Dr. Ashley Agan

Episode #77

In this episode, Dr. Stan McClurg, a private practice rhinologist at Ascentist Healthcare in Kansas City, shares his approach to diagnosis and treatment of chronic rhinitis patients using the in-office RhinAer procedure.

Episode #73

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Shah and Dr. Agan speak about allergic fungal rhinosinusitis with Dr. Amber Luong, vice president of the American Rhinology Society and professor of otolaryngology at McGovern Medical School.

Episode #72

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Shah and Dr. Agan speak with Dr. Mandan Kandula, founder of ADVENT, an ENT private medical practice, about embracing in-office procedures and building an efficient ENT private practice.

Episode #71

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Shah and Dr. Agan speak with Dr. Colleen Plein about functional nasal breathing in the treatment of facial pain, sleep apnea, postural defects, and improving general quality of life.

Episode #69

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Seilesh Babu discuss Eustachian tube dysfunction and balloon dilation as a therapeutic option.

Episode #68

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah speak with Dr. Mary Ashmead, a Dallas/Fort Worth based rhinologist (Texas Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists) about in-office procedures for nasal valve obstruction.

Episode #67

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Walter Kutz talk with Dr. Michael Seidman, an AdventHealth neurotologist with a unique interest in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM), about his holistic health approach to treating ENT-related disorders and his supplement company, PEAK 365 Nutrition.

Episode #65

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Shah and Dr. Agan discuss the role of lifestyle medicine and non-pharmacological therapy in otolaryngology with Dr. Jessica Lee, a general ENT who is certified in lifestyle medicine.

Episode #63

In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Agan and Dr. Shah discuss nasal valve collapse and repair with Dr. Moustafa Mourad, a New York City-based facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Episode #61

Hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah discuss the complications of ear tubes and differences in adult and pediatric ear tube management, including the management of clogged ear tubes with normal hearing, which may require different treatments for different patients.

Episode #59

Theresa Richard, SLP educates us on the best approach to evaluating the adult patient with swallowing difficulty, including the importance and challenges of obtaining high quality assessments, and recommendations for therapy.

Episode #58

We talk with Dr. Julie Wei about what it means to connect with a mentor, the challenges of finding the right fit, and how mentoring relationships will grow and change throughout our career and undoubtedly contribute to overall wellness.

Episode #57

We talk with Dr. Allison Royer about locums opportunities for otolaryngologists, why locums is becoming more popular amongst ENTs, and how to get started as a locums physician.

Episode #50

In this episode we talk with Dr. Reena Mehta about her experiences building a solo Allergy practice from scratch, including finding a space, staffing, essential equipment, and a successful marketing strategy.

Episode #44

Dr Keith Matheny tells us how he first got involved in entrepreneurial pursuits, including starting a global purchasing organization for ENT's, as well as advice on where to start when you have a great idea for a new device!

Episode #40

Dr. Ashley Agan sits down with the eustachian tube expert Dr. Dennis Poe to discuss his approach to management and treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction.

Episode #38

Dr. Romaine Johnson tells us about The Simulation Program for open airway and foreign body training at UT Southwestern, including how he got it started, how it's being used, and what steps go into making a successful course.

Episode #36

We talk with Vestibular Therapist Matthew Johnston about the workup of dizziness and setting up patients for success with Vestibular Rehab.

Episode #35

Dr. David Goldenberg talks with us about the management of thyroid nodules, including workup, imaging and patient counseling.

Episode #34

We talk with Dr. Bradley Block, creator and host of The Physician's Guide to Doctoring Podcast, about optimizing communication to improve workflow and for better patient care.

Episode #33

We talk with Dr. Anita Jeyakumar about her approach to Single Sided Deafness in Children, including workup, treatment and long-term care.

Episode #32

Join us to celebrate BackTable ENT's First Year Podiversary with co-hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan! We take a look back at the year and discuss some of our favorite episodes as well as progress towards wellness since our first episode. Thank you to our amazing guests and loyal listeners!

Episode #31

We talk with Dr. Carrie Francis about her passion for guiding personal and professional development for physicians, trainees and students, while helping them build a strategy of authentic alignment between their career goals and purpose.

Episode #30

We talk with Rhinologist Dr. Ashleigh Halderman about Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, including patient selection, pre-op planning, and endoscopic technique.

Myringotomy allows for fluid drainage and pressure relief in the ear, making it a potentially effective treatment option for patients with eustachian tube dysfunction. Learn how to evaluate patient candidacy and how to utilize myringotomy for treatment.

Treating eustachian tube dysfunction with balloon dilation may offer lasting symptom relief for patients and often prevents the need for further interventions. Learn more about the procedure, how it works, and how otologists are counseling eligible patients.

The VivAer procedure can offer patients an effective and efficient alternative to surgery for nasal valve collapse. Learn more about procedure techniques, anxiolytic and anesthesia protocols, and the various anatomical applications of the VivAer device.

Various problems may arise for patients of all ages who have had ear tubes surgically placed. Learn more about how otolaryngologists are addressing clogged tubes and retained tubes, determining the need for replacement ear tubes, and treating blood clots, mucus, and tube otorrhea.

Patients with nasal valve obstruction that fails to respond to conservative treatment options may benefit from the VivAer procedure, which works to provide relief by remodeling the airway. Learn more about how this treatment works, who it can benefit, and what to expect for recovery.

Otolaryngologists can help to increase the quality of life for patients with dysphagia by referring to speech language pathologists (SLP) specializing in swallowing difficulties. Learn more about ENT referral best practices, the role of SLPs in treating dysphagia and the process through which SLPs conduct a workup.

Swallowing difficulties impact afflicted patients on a daily basis and can decrease their overall quality of life. Learn more about diagnosis of dysphagia, treatment methods, and the possible psychological causes, such as stress.

The eustachian tube dysfunction test helps to identify the location & severity by combining information from patient history, physical exam findings, and testing. Learn more about the role of patient history, physical, tympanogram, audiogram, and endoscopy in dealing with eustachian tube disorders.

Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction is when the valve of the eustachian tube remains open when it should not be. This can cause severe patient discomfort through common symptoms like autophony & aural fullness. Learn more about the patient presentation & patulous eustachian tube treatment options.

Physical therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can provide relief to patients experiencing varying degrees of symptoms, such as dizziness, vertigo, & lightheadedness. This article explains benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment, exercises, & physical therapy in the office & home.

Vestibular therapy can successfully treat a variety of vestibular disorders and conditions. Learn more about what to expect when a new patient begins treatment with a vestibular physical therapist.

Dr. Scott Fortune describes how to successfully incorporate Office-Based Rhinology and associated procedures into your Otolaryngology practice.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is today’s first-line test for diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules. Learn more about patient selection, cytology, and interpreting indeterminate results of fine needle aspiration biopsy for thyroid nodules.

Physicians utilize a variety of thyroid imaging modalities.This article discusses which are most useful both in general, and on a case-by-case basis.

Office-based Rhinologic procedures can be uncomfortable and painful for patients. It is important to have a safe and effective anesthetic protocol in place to minimize patient discomfort.

Cochlear implant risks include infections of the middle ear, injury to the dura causing CSF leaks, and facial nerve injury. Certain cochlear implant precautions can be taken to ensure that these risks and complications are minimized.

There are many considerations to keep in mind when screening pediatric cochlear implant candidates. Certain diagnostic testing can help aid in management with special importance given to pediatric cochlear implant mapping.

Dr. St. John joins us to discuss strategies to support children living with hearing loss. There are important counseling considerations throughout a child’s life, starting from early language development, through schooling years, and into adolescent decisions.

Pediatric sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Dr. Rachel St. John, a pediatrician specializing in hearing loss, discusses diagnostic assessments for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Nasal polyp removal surgery may be necessary if all medical treatments for nasal polyps removal fail. Dr. Patricia Loftus explains her approach to the surgical removal of nasal polyps on the BackTable ENT Podcast.

Sinusitis is a condition that refers to the swelling of the sinuses and usually causes the growth of nasal polyps. Corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase & Budesonide), oral corticosteroids (Prednisone), and Dupixent (biologic) should be treatments explored before removing nasal polyps.

For complex cleft patients, such as those who are afflicted by multi-systemic organ dysfunctions, a multidisciplinary medical team is required to manage multiple aspects of their health.

A cleft lip refers to the improper separation of the lip. Cleft lip surgery techniques, both unilateral or bilateral, are sometimes necessary to improve the infants feeding and breathing. Learn more about cleft lip repair, techniques, and post-operative cleft lip scar.

Cochlear implant surgery can greatly improve the quality of life for adults facing hearing loss. Dr. Jacob Hunter provides his insights on the cochlear implant procedure. Additionally, he covers potential cochlear implant techniques, complications, & special considerations for elderly populations.