Exceptional ENT and head & neck care that combines the latest medical innovations with deeply personalized, compassionate treatment for patients of every age
Starting the California Ear, Nose & Throat Institute is the result of more than a decade of observing how different clinics and health systems work and planning how to create the environment to provide the best possible care and experience to patients. I recognized that, to achieve this, I needed the flexibility of an independent practice without the constraints of a big organization. Providing exceptional care to our patients is the foundation of why we exist. If you choose to give us the honor of caring for you, we will work diligently to achieve excellence in every aspect of your experience. This is my personal commitment to you. If we ever fall short of this standard, I encourage you to contact me directly.
Flavio Oliveira, MD, PhD
Founder, California Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
About Dr. Flavio Oliveira, MD, PhD
Growing up without any role models in medicine, I hadn't considered a career as a physician until my parents became seriously ill. I took on the responsibility of being our family's medical decision-maker, which gave me a window into the field of medicine. Witnessing the profound impact physicians could have on patients' lives inspired me to pursue this career path.
I earned a PhD from UC Berkeley and an MD from UCSF, then completed internship and residency at Stanford, where I served as chief resident. I’ve called the Bay Area home for more than 20 years, and feel privileged to care for our community.
I believe it's an honor to enter someone's life during a vulnerable moment, with the potential to alter their path, reduce suffering, and enhance health and happiness. This deep responsibility drives my commitment to approach every patient interaction with the same compassion, empathy, and attentiveness I would extend to my own family. I invest time in patient education and listening because each patient has their own unique journey, and I believe we should choose the best path of care together. I'm dedicated to continuous learning with the goal of providing exceptional medical care grounded in the latest scientific evidence.
As an otolaryngologist (ENT), I care for adults and children across the full spectrum of head and neck conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis and nasal obstruction, thyroid nodules and head and neck cancer, salivary gland disorders, and hearing disorders.
As a former professional athlete and collegiate-level coach, I was naturally drawn to the surgical aspects of my specialty. The commitment, dexterity, precision, and focus required to excel in sports parallel the skills essential for surgical excellence. While surgery can be the right approach for some patients, I equally advocate for nonsurgical medical interventions to ensure holistic patient care.
Outside the clinic, I stay active with my wife and two young sons, enjoying sports, traveling, and exploring nature. I have a particular passion for mountain regions, having visited Mount Everest, Mount Sinai, and Mount Fuji. Before medicine, I worked on engineering and product teams at Google and Facebook, and I remain involved in health technology innovation focused on improving patients’ lives.
Flavio Oliveira, MD, PhD
Education and Training:
Residency: Stanford University
Medical Doctorate: UCSF
PhD: UC Berkeley
