Vanessa S. Rothholtz, M.D., M.Sc.

Dr. Vanessa S. Rothholtz is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the American Medical Association and the Los Angeles Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Brown University where she also graduated with honors in Vocal Music earning the Weston Award for Performing Arts. As a recipient of the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) supported National Space Grant Fellowship, Dr. Rothholtz remained at Brown University to earn her Master’s of Science in Engineering. While acquiring her medical degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, Dr. Rothholtz received the Dr. C.M. Craig Research Fellowship at the University of Illinois and was a McDonnell-Pew Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience Scholar at Oxford University where she studied sound localization.

Dr. Rothholtz then completed her General Surgery internship followed by residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, Irvine. While in residency, she dedicated a year toward researching the mechanism and treatment of tinnitus at the Hearing and Speech Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Returning to the Midwest, Dr. Rothholtz completed a Fellowship in Otology at the prestigious Paparella Ear, Head & Neck Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she focused her extensive training on the medical and surgical treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, chronic ear disease and Meniere’s disease.

As an Otologist, Dr. Rothholtz enjoys treating both adult and pediatric patients and specializes in acute and chronic diseases of the ear. She focuses on evidence-based treatment and incorporates the most recent research advancements into her daily practice. Dr. Rothholtz is the author of many publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in the disciplines of Otolaryngology, Otology, Acoustics and Engineering.

Lydia Ustaris

Office, Appointments and Surgery Coordinator
Lydia graduated from St. Ann’s School of Nursing in the Philippines. She has over 30 years of experience and has extensive knowledge in all aspects of Otolaryngology (Ear Nose and Throat). She enjoys assisting patients in every need, including serving as the main contact between Dr. Rothholtz and her patients who are in need of an appointment in the office or to coordinate surgery. In her spare time, Lydia enjoys watching movies, travelling and spending quality time with her husband and family.