Dr. Sarah Christina Hugh – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Burlington, ON

Dr. Sarah Christina Hugh, a respected Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (ENT Doctor), is committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care for individuals with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Practicing at Scarborough General Hospital in Burlington, ON, she serves the local community with a focus on excellence in clinical care. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethically sound treatment for all patients. Dr. Hugh specializes in providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide spectrum of ENT conditions in both adults and children.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2011 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 8 years, since 2016. She is certified as a RCPSC (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada) Specialist in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Dr. Hugh’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. She strives to provide high-quality ENT care in Burlington, ensuring her patients are well-informed and actively involved in their health decisions. She communicates fluently in English and is dedicated to making her patients feel comfortable and confident in their care journey.

Dr. Sarah Hugh 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

• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.
• 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.
• Deviated Nasal Septum: A condition where the thin wall (septum) between the nasal passages is displaced to one side, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
• Fungal Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses caused by a fungal infection, which can range from non-invasive to invasive forms.
• Turbinate Hypertrophy (Enlarged Nasal Turbinates): Swelling or enlargement of the nasal turbinates (structures inside the nose that warm and filter air), leading to nasal obstruction.

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. Sarah Hugh or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Hugh 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. Hugh'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. Hugh primarily practices at Scarborough General Hospital, located in the Downtown Burlington, Central neighborhood of Burlington. The hospital is conveniently accessible from the Aldershot GO Station and via Burlington Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

Are services from Dr. Hugh, 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. Hugh 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. Hugh, 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. Hugh. 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.

How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?

For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.

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. Hugh 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. Hugh will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

What is the typical recovery time for common ENT surgeries like tonsillectomy or sinus surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the specific surgery and the individual patient. For a tonsillectomy, expect a sore throat for 1-2 weeks, with gradual improvement. For endoscopic sinus surgery, most people feel significantly better within 1-2 weeks, but some nasal stuffiness or drainage can persist for a bit longer, and full healing can take a few months. Dr. Hugh will provide detailed post-operative instructions and discuss the expected recovery period for your specific procedure.

Scarborough General Hospital
1435 Plains Road East, Emergency Department
Burlington, ON L7R 3P9

Phone: (905) 681-1400 | Fax: (905) 335-5995

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hugh 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/Hugh-Sarah-Christina/0273306-95752