The ENT specialist is trained to treat diseases, trauma, and defects of the ear, nose, throat and connecting structures. They go through an extensive educational process to achieve the distinction of a specialist. They are physicians but treat only problems within their specialty. It is easy to locate an ENT physician in NC due to the number of physicians who practice at the leading teaching hospitals. Working at a teaching hospital, where referrals come in from around the state and region, affords the physician the opportunity to get experience with some of the unusual ailments.
Education
The potential specialist starts out with four years of college. Upon graduation, they enter medical school, which takes another four years to complete. They are now eligible to take the physician's licensing board and obtain their license. Once licensed, they then will enter their specialty training.
It is here they get the advanced education specific to the ears, nose, and throat. It takes about five years to complete the training program. After graduating, they take the Otolaryngology board that certifies them as a specialist. After 13 years of school, they are now able to practice as an ENT specialist.
Some physicians extend their education to one of seven sub-specialties within the field. These sub-specialties include such areas as pediatric otolaryngology, rhinology, and facial reconstructive surgery. These take an addition three to six years to complete.
What Do They Treat
The ENT treats a wide variety of problems. A patient is usually referred to a specialist after conventional attempts to treat an issue have failed. Most insurance companies require the primary care physician to write a formal request for referral.
Ears - the ENT can treat a variety of things with the ears. Hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, birth defects, tinnitus, and nerve damage are just a few of the things they can address. They also see people who are experiencing inner ear issues that are causing gait problems.
Nose - sinusitis affects millions of Americans each year. Chronic sinusitis can lead to serious problems such as sensory loss and interruption of a person's daily life. They are equipped to treat chronic and resistant sinus infections via surgical and nonsurgical means.
Throat - chronic strep throat is no laughing matter. The Ear, Nose and Throat physician also treats tumors, traumas and many can do cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries as needed.
It is easy to see why so many physicians pick this area of practice; there are lots of patients that need these services. It is appropriate for a patient to request that their primary care physician consider an ENT referral. However, it would be considered only if conventional treatments are not resolving their issues.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 