Rick A. Friedman, MD, PhD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology. He is a specialist who treats neurological disorders of the ear. Dr. Friedman is a world-renowned expert in the treatment of acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor that develops on the main nerve connecting the ear to the brain. In addition to leading the acoustic neuroma program at UC San Diego Health, he also treats meningioma, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), glomus tumors, hearing impairment, otosclerosis, Meniere's disease, cholesteatoma, superior canal dehiscence and chronic ear infections.

Marc Schwartz, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon who is an internationally renowned expert on the treatment of patients with acoustic neuromas, skull base tumors, and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). He is also the recognized neurosurgical leader in the field of auditory brainstem implants. In addition, Dr. Schwartz treats complex cranial problems, meningiomas, brain tumors, pituitary tumors, cranial nerve disorders, and intradural spine tumors.

Peter Dixon, MD MSc, is the Senior Fellow in Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery at UC San Diego Health. For the past two years, he has been working closely with Drs. Friedman and Schwartz treating patients with acoustic neuromas and other tumors of the ear and skull base, as well as other hearing problems in adults and children. In his role, Dr. Dixon is also involved in training residents and medical students at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Quyen T. Nguyen, MD, PhD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology. She specializes in neurotology, or the management of diseases of the inner ear, temporal bone, and skull base, including tumors and other conditions. Her main focus is in cochlear implants for hearing restoration and facial nerve surgery.

Jacqueline Greene, MD, is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon with and expertise in facial nerve disorders, facial paralysis, and complex facial and nasal reconstruction. She performs facial reanimation surgery (e.g. gracilis free muscle transfer for smile reanimation, facial nerve repair and nerve transfers); facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; and medical and surgical care for ear, nose and throat conditions.

Elina Kari, MD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology, a specialist who treats neurological disorders of the ear. Dr. Kari's expertise includes treating ear and hearing problems in adults and children, and conditions such as ear infections, perforated eardrums (tympanic membrane perforations), cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, lateral skull base lesions and acoustic neuroma. In addition, she evaluates patients for cochlear implants, osseointegrated hearing devices and auditory brainstem implants.

Alice Chen, DO, is a board-certified osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine specialist who provides an integrative approach towards treating disease and cultivating health. She provides osteopathic manipulative treatment: a type of hands-on care that treats illness and injury by feeling and gently moving a person's tissues and joints, thereby easing pain and improving function. She considers the whole-person (mind-body-spirit) in the quest for optimal health and wellness.

Tamara Wahlin, PA is a certified Physician Assistant who provides care for patients at the UCSD Department of Head and Neck Surgery. She has played a vital role in the development of the UCSD Acoustic Neuroma Program, helping to coordinate care for local, out of state, and international patients. She particularly enjoys providing compassionate and comprehensive care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Her care approach focuses on personalized and thorough patient needs. Since her time with this program, she has followed over 500 patients through the surgical process at UCSD.

Ben Vasquez, PT, DPT, NCS, is a board-certified physical therapist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of people with neurologic dysfunction in both acute care and outpatient settings. Ben is the primary physical therapist for the acoustic neuroma program at UC San Diego Health.