Biography
Joe Chomchai, M.D., is an otolaryngologist with MyMichigan Medical Group. He specializes in diseases of the ear, the nose and sinus, the neck and associated glandular structures of the head and neck (thyroid, parotid, parathyroid), associated cancers, and sleep disorders that are treated by surgery. Dr. Chomchai treats patients of all ages at his offices in Mt. Pleasant and Alma.
Dr. Chomchai chose to specialize in otolaryngology because of the balance it offers between medically treating patients and doing procedures, and because of the variety of conditions to be treated. “Otolaryngology is a broad field,” he explained. “It involves oncology with head and neck cancer, plastic surgery, dermatology with skin cancer, allergy as it involves sinuses, pediatrics and even orthopaedics for facial fractures.”
He said the development of fiberoptics and endoscopes have made sinus surgery much easier and safer for patients. “I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to learn sinus surgery without the endoscope,” Dr. Chomchai said. “It allows for dramatically increased visualization of several areas of the head and neck, such as the larynx and sinus cavities, which are normally quite small and hard to illuminate.”
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Chomchai said his goal is to improve his patients’ health and quality of life. “I strive to provide ethical, high quality, state-of-the-art care. I find my work is very satisfying because most people see their condition significantly improved,” he said. While some problems can’t be cured, many can be controlled he said. “Improving someone’s hearing or controlling their allergies can improve their quality of life.”
He believes it is important to educate his patients. “I feel I am a teacher in my field of expertise,” he said. “I want my patients to learn about the diagnosis and the treatment options available to them. I enjoy keeping abreast of the latest information and research to further educate my patients so that together we can make the best possible choice for their health care.”
Special Interests and Procedures
Dr. Chomchai’s special interests include endoscopic sinus surgery using image enhanced surgical navigation, surgery for snoring and sleep apnea, hearing aid evaluation and consultation, thyroid and parathyroid surgery and balloon sinuplasty.
Dr. Chomchai and his family have enjoyed living in the Mt. Pleasant area since 1999. As a family, they enjoy participating in a variety of sporting events including hockey, soccer, competitive cheer and softball. Dr. Chomchai also volunteers time every two weeks to work with Central Michigan University faculty and graduate students at a speech and swallow disorder clinic.
