Dr. James Spoto, otolaryngologist, sees patients for general ear, nose and throat treatments, including tubes, tonsillectomies, skin cancer removal and sleep and sinus surgery.
While Dr. James Spoto initially considered a job as a philosophy teacher, a job at a teaching hospital as an undergraduate drew him to health care.
"Practicing medicine and solving problems was very appealing to me," he said. "Now, I enjoy practicing and I'm helping people doing it. I'm getting to make a positive impact."
Dr. Spoto received his medical degree from Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona and completed his ENT – or ear, nose and throat – internship and residency at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Spoto appreciates the variety of his specialty. He treats and sees many conditions, including tonsillitis, sleep surgery and sleep apnea, sinus surgery, thyroid disease, mastoid infections and assists with patients needing ear tubes.
Dr. Spoto said he's most passionate about the time he spends with his patients and values their conversations.
"I want to make sure my patients understand what's going on and understand their options. I want them to know the pros and cons, potential complications. I'll tell them what we're doing and why we're doing it," he said. "It's important they have time to ask questions."
Dr. Spoto also shares that it's important his patients feel like they're on the same team as he is.
"I want to develop a good relationship with my patients and get to know them. It's almost like a family to me," he said.
His own family is one of the most important things to him.
"I love spending time with my family. I have four kids and my wife is also in health care. They're my priority," Dr. Spoto said.
Dr. Spoto also enjoys golfing and traveling.