UCI Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

UCI Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Hear, Breathe, and Sleep Better At UCI Head & Neck, you have access to the top ear, nose and throat specialists in the country.

Our surgeons are well-known for their ongoing research and innovative treatment techniques, and our work provides relief for patients every day.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Alden Smith as our second clinical Laryngologist!Born in Colorado, Dr. Smith joins us afte...
08/11/2026

We are excited to welcome Dr. Alden Smith as our second clinical Laryngologist!

Born in Colorado, Dr. Smith joins us after serving for several years as faculty at Loma Linda University. He completed his undergraduate degree at BYU with a Bachelor of Music in Sound Recording Technology and a minor in Mathematics. He began his medical training at Temple University, where he received his MD degree, and went on to complete his residency training in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at UCLA and his Laryngology fellowship training at Stanford.

While his practice spans the full breadth of laryngology, his specific clinical interests are in the management of neurogenic cough, dysphagia in head & neck cancer survivors, and surgical management of upper airway stenosis. His presence will expand our services to help patients in North Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino / Riverside County patients. He is our 20th faculty member in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we hope your day is filled with good company and memorable moments.
07/04/2026

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we hope your day is filled with good company and memorable moments.

Today we celebrate fathers, father figures, and all those who offer guidance, support, and care.
06/21/2026

Today we celebrate fathers, father figures, and all those who offer guidance, support, and care.

Today we acknowledge an important milestone in American history and its lasting impact. Juneteenth serves as an opportun...
06/20/2026

Today we acknowledge an important milestone in American history and its lasting impact. Juneteenth serves as an opportunity to reflect on where we've been and where we're going.

05/12/2026

When should you be concerned about thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are actually very common—you may even have one and not know it. Not all thyroid nodules are concerning. What matters is how they look and their size on ultrasound.

If you’ve been told you have a thyroid nodule, don’t panic—but do get it evaluated by a professional!
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UCi ENT, ENT Doctor, ENT Specialist, Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Health, Fine Needle Biopsy, Thyroid Check, Early Detection, Neck Health

Thinking of everyone carrying memories, traditions, gratitude, or reflection this Mother’s Day.
05/10/2026

Thinking of everyone carrying memories, traditions, gratitude, or reflection this Mother’s Day.

05/06/2026

Salivary gland issues used to mean one thing: surgery to remove the entire gland. Not anymore.

Dr. Oliaei explains how sialendoscopy is changing the game. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to access the salivary ducts directly to find and fix the problem—without removing the gland.

If you’ve experienced swelling, pain, or recurring infections in your salivary glands, there may be modern, minimally invasive options available.
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UCI ENT, ENT Doctor, ENT Specialist, ENT Care, ENT Health, Salivary Stones, Sialendoscopy, Large Salivary Stones, Combined Endoscopic Removal, Salivary Gland Health, Gland Preservation, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Modern Medicine

Today is the annual ! With your partnership on Giving Day, we can continue making tremendous strides and inspiring hope...
04/28/2026

Today is the annual ! With your partnership on Giving Day, we can continue making tremendous strides and inspiring hope for new life-changing treatments, clinical breakthroughs and cures. Your support during this 24-hour philanthropic event will go toward:

-Breakthrough Clinical & Basic Science Research: Advancing innovative trials of new drugs and pioneering surgical techniques which are moving us towards the personalization of head and neck cancer treatments. A portion of these funds will also be used to support the recruitment of a basic scientist to perform AI-supported analyses of the spatial genomics and transcriptomics behind head and neck cancers.

-Vital Rehabilitation Services: Dedicated personnel and resources directed at helping patients navigate more easily through the many different challenges they face.

-Resident Education: In memory of Dr. Victor Passy, who brought academic otolaryngology to Orange County in 1967 as the department's founder and has left a lasting legacy. Dr. Passy consistently emphasized the importance of otolaryngology education and was a consummate ambassador of our specialty who built his career centered on humanism for patients, colleagues and especially trainees.

-Hearing Research: Under the leadership of Dr. Hamid Djalilian, professor of otolaryngology and biomedical engineering at UC Irvine, a research team is leading the way to find a cure for hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, migraine, vertigo and facial paralysis. A gift of any amount accelerates the work to develop new devices and technologies, and bring to market novel medications and treatments that will end the suffering of millions with hearing loss and imbalance issues.

Donate to Head and Neck Cancer Research: https://bit.ly/4vMQbIQ
Donate to Hearing Research: https://bit.ly/3R0cCKx

04/25/2026

Most thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally. There isn’t a specific sign that automatically means further evaluation is needed.

However, you should consider a closer look if ultrasound features appear suspicious for cancer (it may require a biopsy), or if the nodule is large enough to cause neck pressure or difficulty swallowing.

Regular check-ups and imaging help ensure that any concerning nodules are identified early.
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UCI ENT, ENT Doctor, ENT Specialist, Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Health, Fine Needle Biopsy, Thyroid Check, Early Detection, Neck Health

is next week! Gifts will support our pathbreaking cancer research and treatments, which continue to impact current and...
04/24/2026

is next week! Gifts will support our pathbreaking cancer research and treatments, which continue to impact current and future generations, as well as resident education and hearing research. During our Giving Day campaign last year, we raised over $77,000 from 25 gifts in support of our vital head and neck cancer care and another $46,000 for hearing research. We invite you to join us again this year to meet or exceed that goal so we can continue to advance our innovative work.

No matter the size of your gift, your participation in UC Irvine Giving Day has a direct impact on our ability to deliver educational initiatives, community outreach and dedicated clinical work. Together, we can build a brilliant future.

Donate to Head and Neck Cancer Research: https://bit.ly/4vMQbIQ
Donate to Hearing Research: https://bit.ly/3R0cCKx

Address

101 The City Drive South, Pavilion II
Orange, CA
92868

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18888262672

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