Ian CheesemanTHE 5 BEST ENT SPECIALISTS IN TORONTO
A lot of things come in threes: rock, paper, scissors: Neapolitan ice cream, traffic lights, and our ears, nose, and throat...
Although the last trio may come as a surprise to most and seem like unrelated parts of our bodies, they're actually connected by a delicate system that requires specialised attention.
ENT specialists, or otolaryngologists, diagnose and treat disorders that affect the ears, nose, and throat. These range from common ailments like allergies and tonsillitis to more complex issues that may necessitate surgery, such as vestibular disorders, head and neck cancers, and sleep apnea. Whether you are dealing with a minor concern or a more serious condition, these expert physicians can provide the necessary help.
How We Chose the Best ENT Specialists in Toronto
How Much Do ENT Services Cost in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting an ENT specialist as long as you provide your provincially-registered health card.Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
1. Dr. Ian J. Witterick
Dr. Ian J. Witterick is the Otolaryngologist-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital, specialising in head and neck surgery, with sub-specialties in rhinology and oncology. This is evident in his impressive body of work, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. More importantly, he has played a crucial role in the successful treatment of numerous patients with chronic ENT diseases, many of whom have entrusted their care to him for years.
Notably, he graduated cum laude from the University of Western Ontario and underwent extensive training at the University of Toronto and the ABOto that resulted in two fellowships and a diplomate status.
Dr. Witterick has also cultivated a robust professional network through his membership in various health organisations, including serving as the President of the North American Skull Base Society. He has also been recognised with an Innovation Award and the Charles Mickle Fellowship Award, further highlighting his contributions and accomplishments.
Pros
- Affiliated with the UHN and St. Joseph’s Health Centre
- Wide scope of specialties and subspecialties in ENT
- Esteemed member of various health organisations
- Extensive medical background
- Multi-awarded physician
- Friendly and informative during appointments
Cons
- Lacks patient interaction in some appointmentsÂ
Patient Reviews
He is the reason I am still alive
“I have been a patient of Dr. Witterick’s for over 20 years, and during that time he has performed 6 surgeries on my trachea (my condition requires frequent surgery). Quite simply, he is the reason I am still alive. His calm demeanor is exemplary and exactly what one needs and wants in a surgeon. It can be a lengthy wait to receive paperwork required for work, Long-Term Disability, etc., but it always gets done. If you can get a referral, take it: he is the BEST.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Dr. Witterick has a high degree of respect from other physicians
“Dr. Witterick has a high degree of respect from other physicians, and deservedly so. He is always thorough and professional. Just before surgery, I was nervous and joking to hide my anxiety. Dr. Witterick helped calm me with his sense of humour, and it helped put me at ease. He is one of the best.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Professional, patient, and kind
“Dr. Witterick is professional, patient, and kind. I was well treated by him and his associates at Mt. Sinai Hospital for surgery, as well as continuing follow-ups at his office. He has taken the time out of his busy day to call me on several occasions when I had concerns. I would highly recommend this Doctor!” – Diane Sebastiani, Google Reviews
2. Dr. Ambrose Lee
Dr. Ambrose Lee is a devoted physician who lends his medical expertise to four hospitals across the GTA, including Toronto General Hospital and MacKenzie Health in Richmond Hill.
With a medical degree from Queen’s University, he gained experience as an emergency care doctor before pursuing his interest in otolaryngology at Dalhousie University. Dr. Lee furthered his training with a fellowship at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, UK, where he is also licensed to practise.
Dr. Lee’s practice and clinical research primarily focus on vestibular disorders such as tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière’s disease, and physical injuries like ruptured eardrums and cochlea. He’s also involved in diagnosing and treating head and neck conditions, performing biopsies and surgeries when necessary. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as an assistant professor at the University of Toronto.
Pros
- Great with kids
- Calming and caring countenance
- Thorough and accurate diagnostics
- Time-efficient appointments
- Extensive medical trainingÂ
- Affiliated with major hospitals around the GTA
Cons
- Long wait times for scheduling appointments
Patient Reviews
His level of knowledge makes you feel comfortable being in his care
“I cannot express how great of a doctor Dr.Lee is… He is everything that you want from a doctor, his bedside manners are amazing, he acknowledges your issues and corrects them accordingly, and his level of knowledge makes you feel comfortable being in his care. I can hear again without any medications. He’s been my ENT for a couple of years now and I can’t speak any more highly of him. ” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
He is a very compassionate doctor and cares about his patients
“I thank god that I went to see Dr. Ambrose Lee…He is a very compassionate doctor and cares about his patients. He redid my biopsy and then did surgery to remove tissue for testing… Dr. Ambrose Lee truly cares about his patients and I thank God that I went to him, as I feel that I am alive due to his care.” – Susan Da Costa, Google Reviews
3. Dr. Kevin Higgins
Dr. Kevin Higgins’ medical career is truly remarkable, having devoted his entire professional life to becoming an ENT specialist. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree and completed his residency at the University of Toronto, where he currently serves as an associate professor. He’s also achieved diplomate status under the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto), specialising in head and neck surgery.
In addition to diagnosing and treating diseases of the ears, nose, and throat, he’s proficient in performing microvascular reconstructive surgery. Notably, he doubles as an oncologist actively engaged in clinical research focused on cancers affecting the head and neck.
Dr. Higgins’ exceptional skills and dedication have garnered him multiple recognitions, including the Chief Surgical Resident and Research Award. Furthermore, he maintains affiliations with various hospitals and research centers in the GTA and remains an active member of professional organisations such as the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology.
Pros
- Active in clinical research
- Esteemed and sought-after physicianÂ
- Specialises in head and neck surgery and oncology
- Solid network of professional affiliations
Cons
- High demandÂ
- Lacks attentiveness to some patients
- Not very personable
Patient Reviews
Excellent care with timely follow-ups
“Dr. Higgins performed a long surgery on my neck in the Fall of 2020 and has been continuing to take excellent care of me with timely follow-ups. His level of skill is excellent and he did an amazing job on the scar on my neck. The cut is healing wonderfully. Dr. Higgins really knows his stuff.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
He was very supportive of me and my family!
“Dr. Higgins performed a very long complicated cancer surgery other ENT specialists misdiagnosed. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and kind. He was very supportive of me and my family! Worth waiting for! He is the very best choice for skill and personality!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
4. Dr. Raewyn Seaberg
Dr. Raewyn Seaberg is an accomplished otolaryngologist who practises at multiple hospitals in Toronto, including Humber River Hospital, William Osler Health Centre, and Baycrest Hospital. In addition, she’s an adjunct clinical lecturer at the University of Toronto, where she also completed her Doctor of Medicine and otolaryngology residency from 2006 to 2011. As faculty, she has co-authored publications focusing on thyroid cancer and neural stem cells.
Dr. Seaberg offers comprehensive otolaryngology services, addressing common conditions such as sinusitis and nosebleeds. Her expertise extends to head and neck surgery, catering to patients ranging from pediatric to adult age groups.
Dr. Seaberg possesses extensive experience in performing oral and maxillofacial surgery. She has successfully treated individuals who have suffered trauma and injuries to the face, oral cavity, head, and neck.
Pros
- Spends time with patients
- On-time appointments
- Kind and helpful clinic staff
- Excellent bedside manners
- Minimal surgical scars
Cons
- Waiting times may take months
Patient Reviews
She is a wonderful, kind, thorough doctor who never makes you feel rushed
“My young son was deaf in one ear and had hearing loss in the other ear and was treated by Dr. Seaberg. She is a wonderful, kind, thorough doctor who never makes you feel rushed and is great with children. She performed my son’s surgery to insert tubes in his ears at Humber River Hospital, which has been life-changing for him both in quality of life and developmentally. We see her for follow-up appointments and always look forward to seeing her. Her front desk staff is great as well.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Always on time, compassionate, polite, friendly, and loves what she does
“Dr. Seaberg is an exceptional doctor. My daughter needed surgery and she went through the entire process and procedure with us, answered all of our questions, and made sure we all understood everything. She never rushed us through any of our questions and concerns. Always on time, compassionate, polite, friendly, and loves what she does. Her staff is as wonderful as she is. Her receptionist is fantastic! I can’t thank her, her team, and everyone at Humber River Hospital enough for everything they have done for us.” – Alireza Khatabakhsh, Google Reviews
5. Dr. Adam Toth
Based in Etobicoke, Dr. Adam Toth is an ENT specialist affiliated with Trillium Health Partners, which comprises the Mississauga Hospital, Queensway Health Centre, and Credit Valley Hospital. He obtained his medical degree and completed his residency at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, accumulating over 20 years of experience in the field. Additionally, he contributes as a lecturer at the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Toronto.
Operating from a state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Toth demonstrates expertise in head and neck surgery, which includes laryngology, vocal cord, reconstructive, and parathyroid surgeries. With a diverse patient population, he has significant experience in caring for both pediatric and elderly individuals, diagnosing and treating common otolaryngology conditions such as tonsillitis, nosebleeds, and hearing problems.
Pros
- Personable and accommodating clinic staff
- Short waiting times
- Specialised in a broad range of surgeries
- Conscientious and attentive to concerns
Cons
- Hard to reach for follow-up care
- Unorganised communication system
- Not well-versed in diagnosing head and neck cancers
Patient Reviews
Accepts my bouncing ideas off of him without being judged or dismissed
“Dr. A. Toth is a phenomenal doctor. He takes the time to listen to my concerns and accepts my bouncing ideas off of him without being judged or dismissed. The surgery he performed on my ear was fantastic, and I am so pleased with the results. I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. A. Toth and am thankful that I am his patient.” – Kathleen Prichard, Google Reviews
We immediately felt at home with Dr. Toth
“My developmentally challenged daughter was seen by Dr. Toth today for the first time. We immediately felt at home with Dr. Toth. I sensed that my daughter who is deaf/autistic and non-verbal felt comfortable with Dr. Toth and did not show any signs of anxiety. He is patient, spent time to ask questions, and was very thorough with examining her. We didn’t feel rushed and he listened to my concerns.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
