Dr. Julie Kim – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

As an experienced Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor, Dr. Julie Kim offers comprehensive care for disorders of the head and neck, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. Practicing at Polyclinique de l'oreille in Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, she serves the local community with a focus on providing high-quality ENT services. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring a commitment to professional excellence and patient safety. Dr. Kim specializes in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide range of conditions affecting both adults and children.

Dr. Kim earned her Medical Degree in 1994 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 30 years. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, gaining expertise in both diagnostic assessment and surgical interventions. Her experience enables her to manage complex ENT cases with a thorough, evidence-based approach.

Throughout her clinical career, Dr. Kim is committed to patient education, fostering a collaborative relationship to ensure informed decision-making. She emphasizes evidence-based care tailored to each patient's individual needs. Fluent in French, Dr. Kim provides clear communication and compassionate support to her patients in Saint-Hyacinthe and surrounding areas.

Dr. Julie Kim manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Common Ear Conditions

• Cholesteatoma (Benign Ear Cyst): An abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum, potentially damaging ear structures.
• Barotrauma (Ear Pressure Injury): Ear pain or damage to the eardrum caused by unequal pressure between the middle ear and the environment, often during flying or diving.
• Mastoiditis: A bacterial infection of the mastoid bone, the prominent bone behind the ear, usually resulting from an untreated middle ear infection.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Congenital Neck Masses (e.g., Branchial Cleft Cysts, Thyroglossal Duct Cysts, Hemangiomas, Lymphatic Malformations): Lumps or growths present at birth or appearing in early childhood in the neck region, requiring careful diagnosis.
• Laryngomalacia & Other Congenital Airway Abnormalities: Congenital conditions affecting the structure or function of a child's larynx or airway, potentially causing noisy breathing (stridor).
• Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI): A condition where the soft palate does not close tightly against the back of the throat during speech, leading to nasal-sounding speech.
• Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis: Allergic reactions affecting the nasal passages and sinuses in children, requiring age-appropriate management strategies.

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Laryngitis (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), leading to hoarseness or loss of voice, which can be short-term or long-lasting.
• Acute & Chronic Tonsillitis / Adenoiditis (Recurrent): Inflammation or infection of the tonsils or adenoids, which can be recurrent and cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues.
• Spasmodic Dysphonia: A neurological voice disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal cord muscles, resulting in a strained, tight, or breathy voice.
• Chronic Cough (when related to upper airway or reflux): A persistent cough lasting eight weeks or longer, which may be linked to post-nasal drip, reflux, or laryngeal irritation.

This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Julie Kim or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
• Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Kim offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Kim's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required.

Dr. Julie Kim's practice is primarily based at Polyclinique de l'oreille, conveniently situated near central Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, close to local points of interest such as the Saint-Hyacinthe Hospital and the city center. The clinic is accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Kim, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Kim are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Kim, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Kim. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.

My child gets frequent tonsillitis. What are the treatment options?

Recurrent tonsillitis can be managed in several ways. For acute bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. If infections are very frequent (e.g., multiple episodes per year), severe, cause breathing problems or difficulty swallowing, or don't respond well to antibiotics, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended by an ENT specialist. Dr. Kim can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.

What are some common procedures an ENT doctor might perform?

ENT doctors perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common examples include hearing tests (audiometry), nasal or laryngeal endoscopy (using a small camera to view inside the nose or throat), tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), myringotomy (ear tube insertion), septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum), sinus surgery, and biopsies or removal of head and neck lesions. Dr. Kim can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition.

Polyclinique de l'oreille
2109 boul Casavant O
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7E5

Phone: (450) 773-7824

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kim is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=94214