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Dr. Kenric Tam, MD is a head and neck plastic surgeon in New York, NY specializing in head & neck plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Kenric Tam, MD is affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.
Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.
Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.
An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.
Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.
Dr. Kenric Tam, MD graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in New York.
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Residency: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals
Licensed In: New York
Dr. Kenric Tam, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Kenric Tam, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO), Magnacare, Emblem Medicare Advantage, Fidelis, Oscar, Aetna Medicare Advantage (City of NY retirees only, starting 9/1/23), Healthsmart, United Healthcare, Aetna, Tricare, Oxford, Straight NY Medicaid, Healthfirst, Cigna, Qualcare, MVP, Connecticare, First Health, Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS, World Trade Center Health Program (WTC), Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ, Empire Essential, Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield New York, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, UMR, Carrum Health, Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare) and Blue Cross Health Plus.
According to our sources, Dr. Kenric Tam, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Kenric Tam, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 541 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kenric Tam, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in New York, NY.
Dr. Kenric Tam's areas of specialization are otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) and head & neck plastic surgery. Dr. Tam's areas of expertise include salivary gland tumor, nose cancer, and pituitary tumor. He is professionally affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He studied medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. For his residency, Dr. Tam trained at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The average patient rating for Dr. Tam is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Tam is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including ConnectiCare, Blue California, and HealthSmart. Dr. Tam has received the following distinctions: Hoopes Prize for Outstanding and Original Thesis, Harvard College; Medical Scholars Discovery Grant, Stanford University; and Medical Scholars Research Fellowship. Yext reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in New York, NY.
