Meet Our Team

Nick Wirtz, MD

Otolaryngology

Nicholas E. Wirtz, MD

Professional Biography

Dr. Nicholas Wirtz is a fellowship trained Otolaryngologist (ENT) Head and Neck Surgeon specializing in the management of cancers of the head and neck. A native of Blue Springs, he earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri, graduating summa cum laude with honors. Dr Wirtz completed residency at the University of Minnesota, and was awarded outstanding resident clinician, an honor given to the top chief resident. He furthered his training by completing a fellowship in Advanced Oncologic Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, working with some of the top surgeons in the field. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Education

University of Missouri-Columbia
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Summa Cum Laude

University of Missouri School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine

University of Minnesota
Otolaryngology Residency

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Advanced Oncologic Head and Neck Surgery Fellowship

Presentations

  • An Update on HPV-related Head and Neck Cancer
    Oral presentation
    Advent Health Committee on Cancer
    Overland Park, KS, October 2019
  • A Unique Case of Hypopharyngeal Perforation
    Poster Presentation
    American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting
    San Diego, CA, September 2016
  • Oral Cavity Cancer in the Young
    Oral Presentation
    Midwest Head and Neck Cancer Consortium
    Kansas City, MO, April 2016
  • A Pediatric Decannulation Protocol: Outcomes of a 10-year Experience
    Oral Presentation
    American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting
    Dallas, TX, September 2015
  • Post-Tonsillectomy Weight Gain in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs Children with Chronic Tonsillitis
    Poster Presentation
    University of Missouri Health Sciences Research Day
    Columbia, MO, January 2012

Volunteer/Leadership Experience

  • San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala medical mission Clinician
    2012
    Medical Missions Foundation of Kansas City, MO
  • Tecolutla, Mexico medical mission co-director and clinician 2009
    Students Interested in Global Health for Tomorrow (SIGHT)
    University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
  • Antigua, Guatemala medical mission clinical volunteer
    2008
    Medical Missions Foundation of Kansas City, MO

Published Works

  • Wirtz NE, Khariwala SS. “Update on the supraclavicular flap.” Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Oct;25(5):439-444.
  • Wirtz NE, Khariwala SS. “Should more conservative blood transfusion thresholds be adopted in head and neck surgery?” Laryngoscope. 2017 Aug;127(8):1733-1734.
  • Dorrity J, Wirtz N, Froymovich O, Hamlar D. “Genioglossal advancement, hyoid suspension, tongue base radiofrequency, and endoscopic partial midline glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea.” Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2016 Dec;49(6):1399-1414.
  • Wirtz N, Sidman J, Block W. “Clefting of the alveolus: Emphasizing the distinction from cleft palate.” Am J Perinatol. 2016;33(6):531-534.
  • Wirtz N, Tibesar RJ, Lander T, Sidman J. “A pediatric decannulation protocol: Outcomes of a 10-year experience.” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;154(4):731-734.
  • Wirtz N and Hamlar D. Genioglossus “Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology. 2015 Dec; 26(4):193-196

Honors & Awards

  • 2017 Joseph Carter Award for Clinical Excellence
  • 2016 Albert Hohmann Research Award
  • 2014 Outstanding Surgical Consultant
  • 2013 Lions Research Grant Award
  • 2012 Clinical Research Award

Organizations

  • American Head and Neck Society
  • 2015-Present
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology
  • 2012-Present
  • Residency Education Committee
  • 2016-2017

Advanced Training/Specialties

  • Management of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck
  • Surgical treatment of skin cancer
  • Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
  • Robotic surgery
  • Sinus and nasal obstruction treatment

See what patients are saying about Ascentist Healthcare.

5/5
“Everyone I interacted with was very friendly and professional. I was extremely early to my appointment, and they were able to get me in sooner, which was unexpected and lovely. The building itself was very swanky.”
Emeline F., Merriam, KS
Emeline F.
Merriam, KS
5/5
“Loved this place for our 3 year old!! We did originally have her tubes done elsewhere and will not be going back due to loving Ascentist so much!”
Jessica M., Kansas City, MO
Jessica M.
Kansas City, MO
5/5
"People with allergies and or anything that deals with your sniffer, should come to this place. Our daughter had surgery here but its relatively quick and not too painful. Staff was very nice. If it helps your loved ones, check into it."
C., Lee’s Summit, MO
C.
Lee’s Summit, MO
5/5
"The care, compassion, professionalism, and friendliness from the doctors and staff are hard to beat. I enjoy each visit and a piece of me will be saddened that I will no longer need to go into the office much longer (because he listens and is great at his job), Dr. Foster listens, cares, and is ready to tackle my concerns. I am grateful to be referred to Dr. Foster and hope others are receiving the same experience!"
Sharon R., Ascentist Healthcare patient
Sharon R
Merriam, KS

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