucky to get him as your doctor.
Dr. Jackler is very kind & has/shows a genuine interest in me as an individual patient.
The doc that was there (with Jackler) (lady doc) was great! So kind & caring! Dr. Jackler is such a GREAT TEACHER, any one who's learned under him is so lucky! Let alone his lucky patients like me!
Very professional.
I always receive exceptional care!
I know that I receive the best of the best expert care with Dr. Jackler for he is the best of the best. Standford is most fortunate to have him. He is kind, caring, competent, skillful and an excellent teacher. Those who learn under him are most blessed.
Dr. Jackler has been wonderful!
Good.
Excellent team of medical professionals!
Both of the Doctors that I saw were terrific!
Very professional and courteous.
I did not feel good after my first appointment to receive the recommendation of an MRI are year from now. My symptoms are severe & I reached out to get a second opinion.
Dr. Jackler is top notch. He took the time to explain my condition in great detail, with pictures etc. He evaluated me thoroughly, and suggested steps forward. Excellent experience. Would recommend him to anyone in my situation.
Dr Jackler and his staff were exceptional. Dr Jackler explained everything very clearly and his empathic and caring approach did much to set my mind at ease, if only all medical professions were this exceptional!
Given conflicting instructions on notes for ear drops vs notes on packaging.
Dr. Jackler is a wonderful physician in all regards. One of the best I've ever met.
Excellent.
The best! DR. Jackler is exceptional! Consider myself in the VERY BEST care!
Am very pleased by the care and concern provided by the doctor and his assistant.
Dr. Jackler is always so friendly & understanding.
Dr. Jackler is personable & professional.
Dr. Jackler is always there for me. This has been a rough road.
Dr. Jackler is an exemplary professional. Very attentive, very knowledgeable, understanding and kind.
Dr. Jackler was fantastic. I am grateful he has been willing to take me on as a patient! I have great confidence in him.
Dr. very attentive & sympathetic to my problems.
Simply "the best" grateful to Dr.'s care!
Dr. Jackler, resident doctors and nurses are all knowledgeable & skilled with my ear problem & facial paralysis I get the best at Stanford with Dr. Jackler and staff.
Dr. Jackler has been wonderful on these metrics. I have really appreciated the time he has spent with me explaining my issue and the potential solutions. This has been the one of the very best experiences I have ever had with a doctor and their offices. I can't say enough great things about my experience so far.
Dr. Jackler is one of the best known specialists in the world in his area. He's likely brilliant; perhaps that's why he at times appears impatient with questions he thinks he's already addressed. Overall I may need to ask about something again--usually just to clarify. I hope for tolerance but one way or or the other, I feel quite lucky to have had Dr. Jackler handle the treatment of my acoustic neuroma
Everything seemed a little rushed and we were wanting more answers about my diagnosis and surgery.
Excellent.
All were good
I had the best experience with Dr. Jackler. He has made references & coordinated my treatment with other physicians & surgeons.
My experience with Dr. Jackler & residents - doctors, nurses, office staff have been very good.
They do not get any better than Doctor Jackler.
Dr. Jackler is SPECTACULAR!
Dr. Jackler, Robert K. MD saved my life. I like my care provider - the best doctor in the world.
My visit was an excellent one. I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Jackler. He is extremely competent, compassionate and always very courteous.
Excellent.
I am grateful to have such an outstanding doctor & staff!!
Very patient and thorough with his explanations & answered all questions I had.
Dr. Jackler is knowledgeable about my needs and also has a good sense of humor and friendliness.
Always the best with Jackler.
Dr. Jackler & his staff have excellent "bedside manners."
Dr. Jackler helped me understand my disease and get a sense of control over it. I thought I was going to be disabled by my disease but he gave me confidence that treatment exists to help me control it.
Best I've had.
Superb clinic visit.
Dr. Jackler is the BEST MD (ENT DR.) I have ever met. I highly recommend him.
Physician spent an exceptional amount of time with me. Was referred to him by my personal physician.
Great people skills shown by all staff.
Good: Printed materials to take home.

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