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Health Matters: Providence Saint John's Health Center | 3 "With the practice's new subspecialty focus, we can take care of any complex problem and treat patients in a community setting that people are used to and comfortable with," Dr. Walgama says. "These are problems that formerly were sent out to academic institutions." The new specialists join four highly trained and knowledgeable physicians in a practice that has been honored to serve the community for decades. Launched by Chester Griffith, MD— an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a co- founder of PNI—the team is equipped to treat both routine and complex ENT disorders in both adults and children. "Some of the common, bread-and-butter issues are sinus problems, voice complaints and earwax buildup. The group also has expertise in facial cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty, face-lifts and Botox injections," Dr. Walgama says. "Some of the more cutting-edge things we do include robotic surgery for throat cancer and advanced cancer reconstructive surgeries that take grafts or flaps from another part of the body to use in head or neck reconstruction. There is already a culture of offering the latest and best in clinical trials for the very best in head and neck cancer care." Another key advantage is that our physicians work with departments at Providence Saint John's, including radiation and medical oncology, as well as neurosurgeons at PNI. That means patients receive coordinated, team-based care throughout their treatment. "We have strong institutional resources inside and outside of PNI, on par with any of the other academic places I've been at. Providence Saint John's is a small hospital that punches way above its weight," Dr. Walgama explains. Regardless of the medical need, the group's approach to care puts patients at the center of the decision-making process. Because they respect our patients' beliefs and values, our physicians tailor treatment plans to their needs and advise them on how to prevent future illness. In addition, our leading-edge technology helps physicians quickly obtain images to pinpoint the problem, seamlessly share the results with patients and thoroughly inform them of their treatment options. "When there's a complex problem, choosing the right treatment is sometimes difficult," Dr. Walgama explains. "We take time to make sure that patients not only get the best treatment but also feel confident that they 're making the best decision for themselves and their families." For more information on ear, nose and throat services at Providence Saint John's Health Center, visit pacificheadandneck.com or call 310-829-8701. Full-Spectrum Ear, Nose and Throat Care Our team of specialists at Pacific Head & Neck treats a range of conditions from the common to the super-specialized. W e believe good health care should also be convenient. Westside patients who need specialized treatment for head and neck conditions can now find more resources right in their own backyard at the Pacific Head & Neck practice. A part of Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) and an affiliate of Providence Saint John's Health Center, Pacific Head & Neck recently expanded to include three new specialists focusing on the ears, nose and throat (ENT). Evan S. Walgama, MD, is a head and neck oncologist who performs surgeries for benign, malignant and challenging tumors of the head and neck; Amit Kochhar, MD, is a facial reconstructive surgeon who offers facial reconstructive and plastic surgery; and Courtney Voelker, MD, is a neurotologist who provides ear and skull base care, including cochlear implants, treatment of complex ear problems and skull base tumor surgery. WE HAVE STRONG INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF PNI, ON PAR WITH ANY OF THE OTHER ACADEMIC PLACES I'VE BEEN AT. SAINT JOHN'S PUNCHES WAY ABOVE ITS WEIGHT. Dr. Evan S. Walgama

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