Shelagh A. Cofer, M.D.

  1. Otolaryngologist

Departments

Specialty Groups

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Shelagh Cofer M.D. is a pediatric otolaryngologist with specialty interest in complex pediatric otolaryngology conditions and/or medically complex patients with common ORL problems. Her clinical focus includes:

  • Evaluation and management of fetal head and neck disorders
  • Care of children with congenital or acquired masses or tumors of the face, head and neck
  • Expertise in surgical management of children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate
  • Expertise in treatment of congenital or acquired velopharyngeal insufficiency in children and adults
  • Care and diagnosis of children with aerodigestive disorders, or problems breathing, feeding, and swallowing
  • Laryngotracheal reconstruction for a variety of conditions such as subglottic stenosis or vocal fold paralysis
  • Reconstruction of children's airways to achieve tracheal tube removal
  • Promoting each patient's understanding of disease and empowering patients and caregivers to become partners in managing their health

In addition to her clinical activities, Dr. Cofer is active in research and education, providing mentorship to residents and fellows. She authors expert content and publishes in high-impact scientific journals.

Dr. Cofer directs Mayo's Pediatric Otolaryngology Division, the Aerodigestive Clinic and the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Clinic

  1. Cleft lip
  2. Cleft palate
  3. Congenital anomaly of the larynx
  4. Congenital anomaly of the trachea
  5. Congenital craniofacial anomaly
  6. Congenital neck anomaly
  7. Head and neck cancer
  8. Laryngeal cleft
  9. Laryngeal papillomatosis
  10. Laryngeal trauma
  11. Sinusitis
  12. Subglottic stenosis
  13. Tracheal stenosis
  14. Tumors and masses
  15. Vascular malformation
  16. Velopharyngeal insufficiency
  17. Vocal cord paralysis
  1. Cleft lip repair
  2. Cleft palate repair
  3. CO-2 laser treatment
  4. Laryngotracheal reconstruction
  5. Otoplasty
  6. Phonosurgery
  7. Sinus surgery
  8. Velopharyngeal insufficiency surgery
  • Pediatric cleft lip and palate repair
  • Prominent ears correction
  • Velopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Fetal head and neck disorders
  • Pediatric head and neck masses and tumors
  • Juvenile nasal angiofibromas
  • Pediatric vascular and lymphatic malformations
  • Subglottic and tracheal stenosis
  • Pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction
Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota

  1. 2003
    Fellow - Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head & Neck SurgeryMinneapolis Children's Hospital, University of Minnesota
  2. 2002
    Resident - Otolaryngology - Head & Neck SurgeryUniversity of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago
  3. 1998
    InternshipDepartment of Surgery, University of Illinois Hospital
  4. 1997
    MDUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
  5. 1988
    BA - Biological Sciences with HonorsUniversity of Chicago

Certifications

  1. 2021
    Complex Pediatric OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  2. 2003
    Otolaryngology � Head & Neck SurgeryAmerican Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2019
    Alumni of the Year 2019University of Illinois at Chicago
  2. 2006
    Communication Services AwardVanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
  3. 2001
    First Place, Lederer-Pierce Resident Research Competition, Chicago; "Fibrin Sealant Application for the Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks"Chicago Laryngological and Otological Society
  4. 1998
    Warren H Cole Outstanding Surgery Student AwardUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
  5. 1997
    Edmund James ScholarUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
  6. 1997
    Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor SocietyAlpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  7. 1996
    Dean's Commendation for USMLE-I Score (96th Percentile)University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
  8. 1995
    P.E.O. Scholar AwardP.E.O. International
  9. 1994
    Dr. CM Craig Summer Research FellowUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
  10. 1988
    Richter Scholarship for Undergraduate ResearchUniversity of Chicago
  11. 1983
    LaVerne Noyes Full Tuition ScholarshipUniversity of Chicago

Professional memberships

  1. 2022 - present
    Task Force MemberMCFPS General Medicine/Surgery-ENT Task Force
  2. 2018 - present
    MemberAerodigestive Society
  3. 2015 - present
    Fellow MemberTriological Society
  4. 2015 - present
    Active MemberPediatric Surgical Interest Group, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
  5. 2012 - 2014
    PresidentMinnesota Academy of Otolaryngology
  6. 2010 - 2012
    President-ElectMinnesota Academy of Otolaryngology
  7. 2010 - present
    Committee MemberAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  8. 2010 - 2019
    MemberSurgical Quality Subcommittee, Mayo Clinic Rochester Surgical Committee, Mayo Clinic Rochester Committees
  9. 2009 - present
    MemberResearch Committe, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
  10. 2009 - present
    MemberAmerican Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology
  11. 2008 - 2018
    Board MemberMinnesota Academy of Otolaryngology
  12. 2008 - present
    Patient Education LiasonDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology
  13. 2006 - present
    MemberAmerican Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
  14. 2004 - present
    FellowAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  15. 1997 - present
    MemberAlpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  16.  
    MemberAmerican Academy of Pediatrics