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Dr. Michael Ghiam is a board-certified Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon, with specialized fellowship training in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery in Los Angeles. He offers comprehensive, personalized care for all ear, nose, and throat conditions including related hearing, balance, allergies, sinuses, voice, throat, and head and neck cancer issues, serving both adult and pediatric patients.
His rigorous academic path began at Vanderbilt University, where he completed his medical training on a prestigious scholarship. This journey continued at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he undertook a residency in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Exposure to severe sinonasal issues and intricate skull base pathologies further drove Dr. Ghiam to enhance his expertise, leading him to a distinguished fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Ghiam is proficient in addressing complex sinonasal issues and skull base problems, including but not limited to, recalcitrant chronic sinusitis necessitating revision surgery, sinus polyps, septal deviation, nasal congestion, benign and malignant tumors of the nose and sinuses, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, meningoceles, skull base reconstruction, pituitary tumors, and brain tumors. His collaborative approach, working with other specialists such as neurosurgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, allergists, and pulmonologists, assures comprehensive multidisciplinary care for complex conditions.
His unique skill set in minimally invasive techniques has earned him collaborations with numerous neurosurgeons in the Los Angeles area. Currently, he provides care to patients with complex conditions at three separate hospitals, including Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Tarzana Medical Center, and West Hills Hospital.
In the realm of Chronic Sinusitis, Dr. Ghiam employs a patient-directed, holistic approach, particularly beneficial for patients with recurrent sinusitis or previous unsuccessful surgeries. Utilizing the most current, medically proven therapies, he ensures the best patient outcomes.
Moreover, Dr. Ghiam's commitment to academia and teaching is unparalleled. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications, regular lectures and presentations at national meetings, and serving on expert panels, he makes significant contributions to the scientific community. His mentorship role as the academic chief during his residency is a testament to his dedication to teaching.
Dr. Ghiam holds affiliations with several national societies, including the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, Triological Society, and the North American Skull Base Society. His passion for his patients, commitment to academic excellence, and the relentless pursuit of the best possible outcomes make Dr. Ghiam a respected leader in his field.

Rina Issakharian, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant practicing in Otolaryngology with additional experience in facial aesthetics medicine. As part of the clinical team at the practice of Dr. Michael Ghiam, she contributes to the evaluation and management of patients with a variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions, while also providing aesthetic treatments focused on subtle facial enhancement.
Rina completed her Physician Assistant training at Southern California University’s Physician Assistant Program, where she received comprehensive clinical training across multiple areas of medicine. Her education provided a strong foundation in the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and surrounding structures of the head and neck.
Within the practice, Rina works closely with Dr. Ghiam in supporting patient care through clinical assessment, treatment coordination, and patient education. Her collaborative role helps ensure that patients receive attentive, well-coordinated care within a comprehensive ENT practice dedicated to both functional health and quality of life.
In addition to her work in otolaryngology, Rina has experience performing facial neurotoxin treatments aimed at reducing the appearance of dynamic facial lines. Her approach emphasizes precision and balance, focusing on natural-looking outcomes that maintain facial expression while subtly enhancing a patient’s overall appearance.
Rina is committed to thoughtful, patient-centered care and believes that effective treatment begins with careful evaluation and clear communication. Through continued professional development, she remains engaged with advancements in both otolaryngology and aesthetic medicine, ensuring patients benefit from modern and evidence-based approaches to care.
Rina also offers TMJ treatment with Xeomin and Microneedling with PDRN.
An otolaryngologist, commonly referred to as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as related areas of the head and neck. These specialists can manage diseases, physical disorders, and injuries, and also perform surgical procedures when necessary.
Conditions Otolaryngologist commonly treat include:
As for the services an otolaryngologist provides, they include but are not limited to:
Remember, otolaryngologists have a broad base of expertise. If you experience any persistent issues with your ears, nose, throat, or related areas of your head and neck, it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional in this field such as Dr. Ghiam.
A rhinologist is a type of otolaryngologist or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist who has additional training in treating diseases and conditions of the nose, sinuses, and anterior skull base. This includes both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) diseases.
Endoscopic skull base surgeons are highly specialized medical professionals who diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the base of the skull using minimally invasive techniques. The base of the skull, also known as the cranial base, is a complex area where the brain connects to the spinal cord and where numerous nerves and blood vessels pass.
Rhinologists and skull base surgeons often use minimally invasive techniques to treat diseases. This includes endoscopic surgery, where a small camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nose, providing a detailed view of the nasal passages and the skull base. This allows the surgeon to perform complex procedures through the nose, without external incisions, reducing the recovery time and risks associated with open surgery.
Collaboration is a crucial aspect of their work. Rhinologists and skull base surgeons frequently collaborate with other specialists such as allergists, pulmonologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and oncologists to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.
The conditions that rhinologists and skull base surgeons treat include:
As for the services they provide, these specialists can offer:
Endoscopic skull base surgery is a technique that involves the use of a small, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it (an endoscope). This endoscope is inserted through the nose and sinuses, providing the surgeon with detailed images that guide the surgical procedure. These techniques do not require external incisions, which reduces recovery time, lessens pain and discomfort, and minimizes risks associated with traditional open surgery.
Surgeons use these minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to treat a variety of conditions and pathologies, including:
Endoscopic skull base surgery often involves a team of surgeons, including ENT surgeons and neurosurgeons, working together. They collaborate to plan and perform these complex surgeries, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.
While endoscopic skull base surgery offers many benefits, it's essential to remember that every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. As such, it's crucial to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider to understand the benefits and risks associated with your particular situation.
Remember, these specialists like Dr. Ghiam are highly skilled and have undergone rigorous training. If you have any persistent or severe issues with your nose, sinuses, or are facing symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, facial numbness, or difficulty with balance, consider seeing a rhinologist or skull base surgeon.
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