Physician and Surgeon, Wichita Ear Clinic and Cochlear Implant Center

How did you choose a career in health care?
I knew I wanted to be a physician at a very young age. My family has a type of hereditary hearing loss called otosclerosis, which is correctable with a surgery called stapedectomy. When little, my sister and I used to sneak out of bed and watch TV because my mother couldn’t hear us. Then one day may father informed us that “mom is having surgery to help her hear again.” She had the left ear operated on, and then the right a few months later. I was pleasantly surprised how well the surgery worked; however, this did end the days of sneaking out of bed. I frequently get a chuckle out of my otosclerosis patients when I tell them this story before their surgery.

What are your greatest professional achievements?
Ultimately, I became a neurotologist and specialize in treating hearing loss, vertigo, and tumors of the cranial base. I have been a surgeon at The Wichita Ear Clinic and Cochlear Implant Center for over 20 years. Early on, I was quite academic and enjoyed basic science and clinical research. Some of my research helped determine what radiation dose the cochlea can tolerate when performing stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic neuromas (tumors of the hearing and balance nerve). This research has helped many physicians preserve their patient’s hearing when performing Gamma Knife or Cyberknife for intracranial tumors adjacent to the inner ear.

What is the best advice you would give to someone considering a career in health care?
My advice for those considering a health-care career is to listen, be patient, and try to help patients understand their problem.