Karen Hoffmann, MD, FAAOA, is a board-certified otolaryngologist with fellowship training in Otology & Rhinology
She completed a fellowship in Otology/Neurotology from the renowned Silverstein Institute in Sarasota, Florida. Known for her pioneering work in minimally invasive surgical procedures for ear and sinus diseases, Dr. Hoffmann has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative research and clinical practice, focusing on ventilatory disorders of the ear and sinuses. She has been a principal investigator in several national clinical trials, including studies on Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty, midfacial migraines, and chronic rhinitis. Since joining Piedmont Ear, Nose, Throat and Related Allergy in 2007, Dr. Hoffmann has specialized in the comprehensive medical and surgical management of Eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus and allergy disorders, hearing loss, and chronic ear disease.
Dr. Hoffmann is a respected national and international speaker, having delivered a keynote address at the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Summit. She frequently presents and serves as a surgical expert on national panels for the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Rhinologic Society, and the Summer Sinus Symposium. Her dedication to continuous learning and development is further demonstrated through her role as a popular lecturer and national trainer for surgical procedures in ENT. In her role as Director of Otorhinologic Research at the Vitruvio Institute of Medical Advancement (VIMA), Dr. Hoffmann continues to drive research in cutting-edge technology to enhance patient outcomes.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Hoffmann and her husband are dedicated parents to twin boys and share a passion for outdoor activities including hiking, flying, and photography.
Dr. Hoffmann completed both residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and an internship in General Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. During residency, she completed ground-breaking research in the use of bone cement in ossicular chain reconstruction supported by several research grants, published scientific articles and book chapters, and gave national and regional presentations. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas-Houston Medical School, where she was awarded an Alpha Omega Alpha Student Research Fellowship for research in Neurosurgery. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance with highest honors.
Professional Affiliations
- Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy - Fellow and Member
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Member
- American Rhinologic Society - Member