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Ear, Nose, and Throat: Placing Patients First

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Bronx-Lebanon's Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department, under the direction of its new Chairman David M. Jakubowicz, MD is "revolutionizing" the way care is delivered to our community. "While making sure the patient's disease is treated using evidence-based therapies that capitalize on the latest in medical and surgical advances, we also make sure that our patients leave with a smile," stated Dr. Jakubowicz. From registration to examination, to departure, it is the mission of the ENT Department to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, with a human touch. It is not uncommon for children to hear Dr. Jakubowicz singing songs from their favorite television show during the examination, or even giving dietary advice and apologizing if he is running late. While many still find going to the doctor scary, most ENT patients look forward to their follow-up visits with "Dr. J." The drawings of happy pediatric patients, prominently displayed in the waiting area are certainly proof of the ENT's department success.(Meet Our Physicians)

Dr. David Jakubowicz, Chairman (Right) and Dr. Walter Ralph MD, PhD, Attending Physician, ENT.

"Along with improving our outpatient services, we have been aggressively improving the care of our inpatients," stated Dr. Jakubowicz. He can frequently be seen in the Intensive Care Units, Emergency Room, and Operating Room making sure that patients with Ear, Nose, and Throat diseases are treated promptly, thereby allowing them to return to their loved ones as soon as possible.

The ENT department's new focus and expanded capabilities have resulted in recognition and acclaim from other departments at Bronx-Lebanon, as well as from hospitals throughout the New York metropolitan area. "It has given us the ability to attract some of the brightest physicians in the field. Physicians with the choice of practicing anywhere in the United States are now choosing to practice at Bronx-Lebanon's Department of ENT," stated Dr. Jakubowicz.

Recently, Walter P. Ralph, MD, PhD and Srinivasan (Srini) Krishna MD, MPH have joined the ENT department. Prior to his arrival, Dr. Ralph, a Harvard Medical School graduate, previously served as Chief ENT at Saint Vincent's Medical Center (St. Johns-Queens Hospital division). He has an extensive research background and has been involved in pioneering work on the use of surgical simulators to improve resident training. Dr. Ralph is also an expert in the treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid, and general ENT care. Srini Krishna, MD, MPH, received his graduate degree from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health and recently served as an instructor of facial plastic surgery at Albany Medical Center. His publications on facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty are featured in prominent medical textbooks and journals. While also being a fully trained ENT specialist, his focus on facial plastics will provide Bronx-Lebanon's ENT department with the
opportunity to better meet the needs of the community.

Dr. Carmen Santiago, AuD (standing) with Sonia Blanco (seated) and
Audrey Antrobus, ENT Registrars.

An important part of the ENT department's overall efforts will be expanding the services offered by the Audiology and Speech Language pathology division, under the direction of Carmen Santiago, AuD. This division, along with its current and comprehensive hearing and swallowing testing, will begin offering balance testing (Video-Electronystagmography) and camera assisted evaluation of swallowing. These services will be especially responsive to those patients with balance problems and feeding difficulties. The ENT department will also be expanding from its current location at 1650 Grand Concourse to provide services at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Practice at Fulton, Special Care Center, and BronxCare Third Avenue location.

Since his arrival, Dr. Jakubowicz has restructured the Ear, Nose and Throat department around one essential idea: Placing patients first! "Whether using a scalpel or a song, our goal is to provide the best care in a friendly, patient-centered environment. We now look towards a bright future that brings our friendly physicians and valuable services to all areas of the Bronx," stated Dr. Jakubowicz.