Open house in Flint · Tuesday, November 10Patients 2:00–4:30 PM · Providers 5:00–7:00 PM

Our Team

Care from a team that works together.

Meet the people behind your care at Premier Head and Neck Surgery in Flint, Michigan.

Tamer Ghanem, Founder and CEO at Premier Head and Neck Surgery
Featured physician

Expert head and neck care, close to home.

Tamer Ghanem, MD, PhD

Dr. Ghanem has spent more than 20 years treating head and neck cancer and performing complex reconstructive surgery to restore how patients speak, swallow, and look. He is extensively published and has presented at national and international meetings. Trained at the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and OHSU, he now brings that subspecialty experience to a personal private practice in Flint.

Call (810) 399-9931 to schedule your consultation.

Meet Dr. Ghanem

Meet our providers

A close-knit group of clinicians caring for ENT, head and neck, hearing, and speech needs across Genesee County.

Sarah Schlunegger, Clinical Audiologist at Premier Head and Neck Surgery

Sarah Schlunegger

Au.D., CCC-A · Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Sarah is passionate about helping people reconnect with the sounds and conversations that matter most. A Michigan native raised in Ortonville, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her Doctor of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University.

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For the past nine years, she has served patients throughout Genesee County, providing comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid services, pediatric testing, cochlear implant care, and custom hearing protection. Dr. Sarah is committed to personalized, compassionate hearing care and takes the time to understand each patient’s individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Explore audiology services
Rocio Patton, Speech-Language Pathologist at Premier Head and Neck Surgery

Rocio Patton

MA, CCC-SLP · Speech-Language Pathologist

Rocio Patton, MA, CCC-SLP, completed her graduate training in Speech-Language Pathology overseas and in the United States. With more than 18 years of experience, her clinical focus is dysphagia, with specialized experience caring for patients with ENT and head and neck conditions, including head and neck cancer, tracheostomy, and complex surgical needs.

Ellen Stair, Physician Assistant at Premier Head and Neck Surgery

Ellen Stair

PA-C · Physician Assistant

Ellen Stair is a certified Physician Assistant at Premier Head and Neck Surgery. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Michigan State University before completing her Physician Assistant education at AdventHealth University in Orlando, Florida. With over six years of experience as a PA, Ellen is dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care to patients with a variety of ear, nose, and throat needs.

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Since joining PHNS, Ellen has enjoyed caring for patients with a wide range of ENT conditions, from common ear, nose, and throat concerns to more complex cases involving head and neck masses and cancers. She also has an interest in cosmetic procedures and care. Throughout the week, patients may find Ellen in the outpatient clinic or assisting in the operating room. In both settings, she emphasizes thorough patient education and collaborative decision-making, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout their treatment.

Ellen is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients and providing compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs. She strives to ensure every patient feels heard, comfortable, and confident in their care, and finds great fulfillment in guiding patients through their healthcare journey.

Katelyn Young, Physician Assistant at Premier Head and Neck Surgery

Katelyn Young

PA-C · Physician Assistant

Katelyn Young is a certified Physician Assistant who earned her degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. Throughout PA school, she spent many hours observing and participating in patient care throughout the Flint community and surrounding areas. Katelyn shares a passion for providing high-quality, accessible, and individualized healthcare for patients with a variety of ear, nose, and throat needs.

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Since joining Premier Head and Neck Surgery, Katelyn has had the pleasure of evaluating and treating patients with a wide range of health concerns. She has experience treating a variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions, as well as assisting with head and neck cancer workup and surveillance. Throughout the week, patients may find Katelyn in the outpatient office or assisting Dr. Ghanem in the operating room. Regardless of the setting, she is dedicated to providing thorough patient education and encouraging collaborative decision-making throughout each patient’s care.

Outside of the office, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and thrifting.

Here to help at every step.

Meet the team who help you check in, navigate your visit, and coordinate your care.

Photo placeholderGroup photo of the support team (landscape).
  • Tracey

    Practice Manager

  • Rachel

    Medical Assistant

  • Alyssa Arriaga

    Front-Office Coordinator

  • Malinda Carpenter

    Surgical Scheduler

Ready to be seen?

Call our office and we’ll help you take the next step.

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