3 columbushosp.org New ENT doctor was inspired by Patch Adams Columbus Community Hospital has a new otolaryngologist — commonly known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist — to care for you and your family. Dr. Lauren Jazwick joined Columbus Otolaryngology Clinic in August 2022, but she is by no means a newcomer to Columbus, as she completed a medical school rotation here eight years ago. Otolaryngologists evaluate, diagnose and treat a broad range of head and neck conditions from the clavicle bone up. These include ear infections, sinus problems, cancers, hoarseness, vestibular (dizziness and balance) disorders and swallowing problems. ENTs also complete extensive training as head and neck surgeons. When surgery is the right choice, they can perform many different procedures, including sinus, thyroid and ear tube surgeries. An early inspiration Jazwick grew up in Bradshaw, Nebraska, and fell in love with medicine in the fourth grade. Her inspiration? The movie Patch Adams, starring the late Robin Williams and based on the true story of physician Hunter “Patch” Adams. “I was super-inspired by his treatment of patients — not just how the medical treatments made them better, but how he treated them as people,” Jazwick said. “That’s what drove me to medicine. And then what kept me here is how dynamic it is. Medicine continually grows and improves and requires a lot of studying and education to keep up to date.” After graduating from Heartland High School in Henderson, Nebraska, Jazwick earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Creighton University, followed by a medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa. She then completed a fiveyear residency in otolaryngology at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Coming to Columbus At first, Jazwick set her sights on becoming an orthopedic surgeon. But during her third year of medical school in 2015, she began a rotation at Columbus Otolaryngology Clinic with Dr. Nila Novotny. She quickly discovered a passion for the head and neck physician specialty. “You get to treat patients of all ages and make lifelong relationships with them,” Jazwick said. “I also liked that the ENT specialty requires manual dexterity. We work in a lot of small areas of the body, so you have to have the ability to be steady, use tiny instruments and work around corners.” During her clinical rotation, Jazwick committed to returning to Columbus when she finished her schooling. “This is a great place to work and a great place to live,” she said. Jazwick believes in building relationships in which patients can trust her and know she has their best interest in mind. She works closely with her patients’ primary care providers to help ensure the best possible overall care. Working the land When she’s not providing great care for her patients, Jazwick enjoys spending time with her family members and working on their ranch. She also likes coaching youth volleyball in the spring — something she’s done since college. Jazwick believes in building relationships in which patients can trust her and know she has their best interest in mind.
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