Both physicians have busy practices and recently had a full-time colleague leave for Fargo, North Dakota where his wife’s family is from. That leaves a vacant spot to fill in a city that sorely needs ENT’s. There are only 4.5 ENTs to cover all of Bismarck and Western North Dakota. Both ENT’s do outreach to North Dakota communities. However, Dr.’s Nelson and Charron have seen patients from as far away as Montana, Canada, South Dakota, and Minnesota. As you can see, this job provides a lot of opportunity for growth and to be busy!
Head & Neck Surgery
Both Dr.’s Nelson and Charron are trained to do head and neck cases, although both report that neither one does that many cases. Therefore, head and neck surgery is a sub-specialization that the practice can support. In fact, Dr. Charron pointed out that our hospital has the DaVinci robot and that a head and neck surgeon could participate in tumor boards.
Otology/Neurotology
An ENT with this training would be a big benefit! Bismarck does not have any ENT’s with this training so it would be welcome. Moreover, one of our audiologists has training on cochlear implants so there is already a support system in place.
Facial Plastics
Though Sanford Bismarck does have plastic surgeons on staff, Dr. Nelson felt that this might be something that could be accommodated.
So, both Drs. Nelson and Charron have a busy practice. As an example, Dr. Charron and Dr. Nelson spends 3 days in clinic and 2 days in the OR. Dr. Nelson operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays while Dr. Charron operates on Wednesday’s and Fridays. Surgical cases are usually scheduled between 715am and 330pm. Both ENTs report that they never have trouble getting OR time and assigned block time would also be available for a new surgeon.
When in surgery, they complete approximately 5-10 cases per OR day. However, they will also do an occasional head and neck case and then a few smaller cases. Additionally, they feel that the support they have in the OR is great. Surgical techs assist the ENTs and Sanford has excellent CRNAs and an outstanding pediatric anesthesiologist.
When in clinic Dr. Nelson sees approximately 25 patients a day while Dr. Charron sees 15. Working with them in clinic are two experienced nurse practitioners. Geri McIntee, FNP-C has worked for Sanford Bismarck for 16 years including the last six years in ENT. Kristin Hertz, FNP-C is also an experienced provider. Each sees their own patients but also provide support for both physicians in taking their calls while they are in surgery. In either case, clinic or OR the ENTs are usually home by or before 6:00pm.
Both Drs. Nelson and Charron have shared space with Allergy & Immunology physicians as well as an outstanding group of four, full time audiologists in a newly constructed clinic.
Outreach to other Sanford Health locations would be available to a new ENT and is a great way to help build a practice.
