Ryan E. Stern, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified ENT surgeon who has spent more than two decades helping patients across the Pacific Northwest breathe better, sleep better, and feel better. At Surgical Associates Northwest, Dr. Stern uses his advanced surgical expertise to deliver genuinely caring, compassionate care to each patient.
Board-Certified ENT Surgeon
Dr. Stern has been practicing medicine for over 25 years and has called the Pacific Northwest home for much of that time. He is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and serves as a Managing Partner at Surgical Associates Northwest and The Stern Sinus Center, where he delivers patient-centered ENT care. In addition to private practice, he serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington, where he has mentored future surgeons since 2007.
Advanced Training and Academic Leadership
Dr. Stern earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, completed his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine, and received advanced fellowship training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington. His residency training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was completed at the University of Washington.
Advanced Training and Academic Leadership
Dr. Stern earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, completed his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine, and received advanced fellowship training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington. His residency training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was completed at the University of Washington.
Specialized Focus on Sinus and Nasal Care
While Dr. Stern enjoys all aspects of ENT surgery, his subspecialty focus is rhinology. He has additional training in nasal and sinus conditions and primarily treats patients with sinus issues, nasal congestion, allergies, post-nasal drip, facial pressure, and sleep-related breathing concerns. He emphasizes minimally invasive surgeries and “soft” nasal and sinus procedures whenever possible, helping patients achieve excellent outcomes with less downtime.
A Thoughtful, Patient-First Philosophy
Dr. Stern believes strongly in getting to know each patient as an individual. Many of his patients come to him after trying multiple treatments elsewhere. He always takes the time to explore all appropriate medical options before recommending surgery and explains conditions and treatments in clear, easy-to-understand terms. Patients often appreciate his honesty, compassion, and the feeling that they are never rushed or treated like a number.
Teaching, Service, and Life Outside the Office
Dr. Stern is the head of Rhinology at the Puget Sound VA Hospital, where he regularly cares for veterans and trains future ENT surgeons. Outside of work, he embraces the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with his wife and three children, spending time skiing, biking, playing pickleball, and enjoying the outdoors. He is grateful for the long-term relationships he builds with patients and finds deep fulfillment in helping people feel healthier and happier over the long term.
