Dr. Mohamed Nabile Abdel-Hamid – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Thunder Bay, ON

Specializing in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Mohamed Nabile Abdel-Hamid (an ENT Doctor) provides expert medical and surgical solutions for patients in Thunder Bay. Practicing at St. Mary's General Hospital in Thunder Bay, ON, he serves the local community with dedication and compassion. Dr. Abdel-Hamid adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality care and patient safety. His role involves providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and head/neck conditions for both adults and children.

Dr. Abdel-Hamid graduated with a Medical Degree from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine in 1968 in Egypt. He has practiced as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 42 years, since 1982. He is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field.

His clinical philosophy centers on patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. Dr. Abdel-Hamid is committed to providing high-quality ENT care tailored to each patient's unique needs in Thunder Bay. He speaks both Arabic and English, ensuring effective communication and understanding with his diverse patient community.

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

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever / Environmental Allergies): Nasal inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, or animal dander, resulting in sneezing and congestion.
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis (with or without Nasal Polyps): Long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses (12 weeks or more), sometimes associated with nasal polyps, leading to persistent congestion and discomfort.
• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.
• Anosmia / Hyposmia (Loss or Decreased Sense of Smell): The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which can be caused by nasal/sinus disease, viral infections, or other factors.

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• Thyroid Nodules & Goiter: Lumps (nodules) in the thyroid gland or overall enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), which may require evaluation for cancer or hormonal dysfunction.
• Benign & Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors (e.g., Parotid, Submandibular): Abnormal growths in the salivary glands, which can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), requiring careful diagnosis and management.
• Hyperparathyroidism & Parathyroid Adenoma/Carcinoma: Overactivity of the parathyroid glands, often due to a benign tumor (adenoma), leading to high blood calcium levels; rarely, cancer can occur.

Common Ear Conditions

• Hearing Loss (Conductive, Sensorineural, Mixed, Sudden): Reduced ability to hear, which can be due to problems in the outer/middle ear (conductive), inner ear/nerve (sensorineural), a combination, or occur abruptly.
• Otosclerosis (Abnormal Bone Growth in Middle Ear): A condition where abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, typically involving the stapes bone, causes progressive conductive hearing loss.
• Vertigo & Dizziness (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's Disease, Vestibular Neuronitis, Labyrinthitis): Sensations of spinning (vertigo) or unsteadiness (dizziness) often caused by inner ear or balance system disorders.
• Cholesteatoma (Benign Ear Cyst): An abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum, potentially damaging ear structures.
• Presbycusis (Age-Related Hearing Loss): Gradual loss of hearing that occurs in many people as they grow older.

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. Mohamed Abdel-Hamid or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Abdel-Hamid 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. Abdel-Hamid's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required.

Dr. Abdel-Hamid primarily practices at St. Mary's General Hospital, located in the Fort William West (Westfort, Neebing) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The hospital provides convenient access to the Intercity Area, with public transportation options available via Thunder Bay Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, making it easy for patients to attend their appointments and receive the care they need.

Are services from Dr. Abdel-Hamid, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Abdel-Hamid are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic if you have questions.

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

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Abdel-Hamid. 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.

I have a thyroid nodule. What does an ENT specialist do?

If you have a thyroid nodule, an ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon) like Dr. Abdel-Hamid will typically evaluate it through a physical exam, review any prior imaging (like ultrasound), and may order blood tests for thyroid function. A key diagnostic step is often a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the nodule under ultrasound guidance to determine if it's benign or cancerous. Based on these findings, Dr. Abdel-Hamid will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

What kind of post-operative care instructions can I expect after an ENT surgery?

Post-operative care instructions will be specific to the type of surgery performed. Generally, they may include information on pain management, diet restrictions (e.g., soft foods after tonsillectomy), activity limitations, wound care (if applicable), use of medications (like antibiotics or pain relievers), nasal saline rinses (after sinus surgery), and signs of potential complications to watch for. You will also be given follow-up appointment details. It's crucial to follow these instructions carefully for optimal healing.

I've had a hoarse voice for several weeks. What could be causing this?

Persistent hoarseness (lasting more than 2-3 weeks) should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. Common causes include laryngitis (viral or bacterial), voice overuse or misuse, acid reflux (LPR), vocal cord nodules or polyps, smoking, allergies, or less commonly, more serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal cancer. Dr. Abdel-Hamid will likely perform a laryngoscopy to visualize your vocal cords and determine the cause of your hoarseness.

St. Mary's General Hospital
905 Victoria Avenue East
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1B3

Phone: (807) 623-5678 | Fax: (807) 622-1586

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Abdel-Hamid is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/AbdelHamid-Mohamed-Nabile/0041191-55167