Shedding light on Northern Lights Clinic.
We are always in the news for hiring doctors, advancing our training or harnessing new technology to benefit our patients. We have also published several white papers on related specialties and speak at national industry conferences. For the latest news, click on a link below.
2010
Northern Lights Clinic offers Tinnitus Management Program 2/2010
New Sinus Procedure Now Available at Bay Area Medical Center 2/2010
Sonnenburg earns sleep medicine certification 2/2010
2009
Northern Lights Clinic Staff Speak at UW-Madison 12/2009
Northern Lights Clinic Brings Specialized Therapy To Region 7/2009
Consumer Reports Highlights The Importance Of ENT Doctors And Hearing Aid Fitting 7/2009
Local Clinic Puts Drivers On The Road To Better Sleep 6/24/2009
Northern Lights Clinic announces Grand Opening of Sleep Center in Green Bay 6/15/2009
Green Bay Press Gazette Online Article: Clinic Opens Sleep Center in Suamico
Northern Lights Clinic Grand Opening in Green Bay 5/11/2009
Northern Lights Clinic Celebrates May is “Better Speech and Hearing Month” 5/2009
New Independent Practice Expands in Green Bay 4/13/2009
Northern Lights Clinic offers Tinnitus Management Program 2/2010
Northern Lights Clinic announces it is now offering a tinnitus management program. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external source is present. Often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, tinnitus affects 50 million people in the U.S. Within this population 10 to 15 million suffers seek medical attention due to their high level of disturbance.
"Often times, people are told to just live with it," stated Cathleen Brueckner, Doctor of Audiology at Northern Lights, "but for many living with it is just not an option. At Northern Lights we offer patients strategies to help make their tinnitus more manageable."
One such management option is the Neuromonics device. Neurmonics is a compact, lightweight device, used in the comfort of one's own home, which delivers a customized neural stimulus within relaxing modified music to reduce tinnitus related disturbances. Northern Lights Clinic is among the first centers in Northeast Wisconsin to offer the therapy.
Neurmonics may not be for everyone and the new tinnitus management program at Northern Lights Clinic offers a variety of management options including hearing aids and personalized masking devices which are also effective in reducing tinnitus disturbance.
"Tinnitus, for some people is debilitating and can lead to additional medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation" stated Dr. Brueckner. "We hope to be a further resource for those suffering from tinnitus to help them once again improve their quality of life."
If you or someone you know has tinnitus, contact (888) 766-4684 to learn more about the Northern Lights Clinic tinnitus management program.
New Sinus Procedure Now Available at Bay Area Medical Center
David Gossman MD, of the Sinus Center at Northern Lights Clinic has completed the first Balloon Sinpulasty procedure at Bay Area Medical Center.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus surgical procedure where patients go home the same day and are often back to normal activities within 48 hours.
"We're excited to be able to offer this procedure to patients choosing to have their care at BAMC," said Dr. Gossman. "We are now able to offer this procedure to area residents at BAMC, and Community Memorial Hospital," Gossman said.
During the procedure, a small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus function.
The sinus surgeons at the Northern Lights Clinic are the only surgeons in Northeast Wisconsin certified to perform this cutting edge procedure.
"Patients who have chronic sinus problems have another treatment option when antibiotics or nasal steroids don't work," said Gossman. "Since more than 350,000 Americans choose a sinus surgery each year, this method of relieving the inflamed sinuses can enable so many more people to breath again."
If you are a chronic sinus sufferer, call Northern Lights Clinic at (888) 766-4684 to see if you ay be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty. Or visit us on the web at nlclinic.com
Sonnenburg earns sleep medicine certification 2/2010
Robert Sonnenburg Jr. MD, FACS, ABSM of Northern Lights Clinic, has successfully completed board certification in sleep medicine.
Certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine indicates a professional commitment to sleep medicine and documents expertise in sleep medicine.
Successful completion of the examination is testimony that the individual has devoted time to specialized training and has obtained broad knowledge and substantial expertise in diagnostic and treatment skills special to the field of sleep.
Sonnenburg joins Doug Liepert, MD, FRCS (C), ABSM, of Northern Lights Clinic as a diplomat in sleep medicine. Together, the two highlight Northern Lights Clinic's commitment to providing excellence in the field of sleep medicine.
"Dr. Sonnenburg's completion of the sleep boards is no small accomplishment. Not only is it a personal achievement, but underlines the quality care that patients receive throughout Northeast Wisconsin when they choose Northern Lights Clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of their sleep disorder," said James Benson, practice administrator at Northern Lights Clinic.
Northern Lights Clinic, specializing in sinus, sleep, allergy, audiology, and dizziness, has offices in Green Bay, Marinette, Oconto Falls and Niagara. Appointments can be made by calling (888) 766-4684.
More information is available at nlclinic.com
Northern Lights Clinic Staff Speak at UW Madison 12/2009
Dr. David Gossman and Dr. Robert Sonnenburg of Northern Lights Clinic gave an allergy lecture last week to the UW-Madison Department of Otolaryngology staff. They presented the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) method for skin testing with doctors completing their residencies to become Otolaryngologists (Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors).
"The American Board of Otolaryngology has a core requirement for board certification that candidates demonstrate knowledge skill and understanding in allergy and immunology. Our lecture helped meet a need in their required lecture series," Gossman said.
Medical Staff from the clinic, Barb Bowman MT(ASCP) and Shirley Bearson LPN, assisted by providing a hands-on practicum by demonstrating techniques for skin prick testing, intradermal testing, and vial preparation that are routinely used in the daily running of the NLC's practice.
"We are proud to give back to the process of physician education, and share our clinical experience with the up and coming, talented and inquisitive physicians of tomorrow," Dr. Sonnenburg said.
Northern Lights Clinic is an independent medical practice specializing in ENT disorders, allergy, sleep, hearing, and physical therapy for 10 years. Northern Lights provides skin and blood allergy testing (RAST), as well as treatment options including allergy injections and sublingual therapy.
Northern Lights Clinic Brings Specialized Therapy To Region 7/2009
Andrew T. Barker, Physical Therapist at Northern Lights Clinic, recently participated in the Visceral
Manipulation workshop offered by the Barral Institute in Portland, Oregon. The Barral Institute is a health resource center that presents continuing education courses to healthcare professionals worldwide.
Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy in which light, specifically placed pressure encourages
normal mobility, tone and tissue motion of the internal organs and their connective tissue. These
gentle manipulations have the potential to affect the physiological function and the structural
integrity of the entire body.
The Visceral Manipulation Curriculum was developed by French Osteopath, Jean-Pierre Barral who has taught the techniques worldwide, as well as trained and certified instructors to teach for The Barral Institute.
“I have found that my patients respond well to Visceral Manipulation therapy. I am excited to bring this new service to the people of Marinette and Menominee counties,” Barker said.
Barker, who practices at Northern Lights Clinic in Marinette, Wisconsin is now taking appointments. Visit Northern Lights Clinic on the web at nlclinic.com or call 715-735-3187 for more information.
Consumer Reports Highlights The Importance Of ENT Doctors And Hearing Aid Fitting 7/2009
In a July 2009 Consumer Reports article on selecting a hearing-aid provider, the story outlines the advantages of utilizing the services of an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor when purchasing a hearing aid.
The Consumer Reports survey identifies that Audiologists working in a team with ENTs receive the highest marks. The article points out that ENTs can diagnosis other illnesses or problems causing hearing loss such as tumors and infections affecting hearing.
“We believe that it is our team of professionals that makes the difference in our hearing aid patients’ experience,” said Dr. Liepert of Northern Lights Clinic. “As opposed to the larger chains and independent hearing aid dispensers, we take a comprehensive approach to address any underlying conditions of the hearing loss. We work closely with Audiologists to evaluate testing, to ensure
the treatment is appropriate and to make sure there is adequate patient follow-up.”
“Hearing loss is a complicated issue,” said Cathleen Brueckner, Doctor of Audiology at Northern Lights Clinic, Green Bay. “Our team of Audiologists and Medical Doctors, coupled with the highest level of technology in our offices, truly make the hearing aid decision process, selection, and ongoing care the most effective approach.”
The article also states that while most people would make an appointment with their ENT doctor for ear pain or hearing loss, only one in five people who buy a hearing aid go to their ENT to purchase their hearing aid.
“Our office is proud of the level of care our patients receive when they use our office to treat their hearing loss,” said Dr. Liepert.
“It’s a wonderful service to the public for Consumer Reports to do this type of research.”
“A key difference in going to see an ENT doctor is that each person coming into our office is a patient first, and a hearing aid customer second,” he said.
Northern Lights Clinic is a full service Ear, Nose and Throat clinic now operating on Green Bay’s west side at 2353 South Ridge Road. To make an appointment, contact the clinic at 920-965-1385.
Local Clinic Puts Drivers On The Road To Better Sleep 6/24/2009
Have you ever fallen asleep while driving home from work? According to the National Sleep Foundation, 37% of adult drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel of their car. Additionally, 60% percent of adult drivers admit to driving while drowsy and fatigued.
While it is clear that any driver on the road may be capable of drowsy driving, an MSNBC article released on June 3rd suggests that the problem may be more significant with those individuals who drive for a living. Quoting Dr. Stefanos Kales, Medical Director of Employee and Industrial Medicine at the Cambridge Health Alliance, the article explains that 20% of truck crashes are estimated to be caused by truck drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.
Locally, Northern Lights Clinic of Green Bay, Marinette, Oconto, and Niagara is taking a proactive approach to this problem by opening a new sleep center in Green Bay.
“Our country depends on the men and women that drive trucks on a daily basis,” said Dr. Liepert, board-certified sleep specialist at Northern Lights Clinic in Green Bay. “As a medical clinic, we must do everything in our power to make sure these truckers stay safe and alert for themselves, and the other drivers around them.”
The sleep center, located within a brand new hotel on Lineville Road in Green Bay, offers exceptional amenities, convenient access to the highway and plenty of parking for truck trailers.
“Drowsy driving and daytime sleepiness are directly related to the quantity of sleep and quality of sleep a person gets,” explains Dr. Liepert.
The MSNBC article reports that nearly one in three truck drivers have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that affects the quality of a person’s sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of an accident by 7 times.
“The challenge in getting truck drivers to be tested and treated for a sleep disorder like sleep apnea is that in most labs this process can take up to 30 days,” says James Neville, manager of the Northern Lights Clinic sleep department. “That is too long for someone to wait, particularly if their ability to drive and work depends on it. We have implemented systems at Northern Lights Clinic to get truck drivers tested, treated and safely back on the road in much less time.”
Northern Lights Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to sleep medicine that revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
“One thing we are proud of is that we offer both the testing and treatment of sleep disorders,” said Neville, “That means that once we have tested someone, we can offer a full range of treatment options, including medical treatments, surgery, and Durable Medical Equipment such as CPAP.”
“We’ve streamlined the process for commercial drivers so we can get them high quality treatment fast,” he said.
Northern Lights Clinic sees patients with sleep disorders in Green Bay, Marinette, Oconto Falls and Niagara. For more information on sleep testing and treatment, call Northern Lights Clinic at (888) 766-4684 or visit them on the web at www.nlclinic.com.
Northern Lights Clinic announces Grand Opening of Sleep Center in Green Bay 6/15/2009
Northern Lights Clinic is excited to announce that its new Sleep Center will hold an open house celebration on Tuesday, June 30 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. The sleep center is located within the Country Inn & Suites at 2308 Lineville Rd. in Green Bay.
As part of the clinic’s multidisciplinary approach to sleep medicine, the new facility offers the latest in sleep technology and diagnostics. Each patient will be monitored and treated by a highly-qualified staff of registered sleep technologists and a Medical Director who is board-certified in both sleep medicine and otolaryngology. The center allows patients to become guests in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere within a hotel, in contrast to a typical clinic setting. This attention to patients’ needs reflects the clinic’s mission of “Big enough to cure. Small enough to care.”
Tours will be given and refreshments will be served to officially open the new Sleep Center. The event is open to everyone and attendees can RSVP to 920-965-1358 ext. 0.
Northern Lights Clinic is a multidisciplinary healthcare provider based in Marinette and Green Bay that integrates exceptional care with innovative ancillary services. Our specialties include: ENT, Sleep disorders, Allergy and Sinus, Audiology and Physical Therapy.
Northern Lights Clinic Grand Opening in Green Bay 5/11/2009
Northern Lights Clinic celebrates its grand opening, Monday, May 11th at its newest location at 2353 S. Ridge Road on Green Bay’s west side. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. with an open house scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The new state of the art clinic is an Ear, Nose and Throat practice that specializes in the treatment of Sinus and Allergy, Sleep Disorders, Hearing Loss, Balance and Dizziness as well as other head and neck surgery.
Physicians and staff will be on hand to hold clinic tours; complimentary food and beverages will be served as well as a raffle. The public is welcome. For more information call 920-965-1358 or visit them on the web at www.nlclinic.com.
Northern Lights Clinic is a full service Ear, Nose and Throat clinic now operating on Green Bay’s west side at 2353 South Ridge
Road. To make an appointment, contact the clinic at 920-965-1385.
Northern Lights Clinic Celebrates May is “Better Speech and Hearing Month” 5/2009
Northern Lights Clinic and its Hearing Studio in Green Bay is celebrating “Better Speech and Hearing Month” with focus groups and free hearing screenings at its new location at 2353 South Ridge Road in Green Bay, WI.
With hearing loss becoming more common in the United States as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and the baby boomers age, “Better Speech and Hearing Month” has become even more important as a means of reaching those reluctant to have their hearing tested.
Cathleen Brueckner, Northern Lights Clinic Audiologist, will be conducting focus groups and free hearing screenings for adults and children throughout the month of May. Adults interested in participating can call Northern Lights Clinic at 920-965-1358 to schedule an appointment the week of May 4th. Parents wanting their children to have a free screen can call to have an appointment beginning the week of May 11th.
“Hearing loss is an issue that many people are concerned about,” said Brueckner, “Although 72% of boomers say hearing loss affects the relationships they have with their adult children, only 11% choose to wear a hearing aid. What most people don’t realize is that the technology has gotten so much better and includes modern features. Some even come with fun and useful features like
blue tooth that can be connected to phones, TV’s and other electronic devices,” she said.
Brueckner, who completed her Audiology Doctoral Thesis on the effect of cochlear implants on children with disabilities also points to the importance of hearing loss with children.
“Hearing loss is the number one birth defect in America,” said Brueckner, “Children who go untreated often have profound negative effects including the child’s ability to learn to talk or learn language. The longer the loss goes untreated, it can also affect learning in school, particularly in reading and other subjects that are based on verbal abilities. If hearing loss goes undetected, children have speech problems and may exhibit behavior problems,” She said. Changes in culture and noise are also a factor Brueckner said.
“An alarming recent study commissioned by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association states that more than half of high school students surveyed reported at least one symptom of hearing loss! With all the noise exposure due to portable music devices, loud video games, etc., we may be seeing an increase in the number of kids affected in the future,” she says.
Northern Lights Clinic is a full service Ear, Nose and Throat clinic now operating on Green Bay’s west side at 2353 South Ridge Road. To make an appointment for a free hearing screen celebrating May’s “Better Speech and Hearing Month,” contact the clinic at 920-965-1385.
New Independent Practice Expands in Green Bay 4/13/2009
Green Bay’s newest clinic is unique. We are used to hearing stories of big city medicine moving into rural communities and taking over. Rarely do we hear about the small town clinic moving to the big city. But Northern Lights Clinic is doing just that. After starting up an Ear, Nose and Throat medical practice in the small towns of Marinette, Niagara, and Oconto Falls, NLC is taking its innovative health care provider model to the “big city” of Green Bay.
The clinic’s founder and current President, Lorrence Hnatuk MD F.A.C.S, started Northern Lights Clinic, S.C. in 1999 with the goal of developing an independent, ethical, state-of-the-art practice in a community that would nurture family life.
Now in its tenth year in business, Northern Lights Clinic has served over 26,500 different patients from all over Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. This steady growth is based on the question, “What is the right thing to do?” The “question” has driven a service model focused on providing the community access to high quality, coordinated, professional care.
“Starting the clinic as a single physician, I realized the need to create a health care team to offer comprehensive care to our patients. That meant hiring well trained professionals including Audiologists, Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners and Respiratory Therapists to meet the needs of our patients. As the clinic has grown and we’ve added physicians, the model is our blue print for patient care that our patients find unique.”
Robert Sonnenburg Jr. MD, F.A.C.S. Vice President and Director of the clinic’s allergy department agreed. “Whether it is the innovative surgical approaches including Balloon Sinus Surgery, Bone Anchored Hearing Aids, Sublingual Immunotherapy, or Low Dose, in-office CT Scans, we’ve always focused on innovation,” Sonnenburg said.
“As a small town clinic, we recognized that in order to fulfill our ethical commitment as physicians and be competitive as a business, we need to be innovative and current with the latest advances so that we continue to offer the very best care available,” he said.
James Benson, the Practice Administrator reports that the move to Green Bay was the logical next step.
“Over the last few years our practice has seen an increase in the number of patients who have sought out our services driving to Marinette from places as far away as Oshkosh and Manitowoc and who have appreciated they way we deliver care.” Benson said.
“Our patients have said that they like the fact that we are ‘Big enough to cure, Small enough to care.’ This tagline has evolved as a philosophy that the clinic lives by,” said Benson. “What we mean by ‘big enough’ is that we continue to incorporate a number of services within our clinics while focusing on leading edge technology. ‘Small enough’ refers to the fact that we treat patients like they are our friends and neighbors. When you are from a small town, you know that the same person who is our patient will also be the same guy you see in the hardware store or the child your daughter plays soccer with. As we continue to grow, we will continue to embrace this philosophy,” Benson said.
Northern Lights Clinic is a full service Ear, Nose and Throat clinic now operating on Green Bay’s west side at 2353 South Ridge Road. To make an appointment, contact the clinic at 920-965-1385.