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Leaders in Ear, Nose, and Throat Care. Your Partners Every Step of the Way.

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Where Innovation and Care Come Together

At Stanford Health Care Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), everything we do stems from our commitment to providing you with the very best care. And that starts with our leadership in the field of ear, nose, and throat research. We have the knowledge and experience to give you the most advanced care in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Taking a comprehensive approach, we attend to all aspects of your ear, nose, and throat health, from your breathing and sense of smell to how you swallow and speak.

Find Services by Program

Comprehensive Otolaryngology (ENT)

Hearing Loss

Facial Nerve Center

Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery Clinic

Head & Neck Cancer Program

Skull Base Surgery Program

Sinus Center

Sleep Surgery Clinic

Vestibular Balance Disorders Program

Voice and Swallowing Center

Your Circle of Care

A diagnosis of a complex ear, nose, throat, or neck condition can disrupt your life. We are here to guide you through every challenge using our Circle of Care approach. You have a team supporting you and placing your needs at the center of every decision. Our multi-disciplinary team works together to tailor treatments to your needs. Depending on your condition, you will be cared for by our otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat and head and neck surgeons) and advanced practice providers. Together, we prioritize your overall health and give you renewed hope for a better quality of life.

Innovation Through Clinical Research

As a leading academic and research institution, we are always striving to find new techniques and apply the latest and best technology to your treatment. Specialists at Stanford Health Care ENT work with each other and with teams across the nation to spark groundbreaking research. We are committed to bringing you clinical trials that test new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and manage ENT conditions. Participating in a trial may give you access to the latest ENT therapies before they are widely available.

Access to Excellence

We strive to make access to care as simple as possible. We have a network of convenient locations across the Bay Area and a wide range of support services. User-friendly virtual health tools and video appointments help you stay connected with your care team from home. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. Our team guides you through each step, so you can make decisions that are right for you.

Stanford Medicine Ear, Nose & Throat: Revolutionizing Understanding of Our Human Senses

Stanford Medicine Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery is poised to lead a revolution in precision healthcare, research, and medical education. How, you ask? Spend five minutes with Bertarelli Foundation Professor & Chair Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD, FACS to find out how we are developing new strategies to prevent and lessen the burdens of illness experienced by individuals, communities, and populations - so that each day may be lived well and in better health.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Do you have questions about hearing loss and how it might be addressed? Bertarelli Foundation Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Tina Stankovic, MD, PhD explains the types of hearing loss, the process to confirm a diagnosis, and various options for treatment.

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To make an appointment with one of our specialists, call 650-723-5281 .

Appointments: 1-888-884-BEAR (2327)

• Ear, Nose and Throat (Otolaryngology)
• Meet the Team

At Children’s National Hospital, our team of expert ear, nose, and throat specialists (called ENTs, or otolaryngologists) has a high level of experience and expertise in treating pediatric ENT disorders.

We are international leaders in the field of otolaryngology and a local, national, and international referral center for children with ear, nose, and throat disorders. Our team combines clinical excellence in a compassionate, child-friendly environment.

Our Providers

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.

Contact Information

For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-476-2159.

Our Programs

• Airway Program
• Cochlear Implant Program
• Complex Salivary and Endocrine Surgery
• Pediatric Aerodigestive Clinic
• Vascular Anomalies Clinic
• Voice Program

Pediatric ENT 

From the basic to the most complex, our team provides every aspect of ENT care. Whether we are managing chronic ear infections  or performing advanced procedures to treat hearing loss, we have the resources and skills to give children the care they need. Services we provide include:

• Recognizing milestones . While every child is different, there are certain age-appropriate milestones that can help parents and doctors recognize a hearing concern. It is important to diagnose these conditions early so intervention can begin immediately. Sometimes, even common conditions can become more serious if left untreated. If you suspect your child is not meeting the appropriate milestones, contact our ENT department. Learn more about hearing milestones  and speech and language milestones .
• Expert diagnosis and evaluation . A pediatric ENT specialist can also distinguish illnesses or disorders in children whose symptoms may be different from symptoms in adults. We provide advanced, focused, child-centered care in our department and in our specialty clinics.

The services we provide are backed by features like:

• Internationally renowned pediatric ENT specialists . Our ENT surgeons are fellowship-trained in pediatric otolaryngology, the highest level of training available. In addition to our surgical expertise, we are also the only center in the region to guarantee 24/7 access to a pediatric anesthesiologist to care for all of your child’s sedation and pain management needs. We have attained Level 1 Surgery Verification  from the American College of Surgeons, a distinction that recognizes surgery centers that have improved surgical quality, prevented complications, reduced costs and saved lives.
• Leadership and experience . We treat 22,000 patients every year, a high volume that translates into a superior level of experience for our team. Due to our experience and high volume, we are a referral center locally, nationally and internationally.
• Ongoing research . Our team actively participates in research in the field of otolaryngology, bringing the latest techniques and treatments to your child’s bedside. We are constantly working to make procedures even more safe and effective for your child. Learn more about the Children’s National Research Institute

Conditions We Treat

Understanding your child's condition is an important step on your treatment journey. Learn more about causes, symptoms and diagnosis for a variety of conditions, as well as unique treatments and research being performed at Children's National.

• Common Childhood External Ear Problems
• Common Childhood Nose and Throat Illnesses
• Hearing Tests
• Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis
• Pediatric Branchial Cleft Abnormalities
• Pediatric Congenital Laryngeal Stridor / Laryngomalacia
• Pediatric Congenital Muscular Torticollis
• Pediatric Dermoid Cyst
• Pediatric Deviated Septum
• Pediatric Ear Disorders
• Pediatric Ear Malformations
• Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
• Pediatric Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose and Airway
• Pediatric Hearing Loss
• Pediatric Lymphadenopathy
• Pediatric Lymphatic Masses
• Pediatric Lymphatic System
• Pediatric Mastoiditis
• Pediatric Neck Masses
• Pediatric Nosebleeds
• Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Pediatric Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
• Pediatric Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
• Pediatric Pilomatrixoma
• Cochlear Implant Surgery
• Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Pediatric Hearing Aids
• Pediatric Management of Hearing Loss
• Pediatric Myringotomy Tubes (Ear Tubes)

Main Hospital

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Montgomery County

Northern Virginia

Prince Georges County

Patient stories.

Apr 29, 2019

Jan 08, 2015

Online Appointment Scheduling Available for Existing Patients

If your child is an existing patient, you can schedule their appointments online through the MyChildrensNational patient portal. Learn more information about the patient portal and how to sign up.

Family Resources

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Our Autism Behavioral Consult team has compiled visual resources that any family can review with their child to make them more comfortable before all types of doctor's visits.

Family Services

Find out more about our support services and helpful resources for families and patients.

Read about our cafeteria, gift shop, laundry facilities and other amenities available during your child's hospitalization.

Cochlear Implant Program at Children's National Hospital

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Research and Clinical Trials

Otolaryngology–head & neck surgery research and clinical trials.

The specialists at Vanderbilt Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery are worldwide leaders in research. As pioneers in the otolaryngology field, our discoveries are making a significant impact on science, as well as changing surgical and treatment options available to patients.

Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery typically ranks between second and third* in the nation for NIH grant funding. Our programs focus on academics, science, and patient care that translates into top-tier research and clinical trial options for our patients.

Vanderbilt University serves as a national coordinating center of the Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program. Vanderbilt is also proud to offer our faculty and researchers access to the Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (VICTR) , that provides resources, education, and training to researchers at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College.

*As reported by Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research , an independent organization that assesses how much funding is awarded to a particular institution and individual research.

Otolaryngology Clinical Trials

Vanderbilt Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery is at the forefront of medical research, pushing the limits of science to bring new treatment options to patients through clinical trials. We participate in both NIH-funded clinical trials and industry-funded clinical trials . Notably, two Vanderbilt Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery faculty members hold Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) from the FDA—a distinguished honor in academia—to run preliminary clinical trials on devices to determine safety and effectiveness.

Research Labs and Programs

• The Amy and Barry Baker Lab The Baker lab focuses on laryngeal and head and neck research, including the development of imaging modalities to enhance successful tumor removal. PI: Eben L. Rosenthal, MD .  
• Cochlear Implant Cognition and Communication Lab Co-directors: Aaron C. Moberly, MD and Terrin N. Tamati, PhD . The Vanderbilt Cochlear Implant Cognition and Communication Lab studies outcomes after adult cochlear implantation. These studies include NIH-funded projects focused on predicting cochlear implant outcomes prior to surgery, along with exploring the auditory and social experiences of adults receiving cochlear implants. Additional projects in the lab aim to broaden our assessments of outcomes to capture aspects of patients' real-world communication functioning. Lab members include an interdisciplinary group (surgeons, cognitive hearing science researchers, audiologists, graduate students, medical trainees), with the goal of bringing together a range of expertise to tackle scientific and clinical problems that impact adults with hearing loss.  
• Alex Gelbard, MD Dr. Gelbard's Mechanisms of Proximal Airway Fibrosis Lab research team studies obstructive fibrotic diseases in the larynx and trachea (collectively termed laryngotracheal stenosis, i.e. LTS). LTS can occur without known antecedent injury (idiopathic subglottic stenosis: iSGS), it also can accompany collagen vascular disease (e.g. Granulomatosis with polyangitis: GPA) or follow iatrogenic injury (e.g., post-intubation stenosis). Dr. Gelbard's team employs a unique combination of genetic, molecular, and epidemiologic based approaches to investigate the critical factors underlying the pathogenesis and treatment of LTS. An active, multi-institutional clinical trial group led by Dr. Gelbard, the North American Airway Collaborative , complements basic research efforts by facilitating translation of scientific insights into clinical therapies. Dr. Gelbard is also the Director of the Head and Neck Biorepository and Clinical Database .  
• Head and Neck Biorepository and Clinical Database  
• Taha Jan, MD Dr. Jan has a research interest in regenerative biology of the inner ear with the ultimate goal of translating discoveries in the laboratory to therapies in the clinic and operating room.
• David Kent, MD The driving force behind our sleep research , Dr. Kent's lab focuses on the neurophysiology of the upper airway, especially mechanisms for control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their application towards novel OSA treatments, and mechanisms for objective phenotyping of the upper airway. Dr. Kent has been awarded grant funding from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health to study ansa cervicalis stimulation (ACS), a novel neurostimulation therapy for sleep apnea first described at VUMC. He is also investigating multiple novel approaches to hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. Co-Investigators include David Zealear, PhD; Yike Li, PhD; and Alan Schwartz, MD.  
• Yike Li, MD, PhD Dr. Li's research interests include neurolaryngology, voice disorder, hearing loss and artificial intelligence. He is currently working on Dr. Zealear's laryngeal pacing clinical trial. He is also exploring a similar approach in the management of facial paralysis in animal models. In addition, he is conducting independent research on the use of artificial intelligence in the detection ad diagnosis of head and neck diseases, including voice disorders, otitis media, and head and neck cancers.
• Maria Powell, PhD, CCC-SLP Dr. Powell leads a multidisciplinary team of laryngologists, speech pathologists, and computer scientists with the long term goal of improving clinical assessments for patients with voice disorders. Current research projects include developing deep learning models to aid in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of laryngeal movement disorders, including spasmodic dysphonia and essential tremor of voice. Dr. Powell also serves as the research speech pathologist overseeing clinical data collection for David Zealear’s laryngeal pacing clinical trial.  
• Justin Turner, MD, PhD The Vanderbilt Sinonasal Diseases Research Lab performs basic and translational research into chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, and investigates basic mechanisms of olfactory loss in humans. The lab is directed by Justin Turner, MD, PhD, who has recently been awarded more than $4 million in NIH funding. Members of the lab include faculty members in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery, residents, medical and undergraduate students, and clinical research coordinators.  
• Alexander Langerman, MD, SM directs the Surgical Analytics Lab at VISE. This lab studies methods for real time surgical data acquisition and analysis. The current focus is on development of a wearable surgical camera and techniques for automated annotation of open surgical videos.
• VISE has a robust faculty of researchers and is a partnership of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, and the Medical Innovators Development Program (MIDP). Areas of research include big data, bioinstrumentation, biomedical imaging, biophotonics, image processing, image-guided surgery, imaging, modeling, robotics, surgical robots, and surgery, and engineering.  
• Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab Co-directors: Reyna Gordon, PhD and Miriam Lense, PhD   The Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab focuses on the relationship between music, language, and social development. The lab is co-directed by Miriam Lense, PhD, and Reyna Gordon, PhD. Dr. Gordon received a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award . Lab members include faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, pre-med and medical students, Vanderbilt Hearing and Speech, Vanderbilt Psychology and Neuroscience, collaborators, and lab interns.  
• David Zealear, PhD The Neurolaryngology Lab is performing animal studies to uncover the basic neurophysiological mechanisms underlying neural control of laryngeal muscles and the neuromodulation of their reinnervation following nerve injury. These latter studies have shown that low frequency electrical conditioning of denervated canine muscles can promote selective reinnervation by original native motoneurons and avoid faulty reinnervation and subsequent synkinetic paralysis. Clinical trials using this approach for patients with laryngeal and facial paralysis (i.e. Bell's Palsy) are planned to prevent the aberrant reinnervation and synkinesis, essentially curing the paralysis. Dr. Zealear is the Principal Investigator of an NIH-funded clinical trial to reanimate the larynx with functional electrical stimulation in patients with long-term synkinetic bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Co-investigators include: Maria Powell, PhD; Yike Li, MD, PhD; Shan Huang, MD; James Netterville, MD; Gaelyn Garett, MD; Kate VonWahlde, MJ, CCRP; and Maryam Seirafi-Pour, MA.

At Vanderbilt Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, our faculty is committed to developing cutting-edge research that can be translated from the lab to directly improving patient's lives. We are challenged to discover new technologies and medications to help improve both patient-perceived (PROMs) and physician-analyzed outcomes for patients and to make an impact on available treatment options.

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Ear, Nose & Throat

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Columbia Otolaryngology specialists are highly skilled in treating the disorders affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. 

Clinical Trials and Research

• Meet Our Team
• Our Locations

At the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, our research faculty works hand in hand with our clinical teams to improve treatment for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Our ground-breaking investigations range from studying the causes of genetic hearing loss to innovating new and better therapies. 

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are an important part of our research efforts. These studies allow investigators to evaluate new treatments and offer patients access to emerging treatments.

Research Areas

Our active research areas include cochlear implants, laryngology (disorders of the voice box), pediatric ENT, head and neck cancers, and more.

ENT advances clinical research initiatives

Facial plastic surgery.

• A pilot study recently was completed to evaluate the sidedness of facial aging. This data was presented at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring the Combined Otolaryngology (COSM) Spring Meeting. A larger scale study is now being planned.
• ENT researchers also are evaluating practice patterns related to the treatment of non-binary and transgender patients. This project is currently going through IRB.

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery

• The department researchers are collaboratively developing novel molecular probes for fluorescent illumination during cancer operations to improve the safety and effectiveness of cancer surgery. By illuminating nerves and other vital structures, we are working toward strategies that reduce the morbidity of our most common head and neck cancer treatments to improve outcomes for our survivors.
• A multi-institutional trial soon will be up and running with regards to xerostomia and salivary stimulation with Houston Methodist as a possible site in collaboration with Rice University.

Laryngology research

• National Institutes of Health-funded prospective randomized trial of voice rest compliance and outcomes after phonomicrosurgery for benign vocal lesions.
• Large-scale retrospective review of the demographics, diagnoses and treatment patterns for 1,700 patients presenting with complaints of dysphonia to the Texas Voice Center at Methodist Hospital.
• Multi-institutional study evaluating the correlation between MOCA and voice therapy outcomes in the aging population (primary site University of California San Francisco Parnassus Campus.) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05187910?cond=moca+voice&draw=2&rank=1
• Comparison of outcomes in patients with COVID on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) who either did or did not undergo tracheostomy placement.

Otology/Neurotology

• Improving outcomes in cochlear implant surgery
• Radiographic findings and correlations with various otologic pathologies

Rhinology and Sleep Surgery

• The Rhintrac prospective randomized controlled trial for the treatment of chronic rhinitis has completed enrolling patients and one-year data for follow up is being published.
• There are a series of projects focused on improving and modifying in-office based techniques to treat chronic rhinitis.
• The department is participating in the prospective Osprey Clinical trial for the treatment of OSA using a hypoglossal nerve stimulator created Livanova.
• We are also researching population-based studies evaluating outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis.
• We are evaluating factors that affect COVID-19 related anosmia using the Methodist COVID-19 database.

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Leaders in ear, nose and throat care

Loyola Medicine is recognized for its expert, clinically integrated team for otolaryngology – head and neck surgery.

With extensive experience and national recognition for expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing a broad range of ear, nose and throat conditions, we are committed to upholding our team’s mission of providing the best clinical care, education and research.

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We’ve made it easy to see a Loyola Medicine health care expert with a variety of convenient appointment options. Discover which way is easiest for you. Schedule an appointment today. 

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Otolaryngology (ENT) Sub-specialties

Loyola's Balance Disorders Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to treating dizziness, unsteadiness, vertigo, buzzing in the ears and hearing loss with compassionate patient care.

Brain Tumors, Skull and Spinal Cord Tumors

Loyola's specialists are renowned for their expertise in treating both benign and malignant brain, skull and spinal cord tumors.

Center for Cranial Base Surgery

Loyola Medicine’s renowned Center for Cranial Base Surgery treats patients with extensive tumors at the undersurface of the brain, an area that borders on the brain, ears, eyes, nose, throat and neck.

Cleft Lip and Palate Program

Loyola’s cleft lip and palate program is comprised of an expert, multidisciplinary team that treats patients with cleft lip and palate.

Loyola's Facial Nerve Center has been a national leader for over two decades in the workup, management and the treatment of facial nerve paralysis.

Head and Neck Cancer

Our specialists have gained recognition for their expert diagnostic and treatment capabilities for patients with head and neck cancers.

Loyola Medicine’s Nasal Sinus Center provides a full assessment, diagnosis and treatment of nasal and sinus conditions while improving the quality of life for patients.

Otolaryngology Conditions

Loyola's otolaryngology (also known as ear, nose and throat or ENT) program is among the top programs the nation. See which conditions Loyola's ENT experts treat.

Otolaryngology (Head and Neck) Surgery

Loyola's expert surgeons treat a variety of ear, nose, throat, head and neck problems including thyroid disorders, head and neck cancers and more.

Loyola's multidisciplinary Swallowing Center is one of only a few centers in the nation that is solely devoted to diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders while using a team-based approach to patient care.

Ear, nose and throat surgeons (ENT) at Loyola offer transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the mouth, throat and voice box. Learn how our robotic approach to this surgery allows us to work in this tiny part of the body.

Voice, Laryngeal and Esophageal Disorders Center

Loyola's specialists are expertly trained and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the voice and swallowing process.

Our Otolaryngology (ENT) Team

Featured otolaryngology (ent) videos.

Masks Strongly Recommended but Not Required in Maryland, Starting Immediately

Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. Read more .

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Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Research and clinical trials.

The experts in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have dedicated themselves to advancing their field through thoughtful and groundbreaking research. Each of our eight research groups works diligently to constantly learn more about their topic and educated the medical community about their findings.

Clinical Trials

The following clinical trials are currently being offered by the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

• Vestibular Implant Trial
• Inner Ear Gene Therapy Trial
• Find other otolaryngology clinical trials at Johns Hopkins

Has hearing research gone batty?

Hearing researcher Amanda Lauer – whose work is supported through the David M. Rubenstein Hearing Center – explains how she uses electron microscopy to examine synaptic and nanoscale structures. She collaborates with the Comparative Neural Systems and Behavior Laboratory, aka the Bat Lab, run by Krieger's Cynthia Moss, because bats are hearing specialists, using echolocation to survive.

Featured Research Labs

Cochlear neurotransmission group, laboratory of vestibular neuroadaption, head and neck cancer research, machine biointerface lab, laboratory of vestibular neurophysiology, vestibular neuroengineering laboratory, research labs, laboratory of vestibular neuroadaptation.

Principal Investigator

Michael C. Schubert PhD

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Research Areas

• gaze stability
• rehabilitation
• sensorimotor functions
• vestibular sensation
• vestibulo-ocular reflex

Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials and Tissue Bank

Zubair Khan MBBS

• head and neck tumors
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Gene Y. Fridman PhD

• bioelectricities
• medical instruments
• nerve stimulation
• neuroengineering

Vestibular NeuroEngineering Lab

Charley Coleman Della Santina MD PhD

Biomedical Engineering

• balance disorders
• multichannel vestibular prosthesis
• prosthetics
• vestibular implant

Andrew Lane Lab

Andrew P. Lane MD

• cell culture
• chronic rhinosinusitis
• innate immunity
• molecular biology
• nasal polyps
• neuroscience
• transgenic mice

Auditory Brainstem Laboratory

Amanda M. Lauer PhD

• acoustic startle modification
• auditory brainstem response
• compound action potentials
• hearing disorders
• operation conditions
• otoacoustic emissions

Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health

Frank Lin MD PhD

• gerontology
• hearing loss
• otolaryngology
• public health
• societal perspectives

Glowatzki Lab

Elisabeth B. Glowatzki PhD

• auditory synapses
• cochlear dysfunctions
• inherited auditory neuropathy
• neurotransmitters
• synaptic transmission

Ocular Motor Physiology Laboratory

David Samuel Zee MD

• eye movement

Systems Neurobiology Laboratory

Sascha du Lac PhD

• systems biology

Zack Wang Lab

Zack Wang PhD

• gene therapy
• molecular genetics
• pluripotent stem cells
• stem cell biology

Vestibular Neurophysiology Laboratory

John P. Carey MD

• vestibular disorders

The Hillel Lab

Alexander Tell Hillel MD

• complex airway disorders
• laryngotracheal stenosis

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Otolaryngology (ENT)

The department of otolaryngology is devoted to the acquisition of new knowledge.

To best serve our patients and their families, UR Medicine Otolaryngology (ENT) is devoted to acquiring new knowledge. Investigators in the department collaborate with other scientists across campus and around the globe. Much of the current research in the department investigates the vestibular or balance system. Our research is supported by the NIDCD

Best Hospitals for Ear, Nose & Throat

Compare hospital ratings for ear, nose and throat (ENT). U.S. News evaluated 144 ent hospitals in otolaryngology and ranked the top 50 that treat a high number of challenging patients for major head, neck and cranialfacial conditions, salivary gland procedures, and other diagnoses. Find an ent hospital near you. Find a top ear, nose and throat doctor near you.

How We Rank and Rate Hospitals

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Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital

Stanford, CA 94305

# 1 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 100.0/100

Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital in Stanford, CA is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties. Read more »

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX 77030-4000

# 2 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 87.5/100

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX is nationally ranked in 4 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty. Read more »

UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA 90095-8358

# 3 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 86.1/100

UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 9 pediatric specialties. Read more »

Mayo Clinic-Rochester

507-516-3231

Rochester, MN 55905-0002

# 4 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 85.3/100

Mayo Clinic-Rochester in Rochester, MN is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. Read more »

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN 37232-2102

# 5 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 83.0/100

Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. Read more »

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

1-217-383-0576

New York, NY 10065-6007

# 6 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 82.2/100

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY is nationally ranked in 4 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty. Read more »

Mass Eye and Ear, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, MA 02114-3002

# 7 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 80.5/100

Mass Eye and Ear, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties. Read more »

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore, MD 21287-2182

# 8 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 78.7/100

Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD is nationally ranked in 15 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. Read more »

Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian

Philadelphia, PA 19104-4206

# 9 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 78.1/100

Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian in Philadelphia, PA is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties. Read more »

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Saint Louis, MO 63110-1003

# 10 in Ear, Nose & Throat Hospitals

Score 77.6/100

Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties. Read more »

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Fellowship Opportunity in Clinical or Basic Science Research

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Department of Otolaryngology is pleased to announce two research fellow positions for the academic year of 2025-2026. This is a one-year research fellowship designed for rising fourth-year medical students or medical students who are nearing the completion of their fourth-year curriculum and are pursuing a research opportunity prior to residency training.

Selected fellows will work closely with faculty on a variety of clinical, translational, and/or basic science projects across all of our clinical divisions including Otology/Neurotology Rhinology/Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Laryngology, Sleep Surgery, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. The University Hospitals Department of Otolaryngology will fully support all credentialing costs associated with on-boarding, as well as registration and travel expenses associated with up to two academic meetings for podium presentations accepted during the fellowship term. Fellows planning to apply/reapply to Otolaryngology residency programs will be able to complete an acting internship (AI) with our residency training program during their fellowship if they are matriculated students at a US based, LCME accredited medical school.  A $15,000 stipend will be offered for each position.

Fellows will be expected to organize and complete multiple clinical research projects throughout the year with publication and/or presentation expected as the end result of these projects. There will be formal research methodology training delivered through lectures and one-on-one mentoring with our faculty to obtain competency in the various areas of the fellow's personalized research plan. Additionally, the fellow will have opportunities to participate in departmental didactics, quality meetings, and social events. Our research fellows enjoy full integration into our department family and can expect to enjoy all of the great things our residents love about our program and city!

Cleveland, Ohio, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Erie, boasts a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and opportunity. With its dynamic arts scene, including the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art and Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside of New York City, there's never a shortage of creativity to explore. Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse culinary landscape, from beloved neighborhood diners to trendy eateries showcasing the city's culinary innovation. Nature lovers can escape the urban hustle by immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Cleveland's friendly locals embody Midwestern hospitality, fostering a sense of belonging that quickly makes newcomers feel at home. And with a cost of living that's more affordable than many other major cities, Cleveland presents an enticing opportunity for a year-long adventure filled with new experiences and endless possibilities.

Research fellows will begin in June or July 2025 and we ask for a minimum 10-month commitment. Recent fellows have completed their research fellowships after relocating to Cleveland for the year, however in extenuating situations, a virtual experience may be offered/coordinated based on the fellow’s need. Applications for the 2025-2026 fellowship will be accepted in Spring 2025, with interviews to be held starting in late February. Students who are unsuccessful in the NRMP matching process in 2025 will have an opportunity to interview after the closure of the SOAP. Specific dates and deadlines will be announced in January 2025 on this website.

Applications consist of a personal statement, current CV, and a letter of recommendation. Please see ‘How to Apply’ section for more information.

Program Goals:

• Provide medical students and aspiring otolaryngologists with clinical research skills in preparation for a career that includes clinical and translational research.
• General Medical and Scientific Knowledge
• Clinical Research Skills- including research study development and design, biostatistics, writing skills, publication, and authorship standards.
• Communication and Organizational skills-function as a lead member as part of an inter-professional research team.
• Professionalism- including education in the responsible conduct of research as part of Institutional Review Board standards.
• Build upon the fellow's skills and academic credentials to improve their likelihood of matching at a US Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery training program. The research fellow will be involved in various stages of clinical research projects from day one. All projects have the goal of obtaining peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international meetings.
• Participate in the end-of-the-year ENT Institute Research Symposium to showcase one of the clinical research projects performed over the course of the fellowship.

Life in Cleveland Has So Much to Offer

Whether you are interested in exploring the rich cultural history of its neighborhoods or eating at one of its many award-winning eateries, Cleveland has something for everyone.

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Study reveals inadequate levels of medical assistant staffing in US

• 3 min. read ▪ Published May 28
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A new paper published in Annals of Family Medicine analyzed the current ratio of medical assistants to primary care physicians within medical practices, finding that health-system-owned practices were less likely to be adequately staffed than other practices.

According to the paper, medical assistants are among the fastest growing occupations within the US primary care workforce, and many medical practices have expanded the roles and caregiving responsibilities of primary care medical assistants.

But not much was previously known about medical assistant staffing ratios across the US. This study was the first to assess staffing ratios and to examine the factors associated with ratios consistent with the teamlet model of primary care. The teamlet model includes two medical assistant health coaches and one primary care clinician.

The study analyzed survey answers from 1,252 primary care practices and determined that more than half (56.6%) of the practices had ratios of one medical assistant to each primary care clinician. Slightly more than one in ten (11.4%) had ratios of two or more assistants per clinician while more than a quarter (27.6%) had less than a one-to-one ratio.

“Adequate medical assistant staffing is needed to support the delivery of patient-centered, high-quality primary care. Medical assistants increasingly provide direct patient support, including health coaching to help patients with managing their chronic conditions and conducting patient outreach activities to ensure the reliable provision of evidence-based and recommended care,” said lead author Hector P. Rodriguez.

“Past research indicates that a staffing ratio of 2-to-1 medical assistants to primary care clinicians is needed for ‘teamlets’ to effectively support the provision of preventive care and help manage chronic care, while continuing to do traditional medical assistant functions, such as taking medical histories and preparing patients for examinations. Our study indicates that few primary care practices (~11%) have the capacity to provide the recommended staffing ratios for the teamlet model.”

Independent practices, medical group–owned practices, and Federally Qualified Health Centers were more likely to have ratios of two or more assistants per clinicians than practices owned by health care systems. Low medical assistant staffing levels were not found to be associated with higher levels of staffing of nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

“The current study’s results suggest that system-owned practices may be less able to use patient-centered innovations because they have less medical assistant staffing support compared to independent practices and medical group owned practices,” said Rodriguez. “Health policy advocates are increasingly concerned about the potential harms of physician practice consolidation under health care systems because systems may be less responsive to the local needs of vulnerable populations and inadequately resource primary care practices to effectively address patients’ self-management and navigation support needs. Our hope is that the study helps make the connection between medical assistant staffing and the provision of patient-centered care clear to policy makers and health care organizational decision-makers.”

Additional authors include: Dorothy Y. Hung and Stephen M. Shortell of UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Alena D. Berube and Elliott S. Fisher of the Dartmouth Center for Health Policy & Clinical Practice at Dartmouth College.

This research project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

People of BPH found in this article include:

• Hector Rodriguez Professor, Health Policy and Management
• Stephen Shortell Professor Emeritus

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Study reveals brain mechanisms behind speech impairment in Parkinson’s

Most Parkinson’s disease patients struggle with speech problems. New research by Stanford Medicine scientists uncovers the brain connections that could be essential to preserving speech.

May 28, 2024 - By Nina Bai

Research by Stanford Medicine scientists may explain why some treatments for Parkinson’s — developed mainly to target motor symptoms — can improve speech impairments while other treatments make them worse. Lightspring /Shutterstock.com

Parkinson’s disease is most well-known and well-studied for its motor impairments — tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement. But less visible symptoms such as trouble with memory, attention and language, which also can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, are less understood. A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers reveals the brain mechanisms behind one of the most prevalent, yet often overlooked, symptoms of the disease — speech impairment.

Based on brain imaging from Parkinson’s patients, the researchers identified specific connections in the brain that may determine the extent of speech difficulties.

The findings , reported May 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , could help explain why some treatments for Parkinson’s — developed mainly to target motor symptoms — can improve speech impairments while other treatments make them worse.

More than a motor disorder

“Parkinson’s disease is a very common neurological disorder, but it’s mostly considered a motor disorder,” said Weidong Cai , PhD, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and the lead author of the new study. “There’s been lots of research on how treatments such as medications and deep brain stimulation can help improve motor function in patients, but there was limited understanding about how these treatments affect cognitive function and speech.”

Over 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience difficulties with speech, an intricate neurological process that requires motor and cognitive control. Patients may struggle with a weak voice, slurring, mumbling and stuttering.

“Speech is a complex process that involves multiple cognitive functions, such as receiving auditory feedback, organizing thoughts and producing the final vocal output,” Cai said.

The senior author of the study is Vinod Menon , PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory .

The researchers set out to study how levodopa, a common Parkinson’s drug that replaces the dopamine lost from the disease, affects overall cognitive function. They focused on the subthalamic nucleus, a small, pumpkin-seed-shaped region deep within the brain.

Weidong Cai

The subthalamic nucleus is known for its role in inhibiting motor activity, but there are clues to its involvement in other functions. For example, deep brain stimulation, which uses implanted electrodes to stimulate the subthalamic nucleus, has proven to be a powerful way to relieve motor symptoms for Parkinson’s patients — but a common side effect is worsened speech impairment.

Same test, different scores

In the new study, 27 participants with Parkinson’s disease and 43 healthy controls, all older than 60, took standard tests of motor and cognitive functioning. The participants with Parkinson’s took the tests while on and off their medication.

As expected, the medication improved motor functioning in the patients, with those having the most severe symptoms improving the most.

The test for cognitive functioning offered a surprise. The test, known as the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, is given in two forms — oral and written. Patients are provided with nine symbols, each matched with a number — a plus sign for the number 7, for example. They are then asked to translate a string of symbols into numbers, either speaking or writing down their answers, depending on the version of the test.

As a group, the patients’ performance on both versions of the cognitive test was little affected by medication. But taking a closer look, the researchers noticed that the subset of patients who performed particularly poorly on the spoken version of the test without medication improved their spoken performance on the medication. Their written test scores did not change significantly.

“It was quite interesting to find this dissociation between the written and oral version of the same test,” Cai said.

The dissociation suggested that the medication was not enhancing general cognitive functions such as attention and working memory, but it was selectively improving speech.

“Our research unveiled a previously unrecognized impact of dopaminergic drugs on the speech function of Parkinson’s patients,” Menon said.

Uncovering connections

Next, the researchers analyzed fMRI brain scans of the participants, looking at how the subthalamic nucleus interacted with brain networks dedicated to various functions, including hearing, vision, language and executive control.

Vinod Menon

They found that different parts of the subthalamic nucleus interacted with different networks.

In particular, they discovered that improvements on the oral version of the test correlated with better functional connectivity between the right side of the subthalamic nucleus and the brain’s language network.

Using a statistical model, they could even predict a patient’s improvement on the oral test based on changes in their brain’s functional connectivity.

“Here we’re not talking about an anatomical connection,” Cai explained. Rather, functional connectivity between brain regions means the activity in these regions is closely coordinated, as if they are talking to each other.

“We discovered that these medications influence speech by altering the functional connectivity between the subthalamic nucleus and crucial language networks,” Menon said. “This insight opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions tailored specifically to improve speech without deteriorating other cognitive abilities.”

This newly identified interaction between the subthalamic nucleus and the language network could serve as a biological indicator of speech behavior — in Parkinson’s as well as other speech disorders like stuttering.

Such a biomarker could be used to monitor treatment outcomes and inspire new therapies. “Of course, you can directly observe the outcome of a medication by observing behavior, but I think to have a biomarker in the brain will provide more useful information for the future development of drugs,” Cai said. 

The findings also provide a detailed map of the subthalamic nucleus, which could guide neurosurgeons performing deep brain stimulation in avoiding damage to an area critical to speech function. “By identifying key neural maps and connections that predict speech improvement, we can craft more effective treatment plans that are both precise and personalized for Parkinson’s disease patients,” Menon said.

The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health (grants P50 AG047366, P30 AG066515, RF1 NS086085, R21 DC017950-S1, R01 NS115114, R01 MH121069 and K99 AG071837) and the Alzheimer’s Association.

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu .

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University of Utah Health breaks ground on James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation

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Kathy Wilets Senior Director, Public Affairs, University of Utah Health Email:  [email protected]

SALT LAKE CITY UTAH—Upon its completion in 2026, the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation (SCMI), will serve as a beacon of transformative research and medical device innovation. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on May 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., located at 27 South Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.

Named in honor of James LeVoy Sorenson, a prolific inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, the SCMI will pay tribute to his remarkable legacy. With over 50 patents issued in his name, Sorenson revolutionized the standard of care with inventions such as the disposable surgical face cover, the single-use intravenous catheter and hemodynamic arterial monitoring devices.

This state-of-the-art facility will also aid in U of U Health’s unwavering commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient care.

"The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation exemplifies our commitment to entrepreneurialism and accelerating the transfer of the U’s research into practical use," said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. "The center will promote collaboration and drive transformative advancements in medical care and device development. The facility will be a national leader and have influence that reaches well beyond campus, shaping the future of health care for generations to come."

The $50 million facility has been made possible by a generous lead gift of $22 million from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

“The Sorenson Legacy Foundation is so pleased that this wonderful building, the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, will carry on my father’s incredible spirit of medical device innovation, as well as his compassionate spirit toward those who suffer,” said Ann Sorenson Crocker, family representative of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.  

Additionally, the chair of the Center for Medical Innovation’s board, Gary Crocker said, “this new facility honors not only Jim’s fundamental contributions to the creation of the medical device industry in Utah and nationally, but also ensures that his legacy of innovation and his relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire future students and innovators.” 

"My father’s passion for innovation and commitment to improving health care have left an indelible mark on the world,” said Jim Sorenson, chairman of the Sorenson Impact Foundation. “This center not only honors his memory but also carries forward his legacy of innovation and impact, ensuring that his pioneering spirit lives on in the work of future generations."

Hosted on four levels totaling nearly 60,000 square feet of space, the Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation will include:

• Advanced prototyping and clean room assembly labs dedicated to creating and refining groundbreaking medical innovations.
• Vibrant collaboration spaces fostering cross-campus interdisciplinary cooperation and fueling the drive for transformative innovation and discovery.
• A state-of-the-art clinical bio-tissue surgery discovery suite enabling physicians, faculty and staff to evaluate and refine new medical technologies and procedures in a hands-on, accessible, real-world environment.
• Startup incubator spaces expressly designed to nurture university spinouts and student startups. These high-potential startups will drive technology licensing opportunities for the university and economic growth for the state.

"This center represents more than just a building; it's a gateway to endless possibilities for future students," said Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation. "By providing access to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship opportunities and a vibrant community of innovators, this center will empower students to pursue their passion for medical innovation and make a tangible difference in the world. It's not just about shaping the future of health care; it's about shaping the lives of the students who will lead it."

With the groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of construction, U of U Health looks forward to the transformative impact that the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation will have on medical research, patient care and the lives of future generations.

For more information about the Center for Medical Innovation, click  here .

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About University of Utah Health

University of Utah Health  is the state’s only academic health care system, providing leading-edge and compassionate care for a referral area that encompasses 10% of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health has a $428 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah’s physicians, including more than 1,460 health care providers each year at its Colleges of Health, Nursing and Pharmacy and Schools of Dentistry and Medicine. With more than 20,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and five hospitals: University Hospital, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University Orthopaedic Center and the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. For 13 straight years, U of U Health has ranked among the top 10 U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study.

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