Dr. Frank Ondrey, MD

I went to the U of M in hopes of finding a top ENT surgeon to have a thyroidectomy after a cancer diagnosis. I chose Dr. Frank Ondrey. My main concerns were permanent laryngeal nerve damage that could effect my ability to breathe, swallow or talk and having all 4 of my parathyroid glands removed or damaged in error. Dr. Ondrey stated he would monitor my laryngeal nerve during surgery so it wouldn't be damaged. I agreed to a full thyroidectomy because although the cancer was only on the left, there was some calcification on the right. I stated I didn't want lymph nodes removed on the right because I didn't want to risk losing the 2 right parathyroid glands. Dr. Ondrey stated he will bury the 2 on the right to protect them and will just remove a few. He removed 3 of 4 and the 4th doesn't work! I have permanent hypoparathyroidim, have to take high doses of calcium/but d life long and all the potential negative effects of that. Potential kidney issues and brain calculations and more!

I started with Dr. Ondrey fourteen years ago following surgery from squamous cell carcinoma and a partial glosectomy. While I have dealt with leukoplakia and various levels of dysplasia for thirteen years following this surgery I believe Dr. Ondrey's care has been excellent and has saved me from numerous surgeries and scar tissue. He has gone out of his way to answer all of my questions and provide me with the most update research on my condition, as a leader in this field of research.

I have been Dr. Ondrey's patient for just over two years. In December, 2013 my clinic ENT diagnosed cancer and said, I can't help you, this is beyond my expertise, but I can send you to someone who will help. Wow! The referral was to Dr. Ondrey and my experience with his care in the U of Minnesota ENT clinic has been outstanding! Five stars are understating how happy I am to be in Dr. Ondrey's care. I would recommend Dr. Ondrey to all.