No Master Plan, Just Purpose – Dr. Donald Donovan, ’76, Reflects
Donald Donovan, M.D. ’76, Res. ’82, has built an impressive 50-year career. After attending Harvard College as an undergraduate, he studied at Baylor College of Medicine for his medical degree and residency. He later joined the faculty and ultimately ascended to the ranks of professor and chair of the Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
At first glance, one might assume that Dr. Donovan accomplished this through the dogged, meticulous pursuit of his goals. He would tell you instead that he didn’t devise a master plan or even know what he wanted to do professionally. But he did know two things: first, there were many people in the world who needed medical care, like his grandmother, who suffered from severe arthritis; and second, he was guided by Catholic faith to find not just a job but a vocation, a calling.
As it often happens, Dr. Donovan’s path followed several unforeseen turns, carrying him through times where pragmatic choices turned out to be strokes of luck and setbacks turned out to be opportunities. For example, his decision to apply to Baylor was practical, informed both by his parents’ recent move to Texas and the College’s standing as a strong private regional school. But his decision to attend was cemented by his unexpectedly illuminating interview experience.
“I fell in love with Baylor—the way the interview was conducted, the campus environment, the students sharing their experiences, the tours of Baylor’s affiliate hospitals,” said Dr. Donovan. “So, once I was accepted, Baylor was the only place I wanted to go.”
Medical school was formative for Dr. Donovan, from enduring the short-lived, experimental three-year medical degree plan to having strong mentors. When Dr. Donovan realized during his Pediatric core rotation that he didn’t actually want to be a pediatrician and didn’t have a backup plan, it was his friend Dr. Robert Park and renowned otolaryngologist Dr. Bobby R. Alford who helped him discover his love for otolaryngology. This new path led him to complete his residency at Baylor, pursue a fellowship in New York and return to join Baylor’s faculty, an invitation extended by none other than Dr. Alford.
Returning to Baylor and settling in Houston made sense professionally and personally. He was able to thrive in his teaching and clinical medicine pursuits. Outside Main Campus, Dr. Donovan raised four children with his wife, coached youth sports and served on parish and school boards. Eventually, his passion for education led him to serve as Dean of Student Affairs for 15 years, shaping generations of physicians. This position eventually led him to the role of interim chair—and ultimately chair—of Otolaryngology. Under his leadership, Baylor’s Otolaryngology program has thrived, producing national leaders in the field.
“I don’t know where 50 years went,” said Dr. Donovan when reflecting on his upcoming 50th Baylor Reunion. “The days are long, but the years are short. There have been a lot of long days, but I still look forward to getting up every morning and coming to work to care for patients and educate learners.”
Dr. Donovan encourages his fellow alumni to attend Reunion and share where their respective paths took them.
Alumni Reunion will be held from April 24 – 26, 2026. More details can be found here.
