Adult & Pediatric Otology, Neurotology, & Skull Base Surgery
About Dr. Porter:
Dr. Porter is a board-certified otolaryngologist and neurotologist specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of ear and hearing disorders in both adults and children. His practice serves patients throughout central Illinois, with offices at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana—featuring a specialized pediatric ear and hearing clinic—and at Carle at the Fields in Champaign, a state-of-the-art facility with an integrated surgery center.
His patient-centered approach combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate care, treating conditions ranging from routine ear infections to complex cochlear implantation and acoustic neuroma management. Patients travel from throughout the Midwest to access his specialized expertise, with the Champaign-Urbana area located approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes south of Chicago, 3 hours north of St. Louis, and 2 hours west of Indianapolis.
Dr. Porter’s extensive training reflects his commitment to excellence in otology and neurotology:
- Bachelor of Science, Biology – Baylor University
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) – Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
- General Surgery Internship – Loyola University Medical Center
- Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Residency – Loyola University Medical Center
- Neurotology Fellowship (2 years) – Michigan Ear Institute
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Board Certifications:
- American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (2010-present)
- American Board of Otolaryngology – Neurotology, Adult and Pediatric (2012-present)
Professional Recognition:
- Named to “Best Doctors in America”
- Carle Foundation Hospital Physician “Rising Star” Award
- Carle Foundation Hospital “Physician of the Year” Finalist
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery “Honor Award”
Dr. Porter offers comprehensive treatment for all ear-related conditions across the lifespan. His areas of clinical excellence include:
Hearing Restoration:
- Cochlear implantation for patients from infancy through their 90s
- All three FDA-approved cochlear implant systems (Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Corporation, and MedEL), including the latest MRI-compatible devices
- Bone-anchored hearing systems and Implantable and semi-implantable hearing devices (BAHA, PONTO, OSIA)
- Sudden hearing loss management
Advanced Ear and Skull Base Surgery:
- Acoustic neuroma treatment (surgical resection and stereotactic radiation)
- Cholesteatoma removal and middle ear tumor surgery
- Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair)
- Ossicular chain reconstruction
- Stapedotomy for otosclerosis
- Pediatric and adult myringotomy with tube placement including office-based treatment for adults
- Surgically treatable balance disorders
- Facial nerve disorders
Dr. Porter works with an exceptional multidisciplinary team including adult and pediatric audiologists, speech-language pathologists, specialty nurses, and certified technicians to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for every patient. He also works closely with the ECHO (Expanding Children’s Hearing Opportunities) Children’s Hearing Program and the Carle Auditory Oral School.
Current Positions:
- Interim Department Head, Department of Surgery and Digestive Health, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
- Clinical Associate Professor, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
Dr. Porter plays a vital role in training the next generation of physician-innovators at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, a pioneering engineering-focused medical school at the University of Illinois. He has lectured for the Doctor of Audiology Graduate Program and the Bioengineering Program. He also teaches and coordinates otolaryngology rotations for medical students and graduate medical education residents.
Research and Scholarship:
His research focuses on optical technology applications in ear disease and hearing science, including the development of optical coherence tomography for otitis media diagnosis and quantitative pneumatic otoscopy using light-based ranging techniques. He worked on projects using NIH funding. He is also involved in cochlear implant research, working specifically on studies related to unilateral cochlear implantation and barriers to cochlear implant access.
Dr. Porter has presented at national and international conferences and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, contributing to the advancement of otologic care worldwide. His work has appeared in leading journals and has been presented at meetings of the American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He has also lectured on cochlear implantation surgery as an invited guest in Taiwan.
Dr. Porter brings a unique perspective to healthcare administration, combining clinical expertise with business acumen and prior medical device industry experience. His leadership roles include:
Current Positions:
- Medical Director of Surgical Services, Carle Health
- Medical Director of Digestive Health Institute, Carle Health
- Trustee, Carle Health System Board of Trustees
- Board Member, FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Company
- Board of Managers, Secretary, Champaign SurgiCenter, LLC
Previous Leadership Roles:
- Associate Medical Director, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Carle Health (2015-2019)
- Assistant Medical Director, Specialty Surgical Services, Carle Health (2013-2019)
- Assistant Medical Director, Perioperative Services, Carle Health (2014-2015)
In his role as Medical Director, Dr. Porter oversees surgical and procedural care across multiple specialties including general surgery, urology, otolaryngology, audiology, ophthalmology, optometry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. He collaborates with senior administrative partners to deliver the highest quality care across multiple clinics, operating rooms, procedural centers and outpatient surgery centers throughout the Champaign-Urbana region.
He works strategically with regional hospital and physician partners to optimize high-quality coordinated care and, through participation in local and national committees including the American Academy of Otolaryngology’s Skull Base Surgery Committee and Hearing Committee, has advocated for continuous quality improvement in healthcare delivery. He maintains active involvement in numerous professional societies and committees.
Dr. Porter and his wife, who met during their undergraduate years at Baylor University, have three children and have made central Illinois their home since completing his medical training in 2012. The community offers an ideal balance of professional opportunity, strong schools, incredible people, and exceptional quality of life.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Porter is active in his local church and enjoys spending time with his family at their various activities. His personal interests include travel, golf, martial arts, music, amateur radio, sailing, and maintaining an active lifestyle. He also has interests in theology and outdoor activities.
Patients, colleagues, and healthcare organizations choose Dr. Porter for his:
- Comprehensive expertise spanning routine to complex ear conditions across all age groups
- Exceptional training including specialized fellowship training at one of the nation’s premier ear institutes
- Proven leadership as both a skilled surgeon and experienced healthcare executive with MBA training
- Commitment to innovation through academic leadership, research, and medical device industry experience
- Patient-centered approach with focus on personalized, coordinated care delivered by a multidisciplinary team
- Full spectrum capabilities from pediatric to geriatric patients, including the youngest cochlear implant recipients
- Advanced technology including the latest cochlear implant systems, stereotactic radiation options, artificial intelligence systems, and research-driven diagnostics
- Administrative excellence demonstrated through successful leadership of complex surgical service lines and board governance
- Academic dedication to training future physicians and advancing the field through research and publication
Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or a family member, exploring collaborative opportunities, or considering joining our healthcare team, Dr. Porter and his exceptional care team are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes through clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.