About Our Practice

Lakeside ENT & Allergy is an independent, privately-owned medical group

We provide medical and surgical treatment for pediatric and adult ENT conditions, including head and neck tumors, skin cancers of the head and neck, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, cosmetic facial and neck surgery, otology and ear diseases, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, nasal disorders and sinus surgery, snoring and sleep apnea, and allergies, to name just a few. We work with medical professionals and medical centers with both University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and Rochester Regional Health System (RRHS), including consults, admitting privileges, and surgeries through several affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. Lakeside ENT & Allergy remains independent private ENT practices in the Greater Rochester region. Our autonomy has allowed us to focus our efforts on patient care. We have proudly served our communities in the Finger Lakes region and Western NY for nearly 50 years.

Meet Our Providers

All Lakeside ENT & Allergy physicians are Fellows or fellowship-pending members of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. Fellowship in the AAOA entails completion of specific rigorous clinical and educational requirements, completions of extensive AAOA-sponsored continuing education courses, demonstration of clinical experience in otolaryngic allergy and immunotherapy, and successful completion of written and oral components of the AAOA Fellow examination.

Training and Patient Care

Otolaryngologists are ready to start practicing after completing up to 15 years of college and post-graduate training. To qualify for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college, medical school (usually four years), and at least five years of surgical specialty residency training. Next, the physician must pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination. Many of our physicians are additionally participants in the ABOto’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.

What is an ENT Specialist?

Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.

ERIC A. BIRKEN

MD FACS

SUSAN L. FULMER

MD

SRINIVAS R. KAZA

MD

CHELSEA OBOURN

MD

AMY SALEH

MD

JAY A. YATES

MD

TIM KERSEY

PA

ELENI FILIOS

PA-C

PAIGE HELFER

AuD

HOLLY BLAAKMAN

PA-C

EMILY HAINES

AuD

Ashley Helfer

HIS​ (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

What Do Otolaryngologists Treat?

The Ears | Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

The Nose | About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of otolaryngologists’ expertise.

The Throat | Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

The Head and Neck | This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

A virtual tour of our offices

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Your First Visit

Call our Patient Care Coordinators at (585) 394-8800 to assist with the check-in process.

Please read our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment kindly notify us at (585) 394-8800 at least 24 hours in advance so that your time can be offered to another patient.

Things to Remember When Visiting Our Offices

• Referral – Before you arrive make sure your referral, if needed, is current.
• Insurance Card – Bring your insurance cards to every visit. We copy them and use the information to bill the insurance company directly. Insurance plans are frequently updated.
• Copayment, Co-Insurance, and Deductible – Payment is expected in full at the time of service or per the terms of your insurance plan(s) unless prior arrangements have been made.
• New patients, please arrive 20 minutes early to allow ample time for paperwork and to avoid losing allotted time to see the doctor. NEW PATIENT FINANCIAL POLICY  |  ROCHESTER RHIO
• We encourage you to bring a family member or friend if it would help facilitate the exchange of medical information and reinforce treatment recommendations.
• For patients scheduled for allergy testing in any of our offices please click here for important information.