NMC Commentary
04.17.2018
News

Are ENT Services Returning to Franklin County?

Yes!  We are excited to announce that Northwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) will open in August in the Doctors Office Common on the NMC campus in St. Albans.  Franklin County has been without ENT services for quite some time now, and that lack of access has forced local individuals and families to travel outside our community for care.  I am so pleased that we will soon be able to meet that community need and care for those patients.

Northwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat will feature the services of Otolarygologist Dr. Kahren Aydinyan (his name is pronounced ‘Kah-rihn Eye-dihn-hihn’) and Audiologist Stephanie Maloney in a full time practice.  Dr. Aydinyan is from South Burlington and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont.  He graduated with honors (2nd in his class!) from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.  He is currently completing a five-year Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Residency program at the Oklahoma State University Medical Center.  Dr. Aydinyan also serves as a Captain and Physician in the Army National Guard, currently with the 120th Medical Company in Oklahoma after service with the Vermont Army National Guard.

Otolaryngology (ENT) provides care for a wide and varied range of medical and surgical conditions ranging from hearing loss to speech issues and sinus disorders. Some of the more common adult and pediatric conditions treated by ENT’s include chronic ear disease and ear infections, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, facial trauma and management of neck masses, among others. The American Academy of Otolaryngology provides a great overview of the care provided within an ENT practice.  Their website says, “Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage diseases of the ears, nose, sinuses, larynx (voice box), mouth, and throat, as well as structures of the neck and face.

  • The ears: Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), and some cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
  • The nose: About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Problems in the nasal area include allergies, smell disorders, polyps, and nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum.
  • The throat: Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the throat, larynx (voice box), and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
  • The head and neck: This area of the body includes the important functions of sight, smell, hearing, and the appearance of the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infections, benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face.”

We are so pleased to have Dr. Aydinyan joining our staff.  NMC’s vision speaks to becoming ‘a destination of choice for patients, staff, and medical staff’ and attracting and retaining top medical talent to our community is a reflection of our pursuit of that vision.  Response to the announcement of his pending arrival has created strong interest in our community and we are currently building a list of names of prospective patients who want to be contacted once the practice begins to book appointments. If you would like to be notified when Northwestern Ear, Nose, and Throat begins to book appointments, please call the NMC Community Relations Office at 802 524 1280.

— Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer