Men on the Scene: Dr. Viengsouk Phommachanh

Dr. Viengsouk Phommachanh of Fyzical Health is a board certified otolaryngologist who finds fulfillment in providing a tangible benefit to patients seeking help with their ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions. Dr. Phommachanh can’t remember a time when he did not want to be a doctor and help people, but he was not satisfied with a healthcare system that fostered a narrow focus on specialties. Rather than bounce patients among practitioners to address their health needs, Dr. Phommachanh prefers a more holistic approach. “If someone comes to us to get treatment for vertigo, they may still need help for balance issues,” he says. “We were the first ENT practice to partner with Fyzical to offer physical therapy for prevention of falls and overall preventive health for seniors. That leads to better quality of life.” Fyzical Health’s four board certified ENTs provide the full spectrum of care, including dizziness and balance issues, sinus problems and speech or swallowing disorders. Early evaluation and treatment of hearing loss are encouraged because research has linked poor hearing with dementia risk.Dr. Phommachanh, who specializes in minimally invasive sinus surgeries, is President of the Sarasota County Medical Society, Chief of Otolaryngology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and delegate to the Florida Medical Association. Born in Laos, Dr. Phommachanh came to the U.S. at age three. He received a Dean’s Honor Scholarship from Tulane University where he earned undergraduate and medical degrees. Dr. Phommachanh completed his training at the University of South Florida. When he’s not helping patients or spending time with his wife and two children, Dr. Phommachanh can sometimes be found doing standup comedy in open mic contests and guest performances at clubs along the southwest Gulf Coast.