Overview
Santa Cruz Ear, Nose & Throat Medical Group is a group of dedicated doctors and audiologists whose passion is to help you and improve our community. We live and work here and want to see our neighbors thrive. From preventing to diagnosing to treating whatever brings you to see our experienced doctors, you can be assured the professionals at Santa Cruz Ear, Nose & Throat Medical Group will work tirelessly until you feel at ease.
We are independent, experienced specialists treating disorders of the head and neck. We provide state of the art, caring treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases. Our care spans from sinus disease to head and neck cancer and from disorders of hearing and balance to pediatric issues including ear infections and tonsillitis.
Physicians
Marc A. Seftel, MD
Dedicated to compassionate care from the beginning -
"Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. In fact, my father was an ear, nose and throat physician right here in Santa Cruz, and I'm proud to carry on this family tradition. It's a privilege to have a speciality practice where I grew up and give back to the people within the community. That's why I've stayed in the area."
"I believe in giving my patients the best care available, and this includes being there for them when they have questions or problems."
A solid educational background
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to receive international training, both in Switzerland and at the University of Virginia. This has provided me with an exceptionally broad background in medicine and the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. I strive to use these qualities daily to offer my patients the best and most advanced treatment possible."
Board Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
MD: University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
BA: Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
Fellowship: Otolaryngic Research, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA
Residency: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA
Internship: General Surgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA
Staying at the forefront of the latest technology
"I enjoy sharing my expertise with other respected leaders in my field. Remaining active in professional organizations allows me to exchange ideas and learn about the newest ways to improve the care I offer my patients."
Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, California Medical Association
Personal Interests: Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz
"I've made it my mission to give each patient the personal, one-on-one attention they deserve. I always take the time to listen to my patients' concerns and offer them the best solutions for treatment. You can be assured that whenever you come to see me, I will be giving you the kind of dedication you can count on and effective treatment."
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Daniel A. Spilman, MD
Education and training that inspire trust - "When I made the decision to specialize in ear, nose and throat care and facial cosmetic medicine, I also made the commitment to research the newest, most effective techniques and to learn from respected leaders in each field. I continue to assess relevant innovations in technology and procedures."
Board Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
MD: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
BS: Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
General Surgery Internship: General Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Residency: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Active member of the medical community
"In conjunction with other respected doctors and surgeons I am able to bring to our community the newest and safest techniques as they become available. Because of this, I can make sure we have the most advanced care in our community so that my patients receive the best care available."
Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, California Medical Association, Santa Cruz Medical Society
President: Central Coast Surgery Center
President: Santa Cruz Ear, Nose, and Throat Hearing Aid Center
Member: Quality Improvement Committee of the Physicians' Medical Group of Santa Cruz County
Volunteered: Supervisor for student externship for pre-medical majors for the University of California Santa Cruz
Building for the future of medicine
"I enjoy sharing my expertise with other respected leaders in my field. Remaining active in professional organizations allows me to exchange ideas and learn about the newest ways to improve the care I offer my patients."
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Thomas V. Barker, MD
"Helping others is very important to me. When I attended medical school, that feeling was realized. I became very interested in surgery and was inspired by the other physicians in the field of ear, nose and throat. My dedication to helping others continues and is one of the main reasons I chose the field I'm in."
Attracted to helping others at a young age
"Completing my residency at Stanford University was an honor and a privelege for me. It also prepared me for a lifetime of practicing state-of-the-art medicine. I decided to devote myself to private practice rather than academic medicine and have kept my commitment to offer the most modern, safe and effective care available to my patients. It is my goal to achieve the best outcomes in the most challenging cases. Throughout my years of academic study and in my chosen profession, I have always been committed to excellence. I wouldn't have it any other way."
A lifetime of education... a lifetime of caring
Board Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
MD: University of Texas Medical School, San Antonio, TX
BA: University of Texas, Austin, TX Summa Cum Laude
Residency: Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Stanford University
Internship: General Surgery, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Oakland, CA
Listed in: Who's Who in America 2000, Best Doctors in America
Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, California Medical Association
Member and Former President: Santa Cruz Medical Society
Working as a team
"Everyone in our office works as a team toward one common goal: improving your health. But our team also includes you. You are the integral part of this collaborative effort. That's why we take the time to listen to you and answer all of your questions. We want you to make educated decisions about your healthcare, and getting you actively involved in your treatment is the best way to ensure you enjoy a happy and healthy life."
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Audiologists
Terence P. Russell, MA
"Being able to communicate is a gift that many people take for granted. I have the expertise and the experience to ensure that you'll get the absolute finest hearing solutions available. One that fits your unique lifestyle and most important, one that you feel comfortable with."
The importance of education
"To give you the best possible care requires many years of study, research and experience. Even though I've had an extensive formal education, my learning never ends. I continue to take many hours of advanced, professional courses each year, always looking for ways to improve your quality of life. Plus, my dual licensure ensures that your hearing is in qualified caring hands"
Licensed: Hearing Aid Dispenser, State of California
Licensed: Audiology, State of California
MA: Audiology and Speech Pathology, San Jose State University, San Jose CA
BA: Speech Pathology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Continuing Education: Completes the required hours for audiology license and dispensing license renewal
Member: American Academy of Audiology, Academy of Dispensing Audiologists
Community Involvement: Guest speaker to various senior groups on geriatric audiology topics such as Alzheimer's and assistive listening devices.
An ongoing quest for knowledge
"One of the greatest advantages of belonging to professional groups is that I can meet with my colleagues to share ideas about ways to provide better hearing care, or to learn about new techniques. If I relied solely on my formal education, I might be unaware of a breakthrough technology or new procedure that could benefit you."
For the love of the community
"Physician's Hearing Aid Center is very important to me, but equally important is the community in which I live and work. I enjoy the opportunity to give something back to the local people. Not only is it a great way to improve the quality of life for community members, it's also a chance to meet some truly exceptional people."
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Ruth H. Kaspar, AuD
“As the Director of Clinical Audiology for Santa Cruz Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Group I’m committed to bringing you the individual attention and care you deserve. That’s why I make it a point to really listen to you and address your concerns.”
Accuracy is the bottom line
Many hearing losses are medically correctable. As a diagnostic specialist, I identify the place and extent of hearing loss so we can take the appropriate steps to correct the problem or offer suggestions to help. My former positions instructing and training graduate students and medical interns at the university level in Massachusetts and Utah have prepared me well for this challenge. Teaching others is the best way to understand something yourself.
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.): A.T. Still University, Arizona Health Sciences Campus
Masters of Communicative Disorders (M.C.D.): Brigham Young University and University of Washington
Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Brigham Young University
Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (F-AAA)
Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology from Amer. Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-A)
Licensed: Audiology, State of California
Paneled: California Children’s Services
Adjunct Professor: San Diego State University
Knowledge erases fear and breeds understanding
Children and adults alike deserve a welcoming, non-threatening environment. I want my patients to feel safe and accepted. They need a good understanding of their hearing when they leave my office so that they will be able to explain their results to their family and friends. When others understand what someone else is experiencing, they’ll be much more accepting and supportive.
A commitment to the community
Consultant to Dominican Hospital’s newborn hearing screening program
Trainer for County Early Start workers and medical assistants who conduct preschool hearing testing
Guest lecturer on tinnitus, pediatric audiology, and auditory processing disorders
Soprano with the Santa Cruz Chorale
Choir director in a local church
Taxi driver for my six delightful children
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Manny Ocano, HIS
Manny is a native of California and became a Hearing Aid Dispenser after 20 years in the high tech services industry. As an avid concert-goer and guitarist, Manny has an appreciation for sound that drives him to help others experience life in the fullest possible way.
Attention to details
“My job is like being a detective” says Manny. “For every person afflicted with the loss of hearing, the first thing that needs to be done is to verify the facts: Was the hearing loss measured accurately? Does the current hearing device match the loss?” Attention to these details ensures the best foundation for a successful hearing device fitting.
Proper tuning for the best sound
“The next part is where the art of the proper fit and the science of the ear and brain mix” he continues. “I seek to get to know my patients personally – to understand the lifestyle they lead and the things they enjoy doing so I can use this information to tune the instrument specifically to an individual’s unique lifestyle.” A critical part of this process is to take input from the patient --- how does it sound TO YOU?
It's a changing world we live in...
Manny brings 20 years of experience in electronics and high tech services to the team at Santa Cruz Ear, Nose and Throat Hearing Aid Center. He is passionate about the latest technologies and enjoys finding new ways to integrate solutions for the best possible hearing experience for his patients.
Licensed: Hearing Aid Dispenser, State of California
Continuing Education: Annually completes the required hours for audiology license and dispensing license renewal. Completion of the American Conference of Audioprosthology program (ACA).
Member: Hearing Healthcare Providers of California (HHP), International Hearing Society
Community Involvement: Instructor for “Aural Rehabilitation,” a class designed for first-time hearing device users to learn how to get the best experience from hearing devices.
Volunteer for Shared Adventures and technology team at his daughter’s elementary school.
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Anna Dodge, AuD
“Communication, be it through different languages or assistive devices, has long been a facination of mine. The ability to communicate with others provides the opportunity to connect with them. Through diagnostic testing and on-going aural rehabilitation I strive to help my patients regain and maintain that connection with loved ones and the world around them.”
The importance of education, an ongoing quest for knowledge
I recently completed my doctoral studies in Audiology. Through my education, I gained a strong foundation and understanding of hearing impairments and strategies to aid them. However, education doesn’t stop with a degree. Our understanding of the brain’s ability to process sound and hearing technology are advancing at a rapid pace. I am committed as a clinician to staying current with new discoveries and technologies to provide superior services and devices for my patients.
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.): Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (B.A.): Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (F-AAA)
Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology (CCC-A): American Speech-Language- Hearing Association
Licensed: Audiology, State of California
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