Dr. Skirko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology Ear, Nose, and Throat) and the Director of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology. He is also the Medical Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Banner – University Medicine Tucson. Dr Skirko is a skilled clinician with a passion for caring for children with complex craniofacial and aerodigestive disorders, particularly children with cleft liand/or cleft palate. Additionally, he provides broad clinical care and innovative treatments in advanced pediatric otolaryngology. Dr. Skirko works closely with patients/families allowing him to develoa deeand long-lasting relationship. Rest assured that he will hear your concerns and work closely with you to develothe best treatment plan. Dr. Skirko is a Surgeon-Scientist with funded research from several institutes. His research allows him to extend his impact in the lives of children with cleft liand cleft palate beyond those he can personally treat. One area of his clinical research focuses on developing outcomes measurements) that are important to families. He created a quality of life questionnaire for children with velopharyngeal insufficiency VPI) a cleft related speech problem. This instrument the VELO) is used by cleft centers across the country and has been translated into eight languages. He has awards and grants by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute PCORI) Both projects work to advance clinical research for young children with Pierre Robin Sequence PRS) a rare craniofacial abnormality. Caring for and researching the optimal care for children with cleft and craniofacial abnormalities is his passion. His expertise in cleft liand palate care and research resulted in being chosen as an editor for the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Journal. His work has resulted in numerous primary research articles, book chapters, national and international presentations, and awards in the field of Otolaryngology and Pediatric Facial Plastic Surgery.