Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156244
Dr. Sco Larson provides medical and surgical care at Benefis Health System for people dealing with conditions of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). He is also specially trained to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the head and neck. Dr. Larson views his work helping people to be healthy and to be able to do what they enjoy doing as a great privilege. • What do you enjoy about living in Montana? I grew up in southeastern Idaho, which seems very similar to Montana to me. Living here is an opportunity to be close to where I grew up and where much of my family still lives. I am married and have five kids, so I appreciate the environment Montana provides to raise a family. I enjoy the down-to-earth and friendly people that call Montana home, and my family and I like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities that Montana offers. • What inspired you to train as a head and neck surgeon? Head and neck surgeons typically see patients with very complicated – and sometimes life-threatening – problems. I embrace my role in helping these patients and their families through a very difficult time in their lives, and I enjoy the challenge of the surgeries sometimes needed in these complicated cases. • Do all ENT providers perform head and neck surgery? No, not all ENT providers perform head and neck surgery. Only ENT providers who complete an extra year of training can perform head and neck surgery, including surgery to treat cancer. • As an ENT specialist, what are the common reasons patients come to you? Common reasons patients come to see me are ear conditions including ear infections, hearing loss, ear pain, tinnitus, dizziness, and balance problems; nose and sinus conditions including nasal congestion/ obstruction, nosebleeds, allergies, sinus infections, and loss of smell/ taste; throat conditions including enlarged tonsils, tonsillitis, sore throats, hoarseness of voice, and trouble swallowing; and finally, conditions of the head and neck including thyroid/parathyroid problems and benign and malignant tumors. • What makes you excited about coming to work every day? My work includes dedicated days to the outpatient clinic and certain days when I only see patients for surgery. I enjoy clinic days, as I get to meet new people and follow up with people I already know. It is a chance to reconnect and see how their lives are going, and an opportunity to see them progress and get beer from their health problems. As I see new patients, I not only get to learn about their medical problems, but about their families and their lives, too. Surgery days are also rewarding, as surgery can oen help someone get beer almost immediately. I enjoy helping patients improve and recover from surgery, both in the hospital and as patients in the Benefis Ear, Nose, and roat clinic. TO YOUR HEALTH Benefis Health System S MT SiG MT 96 Dr. Scott Larson Guiding Patients and Families rough Complicated Medical Problems