When it comes to disorders affecting the ears, Austin DeHart, MD, understands first-hand the lifelong impact of how early interventions can make a lifelong impact: she had several ear surgeries as a child. Now, as a board-certified pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) and head and neck surgeon, she takes care of the entire spectrum of ear, nose and throat issues.

"My favorite thing is helping families understand what is happening with their child and how we can fix it," says Dr. DeHart, whose special interests include airway problems, ear disease, and head and neck masses, including vascular anomalies. "Each child is unique. It's important to consider all the options and make a plan together with the family so we can achieve the absolute best outcomes. "As an engineering student at the University of Texas, Dr. DeHart was focused on acoustics. After realizing the potential of combining technology with medicine to directly impact peoples' lives, she went to medical school and residency at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. DeHart completed a two-year fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Arkansas Children's Hospital, where she received specialized training in airway reconstruction and in advanced endoscopic ear surgical techniques that can reduce pain and allow for faster recovery. She also gained extensive experience with the management of vascular anomalies and other neck masses in children. "I felt called to be a doctor because I'm passionate about making a difference," she says. "As a pediatric otolaryngologist, I get to help children breathe, hear and live better."

Dr. DeHart is a capable and compassionate surgeon who enjoys working with parents to make the best decisions for their child's health. She places a high priority on staying up to date in her field so she can offer safe and effective treatment options to her patients.

Active in clinical research, Dr. DeHart has presented at national and international conferences, published in numerous medical journals and written textbook chapters. She is a member of the American Society for Pediatric Otolaryngology, the American College of Surgeons and the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies.