SACENT - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Angela Gerlach Audiologist

Job Titles:

• Surgeon
• Specialist

Brent J. Benscoter, MD, is a specialist in the field of otology and neurotology, specializing in hearing disorders, chronic ear disease, Ménière's disease, facial nerve disorders and cochlear implants, as well as acoustic neuroma and skull base surgery. A Missouri native, Dr. Benscoter received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia. His residency in otolaryngology-head & neck surgery was at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He then completed a two-year fellowship in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery at the Michigan Ear Institute in Farmington Hills. Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Benscoter also possesses a second sub-specialty certification in neurotology. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and the American Neurotology Society. Dr. Benscoter has an extensive research background in facial nerve disorders, skull base tumors, stereotactic radiation, chronic ear disease and hearing problems. He has several scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals and has written five chapters on ear surgery techniques, including the most recent, "Surgery for Temporal Bone Malignancy," in the textbook Atlas of Otologic and Neurotologic Surgery (LaRouere, M, Babu SC, Bojrab DI, eds). Dr. Benscoter has also been a guest lecturer at residency programs throughout the Midwest.

When not in the office, Dr. McLaughlin is an avid trail runner, cycler and open-water swimmer. He enjoys taking advantage of the numerous outdoor opportunities here in Northern California and spending time with his family.

Job Titles:

• Rhinologist & Skull Base Surgeon

Dr. Carlton is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head & Neck surgeon specializing in disorders of the sinuses and skull base. He has a particular interest in the medical and surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps and underwent advanced training in minimally invasive surgical treatment of both benign and cancerous tumors of the sinuses and skull base. In 2023, he was named a Castle Connelly "Top Doctor" in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He has published multiple book chapters and research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Carlton grew up outside Chicago and attended Cornell University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in mathematics. He returned to Chicago to earn his medical degree at The University of Chicago and subsequently completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. During residency, Dr. Carlton developed a particular interest in the treatment of diseases of the nose, sinuses and skull base. He went on to complete a one-year fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center before joining Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat in 2019.

Job Titles:

• Physician Assistant
• David Goldfarb Physician Assistant

A physician assistant since 1994, David joined Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat in December 2011 after moving back to his hometown of Sacramento. He brings a breadth of experience to the practice with 12 years of experience in Emergency Medicine as well as 3 years of experience in Pulmonary and Critical Care and 3 years of experience in Family Practice. He has cared for patients in both hospital and office settings. He has been a preceptor for Nova Southeast University for 10 years training graduating Physician Assistant students in Emergency Medicine. David graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minor in Physical Sciences from CSU Chico in 1984 and graduated from St. Louis University with his Physician Assistant degree in 1994, receiving the Clinical Scholar Dean's list award and serving as President of the St. Louis University Physician Assistant Society. Prior to his becoming a PA, David was an airline pilot and still enjoys flying during his free time. He is an avid sailor having sailed the Florida Keys and Bahamas prior to his move back to California.

Job Titles:

• David Goldfarb Physician Assistant
• Facial Plastic Surgeon
• Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic

Dr. Kiener is a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In addition to general otolaryngology, he specializes in the latest techniques in facial aesthetic surgery for procedures such as nasal surgery (rhinoplasty), facelift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). He also offers minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, including Ultherapy and various neuromodulator and filler therapies (Botox®, Restylane®, Juvederm® Ultra, Sculptra®, Radiesse® and Belotero). He is now also offering Kybella® to reduce fullness below the chin. In addition, Dr. Kiener does a great deal of acute trauma at the Sutter Roseville and Mercy San Juan Level II Trauma centers. He also does facial reconstructive surgery, including rebuilding facial defects after the removal of large facial cancers by Moh's surgeons. Dr. Kiener received his undergraduate degree from Queens College in New York and then went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then relocated to Sacramento, where he completed his residency training in otorhinolaryngology and general surgery and his fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of California Davis Medical Center. Dr. Kiener currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor, Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, at the University of California, Davis Medical School. Dr. Kiener is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American College of Surgeons and the Sacramento Society of Otolaryngology. He is affiliated with Sutter and Mercy Hospitals in the Sacramento and Roseville areas.

Job Titles:

• Certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon
• Facial Plastic / Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Donald Clutter is a highly experienced dual board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon who has been practicing in the Sacramento and Folsom areas since 1984. As an otolaryngologist, he treats all disorders relating to the ear, nose and throat and has a special interest in nasal and sinus surgery and treatment. In addition, Dr. Clutter specializes and is board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Using the most current and advanced methods available, he performs procedures such as facial rejuvenation surgery, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty. He employs his cosmetic surgical expertise and state-of-the-art techniques to achieve results that are natural, rejuvenating and aesthetically pleasing, always with the patient's utmost satisfaction in mind. In addition, Dr. Clutter offers minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal and injectable fillers, such as Botox ™, Restylane ™ and Juvaderm ™, all within the security of a physician's office. Dr. Clutter received his undergraduate and medical degree from Indiana University. He went on to complete general surgical training at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and then finished his residency in otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the State University of New York, Syracuse. Dr. Clutter completed a fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, and at the University of California, Los Angeles, from 1983-1984. Dr. Clutter served on the Otolaryngology Advisory Panel to the California Medical Association for ten years and has held numerous local and state positions in his field. He was previously Chief of Staff at Mercy General Hospital (Dignity), Sacramento; Chairman, Department of Surgery, Mercy General Hospital (Dignity); and Chief, Department of Otolaryngology, Mercy Hospital (Dignity). He is a Fellow at the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Clutter performs surgeries at Mercy General Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Folsom and Sutter Community Hospitals. In his spare time, Dr. Clutter enjoys standup paddle boarding, endurance horse racing, hiking and traveling to unusual destinations. He is an avid bareboat sailor and enjoys spending time with his family, reading and restoring old motorcycles.

Dr. Groppo has served in various leadership positions at Sacramento area hospitals and physician associations. He is currently the Chief of Surgery at Mercy General Hospital and the Chief of Otolaryngology with Hill Physicians. He serves as clinical faculty for the Dignity Family Medicine Residency Program. He volunteers his time and expertise by providing charity care for medically indigent patients through the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society SPIRIT program.

Job Titles:

• Human Resources Manager

Emily Thirakoune joined Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat in August 2021. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior and is PHRca certified through HRCI. Goal-oriented and results-driven, she is passionate about strategic business partnerships, organizational structure and employee relations. In her spare time, Emily enjoys appreciating art in all forms, watching and going to basketball games, attending festivals, local events, museums and quick weekend getaways to the ocean.

Job Titles:

• Nurse Practitioner
• Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• David Goldfarb Physician Assistant

Evelyn Keaton is a board certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in the care of patients with allergic diseases and has been treating patients with allergies for over 12 years. Evelyn is a native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern California in 1998. She has worked in hospital settings for several years as an ICU nurse in neurosurgery and trauma units nationwide. In 2005, she returned to California for graduate school and received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of California Los Angeles, graduating with honors. Evelyn works closely with the other providers at SacENT to establish a comprehensive plan of care for patients. In her role as a Nurse Practitioner in an allergy practice, she has the ability to provide a wide range of services to help patients understand and manage their individual allergy needs. She diagnoses and treats chronic and acute health problems including ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies and prescribing medications. She works with each patient to educate them about their condition and creates individualized treatment plans.

Job Titles:

• Audiologist
• Angela Gerlach Audiologist

James Griffitts received his Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Arizona in 2015 and Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Brigham Young University in 2010. James joined Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat in 2014 where he completed his fourth year doctoral externship. Upon graduating in 2015, James accepted a permanent position as an audiologist with Sacramento ENT. James specializes in cochlear implant programming and is skilled in the provision of all diagnostic services for patients of all ages. He is also a licensed dispensing audiologist and can be found selecting and fitting hearing aids in the S.E.N.T. Hearing Aid Center. It is his goal to provide the utmost quality of care to every patient he encounters. James is thrilled to be back in northern California where he was born and raised. When not providing audiologic services to the patients of Sacramento ENT, James enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

Job Titles:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Stephanie Barragan Clinical Director

Jeff Dudley serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat. He joined the practice in December 2000. Mr. Dudley is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, financial matters and strategic planning. His education includes a Master's of Science in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. Mr. Dudley has been active with the Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA) since 2001 and has served as Auditor-at-Large, Secretary/Treasurer and President.

Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified Otolaryngologist. She enjoys caring for patients of all ages with ear, nose and throat problems. She practices the breadth of the Otolaryngology specialty, including snoring issues, voice conditions, growths or lesions in the head and neck and pediatric conditions. She has a particular clinical interest in relieving nasal obstruction from a variety of causes, from structural issues, such as nasal valve or septum, to nasal polyps.

Job Titles:

• Immunologist
• Certified Allergist and Clinical Immunologist
• Immunologist Evelyn Keaton Nurse Practitioner
• Immunologist Mudita Gogna Allergist, Immunologist Shalin Pandya Allergist

Dr. Matthew Bowdish is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He joined The Allergy Center at Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat in early 2017 after working for seven years in private practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Bowdish was raised in Newport Beach, California, where he attended Newport Harbor High School. His passions as a young man included history, surfing and football. He attended Humboldt State University, where he played football and rugby, and eventually graduated with a major in cellular-molecular biology and minors in chemistry and political science. After college, Dr. Bowdish explored a possible career in biomedical research. He worked at UCLA School of Medicine in a lab examining HIV's effects on the immune system and later at a biotech company in San Diego that was developing gene therapy for a variety of cancers. While Dr. Bowdish enjoyed research, he felt too isolated in the laboratory. Thus, he decided on a career in clinical medicine. He attended Northeastern Ohio University's College of Medicine, where he graduated 19th out of a class of one hundred. He was also involved in tutoring immunology and anatomy to his fellow students and being a member of NEOUCOM's chapter of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Bowdish next undertook a residency in Internal Medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Initially, he was interested in pursuing a career as a gastroenterologist but fell in love with allergy and clinical immunology during an elective during his intern year. After finishing residency in 2006, he started his three-year fellowship in allergy and clinical immunology at Yale University School of Medicine. Upon completion of his fellowship in 2009, Dr. Bowdish took a clinical position in Colorado. Apart from his clinical duties, he worked in research and medical education. He has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as well as for California Northstate University College of Medicine. He also serves as volunteer clinical faculty for the Dignity Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Bowdish has also worked on advisory boards and has been a promotional speaker for a select number of companies. Dr. Bowdish also served on the Board of Directors for the Western Society of Allergy Asthma & Immunology and was WSAAI President from 2020-2022. He currently serves on several committees for the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Dr. Bowdish knows that the best health care is personalized medicine. He is committed to putting the patients first and understands that listening to patients is often better than expensive diagnostic testing. In his free time, Dr. Bowdish enjoys family time, college football, genealogy, writing and travel.

Job Titles:

• Graduate Education

Job Titles:

• Hospital, Chairperson of Surgery Department

Job Titles:

• Otolaryngologist David Goldfarb Physician Assistant

Job Titles:

• Immunologist

Job Titles:

• President of the Sacramento Society of Otolaryngology

Dr. Areen has served as President of the Sacramento Society of Otolaryngology and Governor of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has been the chief of the Otolaryngology Sections at both Sutter and Mercy hospitals and served on numerous advisory boards.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Director
• Stephanie Barragan Clinical Director