Adult & Pediatric Otology, Neurotology, & Skull Base Surgery
About Dr. Porter:
Dr. Porter focuses his clinical practice on medical and surgical treatment of the ears and related structures. His practice is split approximately 50/50 between adults and pediatrics. He has two offices, a pediatric specialty ear and hearing clinic in Urbana, Illinois at Carle Foundation Hospital and in Champaign, Illinois at a new facility with an attached surgery center called “Carle at the Fields.” Carle Foundation Hospital and Clinics are located in central Illinois approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes south of Chicago, 3 hours north of St. Louis, and 2 hours west of Indianapolis.
Education and Training:
Dr. Porter received his Bachelor of Science degree at Baylor University. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. His post-graduate training included an internship in general surgery followed by a residency in otolaryngology- head and neck surgery (ear, nose, and throat) at Loyola University Medical Center in suburban Chicago. He did an additional two year fellowship at the Michigan Ear Institute where he focused on advanced treatment of ear and hearing related disorders in adults and children. He completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Illinois. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology in both otolaryngology- head & neck surgery (general ENT) and adult and pediatric neurotology (advanced ear and skull base surgery).
Teaching and Research:
Dr. Porter is a Clinical Associate Professor and Academic Medical Director at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, an engineering focused medical school at the University of Illinois. His research interests includes the role of optical technology in ear disease as well as other areas of hearing science. He has spoken at national and international conferences and has authored numerous scientific publications and textbook chapters.
Clinical Interests:
Dr. Porter’s clinical interests include all ear related diseases in both children and adults. He is an expert in cochlear implants and implantable hearing devices (BAHA, PONTO, etc). He has implanted infants less than one year of age as well as adults in their 90s. He offers all three US cochlear implant devices including the newer MRI compatible cochlear implants (Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Corporatoin, and MedEL). He is supported by a terrific team of adult and pediatric audiologists and speech language pathologists as well as specialty nurses and technicians.
Dr. Porter also enjoys surgical and stereotactic radiation treatment of acoustic neuromas, placement of ear tubes, repair of eardrums (tympanoplasty), removal of middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas, and middle ear bone reconstructions (ossicular chain reconstruction and stapedotomy surgery for otosclerosis).
Administrative Responsibilities:
Dr. Porter previously worked in the medical implants private sector. He now enjoys administrative responsibilities at the Carle Foundation Hospital. He is currently the Medical Director of Surgical Services and Digestive Health. He works closely with Vice President and Sr. Vice Presdent “dyad partners” to help his hospital and physician group deliver the highest quality surgical and procedural care to patients in the Champaign-Urbana region through multiple clinics, operating rooms, and outpatient surgery centers. He also works with regional hospital and physician partners to help patients receive the best coordinated care possible. Through memberships on various local and national committees he works diligently to improve the quality of medicine for all.
Dr. Porter is privileged to also serve as a trustee on the Carle Health System Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the board at First Carolina Care Insurance.
Family and Outside Interests:
Dr. Porter met his wife while they were both completing their undergraduate degrees. They have three children, and the family has lived in Illinois since he completed his medical training. He is active in his local church and enjoys reading, travel, golf, and exercise when he isn’t attending various activities with his children.