Samuel J. Altonji

Article posted on by Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Samuel J. Altonji

M.D.

We are excited to introduce Dr. Samuel J. Altonji, who will be joining the Willamette ENT team on September 2nd!

Dr. Altonji became a surgeon to help others, and his passion for hearing and music led him to a subspecialization in ear and skull base surgery. His biggest professional accomplishment is acquiring fellowship-level training in skull base surgery at Duke University.

Dr. Altonji always strives to listen to his patients, particularly if they have felt “blown off” or not heard by other providers. He strives to be an effective communicator and partner with his patients to determine what’s going on and develop an effective treatment plan. He is also committed to sharing knowledge and mentorship, and has delivered many lectures to medical students, nurses, advanced practice providers and residents.

In his free time, Dr. Altonji enjoys writing, playing, recording and producing music, going to concerts, hiking, camping, snowboarding, meditating and traveling with his wife Caroline and son Sage.

Areas of clinical interest

  • Ear surgery and revision ear surgery
  • Cochlear implants
  • Implantable hearing devices
  • Acoustic neuroma surgery
  • Skull base surgery
  • CSF leaks
  • Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

Education

  • Externship: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC
  • Residency: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC
  • Fellowship: Otology, Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC
  • Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Memberships

  • American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Member, Board Eligible)
  • Marion-Polk County Medical Society

“Have always found the staff and doctors here to be helpful. This was my first visit with Dr. Prze after Dr. Allan retired, and he was very friendly, enthusiastic, and thorough. It was obvious he had read my chart carefully before my checkup.”