Patient Care
U.S. News & World Report ranks Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery among top programs in the nation and we are proud to be ranked as the number one adult hospital in the state of Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville.
Our robust research program, nationally and internationally recognized team of experts, cutting-edge technology and innovative specialty programs all work together to create a powerhouse otolaryngology group committed to improving technology, offering innovative treatment options and putting the needs of our patients first.
Our Sub-specialties and Further Information
Open any of the items below for further details and contact information.
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To refer a patient to Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery services:
- Adult referrals (other than Voice Center): (615) 322-6180 (ph); (615) 936-8929 (fax)
- Pediatric referrals: (615) 936-8176 (ph)
- Voice Center referrals: (615) 343-7464 (ph); (615) 936-8929 (fax)
- Or, send on-line referrals via Vanderbilt Health Connect (requires pre-registration)
Coordinated Care Programs for Adult Patients
- Adult Complex Airway Program: (615) 343-0540; (615) 322-9277 (fax)
- Cochlear Implants: (615) 875-1038; (615) 936-7374 (fax); Cochlearimplants@vumc.org
- Facial Nerve Disorders Program & Facial Plastics: (615) 875-9754; (615) 936-8929 (fax)
- Head and Neck Cancer: (615) 875-1193; (615) 875-1194 (fax)
- Microtia/Atresia: (615) 322-6180; microtiaatresiaclinc@vumc.org
- Sleep Surgery: (615) 322-6180
- Skull Base Center/Acoustic Neuroma Program: (615) 936-0730; (615) 875-7417 (fax); skullbasecenter@vumc.org
- Upper Airway Stimulation Program: (615) 936-3002
Coordinated Care Programs for Pediatric Patients
- Pediatric Anterior Skull Base: (615) 875-0113
- Pediatric Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic: (615) 875-3725
- Pediatric Complex Aerodigestive Evaluation Team (CADET): (615) 343-0540
- Pediatric Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ROSA): (615) 936-4541
- Pediatric Tracheostomy Clinic: nichole.m.johnson@vumc.org and Erica.l.kreifels@vumc.org
- Pediatric Thyroid, Head, and Neck Masses: (615) 875-0113
- Pediatric Vascular Anomalies: (615) 875-0113
- Pediatric Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI): (615) 875-0113
- Pediatric Voice: (615) 343-7464
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As a national leader in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, we see patients from all 50 states and around the world. Our Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery team has worked to streamline coordination of care, offering out-of-town patients a full day of appointments that can include diagnosis, creation of a care plan, and, in some circumstances, even surgery on the same day.
Our specialists, leadership, and resources have brought international renown to the Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery program. Our team knows that healthcare is always evolving, and we are committed to growing with it to provide the best possible care for each of our patient's unique needs.
To contact care coordinated programs, see specific numbers in our Contact Us section above.
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If you are a referring physician, Vanderbilt provides real-time access to clinical data for your adult patients. Visit Vanderbilt Health Connect to:
- Make patient referrals
- Submit orders for select imaging
- Review records, test results, and imaging reports
- Receive notifications about your patient's outpatient appointments, ED visits, and admissions
- Easily communicate with your patient's Vanderbilt care team
- Access to clinical notes, physician directory, and on-call schedules
To enroll in Vanderbilt Health Connect, please sign the site agreement.
For referrals by phone, see specific numbers in our Contact Us section above.
For adult patient referral questions or concerns, please call:
- Physician Liaison Department: (615) 936-6500 or (800) 288-5000, extension 6-6500.
For pediatric patient referral questions or concerns, please call:
- Pediatric Physician Liaison Department: (615) 936-6025
For referrals to other Vanderbilt University Medical Center departments, consult Vanderbilt Health.
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Our Team
Franklin Clinic
919 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37064
- Benjamin J. Johnston, MD, FACS
- Elise Lippmann, MD
- Daniel Schuster, MD, FACS
- John W. Seibert, MA, MD, FACS
Nashville Clinic
1215 21st Ave. South, Suite 7209, Nashville, TN 37232
Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH)
The Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery team also has surgical privileges at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, and the Cool Springs Surgery Center in Franklin, ensuring that patients have access to the latest surgical techniques and treatment options.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
- Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program (ASAP)
- Complex Airway Reconstruction Program
- Head and Neck Cancer (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center)
- Otolaryngology
- Vanderbilt Voice Center
- Vanderbilt Skull Base Center
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Comprehensive Otolaryngology. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial.
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Our Team
The Vanderbilt Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team members are highly regarded experts in the field. Our surgeons frequently speak both nationally and internationally about cutting-edge research and treatment in microtia and atresia, facial nerve disorders and reanimation, combined sinus and rhinoplasty surgery, and more.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial.
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Our Team
- Sarah L. Rohde, MD, MMHC
- Melanie Hicks, MD
- Alexander J. Langerman, MD
- Kyle Mannion, MD
- James L. Netterville, MD
- Eben L. Rosenthal, MD
- Robert J. Sinard, MD
- Michael C. Topf, MD
- Jamie Gray Wiggleton, APRN, MSN
The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Surgery team is internationally recognized for innovative treatment options for rare diseases, such as paranasal sinus cancer, microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck, and a novel surgical approach to Zenker's diverticulum. Vanderbilt is one of few medical centers in the country that performs a complex surgery to remove rare vagal schwannomas tumors yet preserve nerve function in the head and neck.
Our team provides access to a variety of clinical trials for head and neck cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Vanderbilt-Ingram is designated as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our team is committed to continually exploring new and innovative treatments.
We partner very closely with Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology to form the larger head and neck oncology team.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
- Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center: Head and Neck Cancer
- Vanderbilt Skull Base Center
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Head and Neck Surgery. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial. See also The Amy and Barry Baker Lab.
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Our Team
Laryngologists
- C. Gaelyn Garrett, MMHC, MD
- K. Charles Fletcher, MD
- Alexander Gelbard, MD
- Kimberly N. Vinson, MD
- Robert H. Ossoff, DMD, MD (Emeritus)
- Thomas F. Cleveland, PhD (Emeritus)
Voice Speech Pathology
- Jennifer Muckala, MA, CCC-SLP
- Rachel Crews, MS, CCC-SLP
- Daniella Dellisanti, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
- Emily Duke Wishik, MS, CCC-SLP
- Taylor Jones, MA, CCC-SLP
- Amy S. Stone, MS, CCC-SLP
- Elizabeth Tremblay, BM, MS, CCC-SLP
The Professional Voice Services Care team utilizes advanced technology, cutting-edge research, comprehensive treatment options, and innovative clinical trials, such as a laryngeal pacemaker for bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
The Vanderbilt Voice Center is located in the heart of Nashville - Music City USA. We are proud to be the destination of choice for the many professional singers, songwriters, and other performing artists who seek preventative care to keep their vocal instrument healthy. We apply that expertise to non-singers as well, including teachers, ministers, call center employees, or the grandparent who wants to read to their grandchild.
Beyond voice issues, we are also one of the busiest complex airway reconstructive programs and spasmodic dysphonia practices in the nation. We offer patients video imaging of the larynx, as well as a variety of other in-office testing and procedures.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
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Our Team
- David S. Haynes, MD, MMHC
- Marc L. Bennett, MD, MMHC
- Taha A. Jan, MD
- Aaron C. Moberly, MD
- Matthew R. O'Malley, MD
- Elizabeth Perkins, MD
- Kareem Tawfik, MD
- Kenneth E. Watford, DNP, APRN
- Emily Brignola, APRN
The Vanderbilt Otology and Neurotology team diagnoses and treats ear disorders related to balance, hearing loss, and skull base tumors. Our team runs one of the busiest ear disorder programs in the country and has performed more than 25,000 ear surgeries. We have been a leading cochlear implant center for forty years, having performed our first Cochlear Implant in 1980. We have the largest cochlear implant program by volume of surgery and research in the United States.
The Vanderbilt Otology and Neurotology team has recently introduced a new coordinated care option for out-of-town patients seeking our expertise. Patients can undergo testing, a physician consultation and, if necessary, implant placement all during one full-day visit to Vanderbilt. It's part of our team's commitment to putting patient care first and improving the overall quality of care.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
- Vanderbilt Hearing and Speech
- Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
- Vanderbilt Neurosurgery
- Vanderbilt Radiation Oncology
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Otology and Neurotology. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial. See also the Cochlear Implant Cognition and Communication Lab and the lab of Taha Jan, MD.
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Our Team
- Christopher T. Wootten, MD, MMHC
- Ryan H. Belcher, MD
- Jason S. Park, MD, PhD
- Elizabeth L. Perkins, MD
- James D. Phillips, MD
- Scott J. Stephan, MD
- Frank W. Virgin, Jr., MD
- Jay A. Werkhaven, MD
- Amy S. Whigham, MD, MS-HPEd
- Lyndy J. Wilcox, MD
- Lauren F. DeVine, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Jennifer Fly, APRN, MSN, CPNP-AC
- Elizabeth A. Herbert, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Danielle Knox, PNP, CPNP-AC
- Tift Palmer, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Filipina C. Schnabel, MD, MPH, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN
- Michael A. Seyman, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
- Jessica N. Teston, MSN, APRN
- Abbey Hewitt Wu, PA-C
- Courtney P. Zimmerman, APRN, MSN, CPNP-AC/PC
Complex pediatric ENT problems require skilled and nuanced solutions. The Vanderbilt Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery team works closely with additional experts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, spearheading multidisciplinary care in programs like the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, Complex Aerodigestive Evaluation Team (CADET), Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ROSA) Clinic, and the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program (VPI). The Vanderbilt Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery team also has experience in treating conditions like cleft lip, cleft palate, vascular anomalies, and refractory obstructive sleep apnea.
We offer clinics at Monroe Carell, and at our surgial locations in Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill, where we see more than 25,000 outpatient visitors and perform more than 6,000 surgeries each year.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
- Aerodigestive Clinic
- Anterior Skull Base Team
- Complex Aerodigestive Evaluation Team (CADET)
- Complex Airway Reconstruction
- Cleft and Craniofacial Program
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
- Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ROSA) Clinic
- Pediatric Thyroid Nodule and Cancer Program
- Pediatric Voice Team
- Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery Center
- Speech Therapy
- Vascular Anomalies Clinic
- Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Pediatric Otolaryngology. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial.
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Our Team
- Rick Chandra, MD, MMHC
- Naweed I. Chowdhury, MD
- David T. Kent, MD
- Paul T. Russell III, MD
- Timothy H. Trone, MD
- James A. Duncavage, MD (Emeritus)
- Sarah Taylor, APRN, MSN, FNP
- Holly Budnick, APRN
The Vanderbilt Rhinology, Skull Base, and Sleep Surgery team has extensive training and experience in the management of the entire spectrum of nasal and sinus diseases, skull base pathology, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders. As national leaders in these fields, we perform comprehensive diagnostics and develop tailored patient care plans. This includes diagnostic imaging (same day CT scanning), endoscopy, smell and taste testing, and the spectrum of procedures ranging from ones done in-office to advanced surgical care.
We provide the latest in medical and other non-surgical treatments and also collaborate with other specialties for multidisciplinary treatment. Our team works closely with allergy and immunology specialists as part of the Asthma, Sinus, and Allergy Program (ASAP). We also work with endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and ophthalmologists to manage complex disorders involving the pituitary gland, eye socket, and skull base, including a variety of tumors and CSF leaks. Additionally, our group collaborates with sleep specialists from other departments, including neurology, dental, and pulmonary medicine.
Although we manage a lot of complicated and unusual problems, we also provide care to the full spectrum of common ENT conditions that impact the nasal and sinus passages, as well as sleep. Our goal is to use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible, which gives patients shorter recovery times and fewer complications. Our team is often able to perform same-day minor surgical procedures in the office.
We also work closely with the following related programs and services:
- Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program
- Bariatric Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
- Pituitary Center
- Vanderbilt Skull Base Center
- Sleep Surgery
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center
- Upper Airway Stimulation Surgery
Vanderbilt Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery participates in clinical trials for many of our subspecialties, including Rhinology, Skull Base, and Sleep Surgery. A searchable list of active studies can be found at Vanderbilt Find a Clinical Trial. See also the sleep research lab of David Kent, MD and the sinonasal research lab of Justin Turner, MD, PhD.