MBChB, FRCS (ORL-HNS), PhD
27 years of experience
Edinburgh, EH22 1FE
16 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Dr. James Robertson, Mr Samuel Mackenzie and 3 other professionals
27 years of experience
Edinburgh, EH22 1FE
16 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Dr. James Robertson, Mr Samuel Mackenzie and 3 other professionals
Areas of expertise
Contact
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I am an ENT surgeon who trained in Scotland, London and New York. I now live and work in Edinburgh and patients with all ENT and head and neck conditions.
When you are experiencing a worrying symptom like a neck lump, a throat issue, or a change in your voice, what you need above all else is rapid clarity and absolute reassurance. As the Clinical Lead for ENT Surgery in Edinburgh, my practice is built entirely around providing a warm, educational, and deeply reassuring environment. I believe that a patient who truly understands their condition is a patient who feels empowered. In my clinic, you will never be rushed, and you will leave with a clear, step-by-step roadmap for your recovery.
To ensure you get answers quickly, my practice at Spire provides seamless, rapid access to a full suite of cutting-edge diagnostics, including on-site ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and comprehensive audiograms.
**A Pioneering, Minimally Invasive Surgical Ethos**
My clinical philosophy is rooted in preserving your natural anatomy wherever possible through advanced, minimally invasive techniques. I am recognized as a national leader in two highly specialized areas:
* **Advanced Parotid Surgery:** I am currently the only fellowship-trained ENT surgeon in the region offering *extracapsular dissection* for parotid gland tumors—a highly precise, minimally invasive technique featured by the BBC for its ability to protect facial nerves and accelerate recovery.
* **Conservative Thyroid Cancer Management:** I am at the forefront of a modern, conservative approach to thyroid cancer, prioritizing close, meticulous surveillance and targeted treatments over unnecessary, aggressive major surgeries.
**Academic Authority & Trusted Care**
My commitment to the future of ENT medicine is reflected in my role as a co-author of the *Scott-Brown's Otolaryngology (9th Edition)*—widely regarded as the UK’s most authoritative and definitive textbook on ear, nose, and throat surgery.
While my academic and leadership credentials reflect the highest standards of surgical excellence, my proudest achievements are found in my patient feedback. I encourage you to read my Doctify reviews, where patients consistently highlight the speed of their diagnosis, the warmth of our consultations, and the profound peace of mind they felt after placing their care in our hands.
Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements
General Medical Council
No. 4614412
University of Glasgow
Medicine
Graduated 1999
University of Amsterdam
Thyroid Cancer
Graduated 2023
MBChB - University of Glasgow, UK in 1999
FRCS (ORL-HNS) - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK in 2009
PhD - University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2013
New appointment
£250Follow-up appointment
£17510 Easter Shawfair, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH22 1FE
Areas of expertise
Contact
Book
This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews
Mr Iain Nixon is professional and clear in his patient interactions, giving explanations that ease patient concerns. He shows expertise in specific procedures like thyroidectomy and parotid tumour treatment. He uses a collaborative approach for ear issues, often with cameras during examinations, and provides dedicated follow-up care. Patient feedback frequently highlights his work in adult ear, nose, and throat surgery.
Very professional and explained things so clearly. Would highly recommend.

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Timeous, professional and everything clearly explained.

Glad to hear the experience was positive. Thanks so much for leaving a review
Possibly the best experience of a medical professional I’ve ever had. Warm, connected, professional, clear, unhurried, effective. Not only answered my questions but listened and quickly got to a sound diagnosis and treatment

So glad to hear your experience was positive and thanks so much for leaving a review!
It’s rare for me to say that I’ve enjoyed a medical appointment. My previous experiences have been so negative that I have avoided seeing a GP for many years, and I sincerely hope I won’t need to in the future. However, my appointment with Mr Nixon was an exceptionally positive experience. He listens, he educates, is incredibly funny and has a fabulous sense of humour. I have never laughed so much during a medical consultation - it was genuinely enjoyable, and his approach immediately put both me and my husband at ease. I specifically sought out Mr Nixon because of his expertise and extensive knowledge of the thyroid and I’m so glad I did. Thank you, Mr Nixon, for your time, your humour, and for sharing some of your vast knowledge with us. You had actually successfully convinced me that I didn’t need a scan, before you changed your mind! I had my ultrasound scan today and received the all-clear, which was fantastic news (and confirms what you already knew!)!

Glad to hear the experience was positive. I will start booking my festival show immediately! Thanks so much for leaving a review!
Very friendly helpful consultant and explained everything well giving me a clear understanding of next steps

Glad to hear the experience was a positive one and thanks for taking hte time to leave a review
Kind, friendly and professional. Listened to me properly, took time to explain what he was going to do and what he was expecting. Made referrals to other specialist just as professional and reassuring as he was. Went a long way to ease the nerves I had when experiencing a new illness. Kept following up with me about my symptoms and appointments after the consultation, which showed great care.

So glad to hear your experience was positive and thanks so much for leaving a review!
My first appointment with Mr Nixon went really well. He seemed very keen to help me figure out the issues I'm having with my ear. He was very professional, insightful and had a good sense of humour, too! He seemed like he really cared and I genuinely felt listened to (pun intended). I feel hopeful he will help solve the ENT problem I'm having.

Thanks so much for leaving a review. Glad that the experience was positive!
Mr Nixon was very pleasant and explained everything well and helped put my mind at ease. Listened to what I had to say and was very informative.

glad you had a positive experience and thanks so much for leaving a review!
Dr Nixon listened to my concerns and provided follow up exercises.

Glad to hear this was a positive experience and thanks so much for leaving a review!
Clear explanations and pleasant disposition.

I am glad this went well and thanks for taking the time to leacve a review!
Mr Nixon has a great reputation as an ENT Surgeon. He is always very accommodating, willing to give help and advice to colleagues when required.
10 Jun 2026
Dr. James Robertson
General PractitionerMr Nixon is a renowned ENT surgeon who is a respected opinion nationally. I would seek his opinion for patients with complex ENT issues and would recommend his care to friends and family.
18 May 2026
Mr Samuel Mackenzie
Orthopaedic SurgeonIain is a very highly experienced and respected ENT surgeon, offering excellence in his clinical approach and very clear, very compassionate expertise to his patients. I would thoroughly recommend him.
01 Jan 2026
Mr John Terrace
General SurgeonMM
Mr Jaiganesh Manickavasagam
ENT SurgeonExplore videos from Mr Iain Nixon explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.

This video tells you a little about me and my practice.
24 March 2025

A medical research study involving cancer patients could be "transformative" in future treatments, experts say. The University of Edinburgh is using a pionee...
26 April 2024
youtube.com

This is a talk I was invited to give at the British Association of Thyroid Surgeons in Manchester in 2025. This outlines an approach to managing patients with big thyroid cancers which are quite rare.
26 September 2025
drive.google.com

Dr. Iain Nixon joins us to present a lecture entitled, "Extent of Thyroid Surgery in Low Risk Thyroid Cancers."0:00 Introduction3:32 Lecture Begins25:27 The ...
26 April 2024
youtube.com
Read articles from Mr Iain Nixon explaining process of procedures and other important things you should know before choosing your provider.

I was on the committee that developed these guildelines for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
22 December 2022
nice.org.uk

Susannah Morgan was warned surgery to remove a benign tumour could leave her with a crooked smile. Following surgery with Iain Nixon she has now made a full recovery without side effects
22 December 2024
bbc.co.uk

Patient reviews
31 March 2025
doctify.com
What are Mr Iain Nixon's reviews like?
Mr Iain Nixon's overall patient rating is 5 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 98 reviews.
What languages does Mr Iain Nixon speak?
Mr Iain Nixon speaks English
Where is Mr Iain Nixon located?
Mr Iain Nixon primarily practices at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, located at 10 Easter Shawfair, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH22 1FE
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What are Mr Iain Nixon working hours?
Mr Iain Nixon is working Monday (08:00 - 20:00), Thursday (13:30 - 20:00), Friday (13:30 - 20:00)
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Does Mr Iain Nixon accept new patients?
Mr Iain Nixon generally accepts new patients.
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