Dr. Molly Shaw Zirkle – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Toronto, ON

As an experienced Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon), Dr. Molly Shaw Zirkle offers comprehensive care for disorders of the head and neck, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. She practices primarily at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, serving the local community with a focus on providing high-quality ENT care. Dr. Zirkle adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Her role encompasses a broad spectrum of general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing both common and complex conditions affecting adults and children.

Dr. Zirkle graduated with a Medical Degree from Yale University in 1996, bringing a strong foundation in medicine from the United States. She has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 18 years, since 2006. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of specialty care. Her extensive training and experience enable her to deliver precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans for her patients.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in patient education, evidence-based medicine, and a collaborative approach, Dr. Zirkle is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ENT care in Toronto. She speaks English fluently and prioritizes clear communication to ensure patients are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. Her goal is to deliver safe, effective, and personalized care to help her patients achieve optimal health outcomes.

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

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• 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.
• Salivary Gland Infections (Sialadenitis) & Stones (Sialolithiasis): Inflammation or infection of the salivary glands (like parotid or submandibular) or the formation of stones within their ducts, causing pain and swelling.
• Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A congenital cyst typically found in the midline of the neck, arising from remnants of the thyroid gland's developmental path.

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects

• Drooping Eyelids Obstructing Vision (Functional Blepharoplasty): Excess skin or fat in the upper eyelids that hangs down and interferes with the field of vision, potentially treatable with surgery.
• Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face and Neck: Damage to the skin, muscles, or other soft tissues of the face and neck due to trauma, requiring careful repair.
• Nasal Deformity (Post-Traumatic or Congenital): Abnormal shape or structure of the nose resulting from injury or present from birth, which may affect breathing or appearance.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis: Allergic reactions affecting the nasal passages and sinuses in children, requiring age-appropriate management strategies.
• Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Snoring: Disrupted breathing patterns during sleep in children, often due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, impacting sleep quality and health.
• Enlarged Tonsils & Adenoids causing Airway Obstruction or Sleep Apnea: Swollen tonsils and adenoids in children that can block the airway, leading to snoring, mouth breathing, or sleep-disordered breathing.
• Pediatric Hearing Loss (Congenital & Acquired): Hearing impairment present at birth (congenital) or developing later in childhood, requiring specialized assessment and intervention.

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. Molly Zirkle or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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 Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Zirkle 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. Zirkle'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. Zirkle's practice is based at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in the Garden District of Toronto, ON, near Nathan Phillips Square. The location offers convenient access via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), including subway, streetcar, and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with options for patients to park on-site during their appointments.

Are services from Dr. Zirkle, 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. Zirkle 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. Zirkle, 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. Zirkle. 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.

What are common causes of hearing loss an ENT might address?

Hearing loss can result from various causes, including age-related changes (presbycusis), noise exposure, earwax buildup (cerumen impaction), ear infections (otitis media), fluid in the middle ear, damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones (ossicles), Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or, less commonly, tumors or genetic conditions. An ENT specialist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate management, which may include medical treatment, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or surgery.

How does Dr. Zirkle treat chronic sinusitis?

Treatment for chronic sinusitis is individualized and aims to reduce inflammation, drain the sinuses, and address underlying causes (like allergies or polyps). This may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, oral antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed), antifungal treatments in specific cases, or allergy management. In some cases, if medical management is not sufficient, Dr. Zirkle may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
30 Bond Street, Department of Anaesthesia
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-5187 | Fax: (416) 864-5469

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zirkle 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/Zirkle-Molly-Shaw/0210898-80510