From Puyallup to Ph.D.-M.D.
Forged in research, rooted in care: How Ryan Carlson became a physician-scientist
After 13 years and three degrees, Ryan Carlson’s time at the University of Washington has drawn to a close — concluding the journey has defined not just his career path, but also his sense of purpose. Over that thirteen-year span, Ryan has earned a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and biochemistry, a Ph.D. in genome sciences, and has recently completed his M.D. The combined M.D. – Ph.D. is one of the most demanding and rare academic journeys in medicine, a path pursued by fewer than 3% of medical students nationwide according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
From Campus Curiosity to Global Impact
A Puyallup native whose UW roots run as deep as his dedication to science, Carlson has spent over a decade pursuing an ambitious path in medicine and genetics, becoming both a physician and a researcher.
As an undergraduate, Carlson majored in neuroscience and quickly found a home in lab work. He pivoted to genetics after a series of electives sparked new interest — and that shift would ultimately define his academic trajectory. As a Ph.D. student, Carlson found himself in the lab of world-renowned UW geneticist Mary-Claire King whose lab aims to better understand the genetic predispositions to diseases like schizophrenia and cancer. King however gave Carlson the opportunity to be at the forefront of the lab’s research into another topic, studying both the genetic causes of hearing disorders and their implications for real-world treatment.
“I could have been one piece of the larger cancer research team,” he said, “but Mary-Claire gave me the chance to lead the hearing loss portion — and that was incredibly motivating.”
That work would take him far beyond the lab bench. Carlson traveled internationally to offer genetic testing to families in the Middle East, contributing to research that could one day lead to more targeted therapies for pediatric hearing loss — the most common sensory disorder among newborns.
“I think most people associate hearing loss with aging,” he said. “But pediatric hearing loss affects about 1 in 1,000 babies. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. I wanted to be someone who not only studies this but treats it.”
Blending Research With Real Lives
Carlson’s Ph.D. was atypically clinical, involving direct interaction with patients and families. It’s a model he wants to pursue: a physician-scientist who bridges the gap between bench science and bedside care.
“Being able to both understand the science and talk with people about what it means — that’s the most fulfilling part,” he said.
The dual roles weren’t always easy to balance. But Carlson credits UW’s MD/PhD program — and the community around it — with helping him grow in both skillsets. He still remembers the day he defended his dissertation as one of the most meaningful of his life.
“You’re standing in front of your friends, family, colleagues — people who’ve been wondering what you’ve been working on for years — and you get to share it,” he said. “That was really powerful.”
A Husky Legacy
Carlson’s ties to the UW run in the family. His father, an industrial engineering graduate, lived in the same residence hall (Terry Hall) that Ryan would eventually call home. “Dad said It hadn’t changed much in 20 years,” he laughed. “But it felt right.”
Even as his degrees piled up, Carlson still made time for Husky traditions — including a celebratory fountain jump near the end of his undergraduate years. “We were lucky — they had just cleaned it,” he said.
Carlson is preparing for his next chapter — a residency in otolaryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston.
“I think this is a good time to branch out a little bit,” Carlson said. “But UW will always be a huge part of my life.”
He’s quick to point out that what meant the most during his time at the UW wasn’t just the degrees or research milestones, but the relationships. His roommates from his undergrad years remain Carlson’s closest friends even to this day. During those same undergraduate years, Ryan started seeing his long-time partner, Nicole Mattson— and together, they completed medical school at the UW. Mattson just completed her residency at the UW as an ophthalmologist. Carlson proposed on June 1, a storybook ending to wrap up his time as a Husky.
“UW gave me so much — professionally and personally,” he said. “It’s hard to leave.”
As he prepares for the move to Boston, Carlson’s planning for his next thirteen years. He plans to run his own research lab, teach, and help advance new therapies for hearing loss. And there’s a good chance that could be right back here in Washington state.
“I’d love to come back to Seattle someday,” he said. “I don’t think you can take UW out of me.”
