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New Ear, Nose and Throat services arrive at Jefferson Healthcare as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month begins

Published 10:35 am Monday, April 20, 2026

Otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Nadenik brings nearly three decades of ENT practice experience to Jefferson Healthcare.

Jefferson Healthcare is expanding access to specialty care with the launch of  Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services in the hospital’s new Castle View Wing in Port Townsend.

The new specialty gives patients local access to expert evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck.

Also known as Otolaryngology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, head and neck.

Leading the new service is Scott Nadenik, DO, an experienced Otolaryngologist with nearly three decades of practice experience.

The arrival of ENT services at Jefferson Healthcare comes at an especially meaningful time. April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, which helps bring attention to cancers that can affect the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, thyroid, salivary glands and other areas of the head and neck.

Because ENT specialists often evaluate symptoms involving the throat, neck, voice, sinuses and mouth, they are frequently among the first providers to detect signs of head and neck cancer. Specialists like Dr. Nadenik are especially important in helping detect these kinds of cancers early, and ensuring patients get the treatment they need before it becomes a more serious problem.

Meet Scott Nadenik, DO

Dr. Nadenik joins Jefferson Healthcare after 27 years in private practice in Ocala, Florida. Throughout his career, Dr. Nadenik has focused on helping patients improve their quality of life through compassionate, patient-centered care.

His approach emphasizes listening to patients, understanding their goals, and helping them take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

“Providing compassionate, patient-centered care and improving quality of life motivates my work as a physician,” Dr. Nadenik says.

Dr. Nadenik says he was drawn to Jefferson Healthcare because of its commitment to meeting community needs and growing specialty services locally.

“I chose Jefferson Healthcare because of the aligned vision of meeting community needs, willingness to grow, and the excitement of providing a new service line.”

ENT specialists care for a wide range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, including both routine and complex conditions.

What does an ENT specialist treat?

ENT specialists care for a wide range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, including both routine and complex conditions. Many patients are surprised by the wide variety of symptoms and concerns they can help address.

Some of the most common reasons patients may see an ENT provider include:

  •         Chronic sinusitis
  •         Nasal obstruction or trouble breathing through the nose
  •         Frequent ear infections
  •         Hearing concerns
  •         Dizziness or balance issues
  •         Sore throat or swallowing problems
  •         Hoarseness or voice changes
  •         Sleep apnea or snoring
  •         Tonsil issues
  •         Thyroid concerns
  •         Lumps or swelling in the head and neck

Dr. Nadenik has a particular clinical interest in chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction, conditions that can significantly affect sleep, breathing and overall quality of life.

Why head and neck cancer awareness matters

Head and neck cancers can develop in many different areas, including the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box, nasal cavity, sinuses, thyroid and salivary glands.

Like many cancers, early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes. ENT specialists are often among the first providers to identify warning signs of head and neck cancer. Symptoms can sometimes be subtle at first, but may include:

  •         A sore throat that does not go away
  •         Hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks
  •         Difficulty swallowing
  •         Persistent ear pain
  •         A lump in the neck
  •         Mouth sores that do not heal
  •         Nasal blockage or bleeding
  •         Unexplained weight loss

Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important not to ignore them. When symptoms linger, become worse, or do not improve as expected, an ENT specialist can help determine the cause and whether additional testing is needed.

Specialty care close to home

With Dr. Nadenik and Jefferson Healthcare’s new Otolaryngology service line, patients no longer need to travel long distances to see an ENT specialist. From chronic sinus issues to hearing concerns to evaluation of head and neck symptoms, Jefferson Healthcare is making it easier to receive this specialty care close to home.

About Jefferson Healthcare

Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary and specialty physician care.