Joseph Hellman, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Ear, Nose & Throat. He has more than 30 years of experience in adult and pediatric general ENT and head neck surgery. Dr. Hellmann has special interest in treating upper airway obstructive disorders and has participated in the evolution of CPAP and other noninvasive treatments along with Upper airway surgery and now implantable upper airway stimulation devices.
Because of previous experience in an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) trial of implantable upper airway stimulation devices, The Inspire Co. approached Dr. Hellmann in 2014 when their implantable stimulation device became FDA approved. He was one of the first in the region to implant the device and has since gained a wealth of experience implanting close to 100 devices.
He obtained his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completed his otolaryngology residency training at the University of Cincinnati. As chief resident he was honored to receive The Gerson Lowenthal award for Outstanding Microsurgical Skills and The Alter Peerless Memorial Award for who in the opinion of his instructors and fellow residents, best exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate physician and teacher.
Dr. Hellmann followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a physician. He has fond memories of going on house calls and hospital rounds with his dad. “He inspired me to be what I am and go into a healthcare profession,” he says. “The goal that I strive for every day is to make a positive impact.”
While in medical school, Dr. Hellmann knew he wanted to go into a surgical subspecialty. He discovered a passion for ENT quite literally by accident. “I got my nose broken in an accident,” Dr. Hellmann says. “I had it fixed by an ENT doctor, and I thought, ‘Boy, I can do that!’”
Dr. Hellmann is a native Cincinnatian. He and his wife have 5 daughters and 2 female dogs. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys scuba diving, hiking, water skiing, and even earned his pilot’s license.