Dr. Ian Churnin was born and raised in San Francisco, California. In 2012, he graduated magna cum laude and earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Trinity University (San Antonio, TX). It was while earning his medical degree at the University of Texas in San Antonio that he discovered his passion for otolaryngology. He moved to Charlottesville, VA, for his residency in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia, where he participated in novel research involving the treatment of voice and airway disorders. After completing his residency in 2022, he made his final move to join Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy.
Dr. Churnin enjoys practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, including both adult and pediatric care. He has a particular interest and expertise in the medical and surgical treatment of chronic cough, voice and airway disorders. To maximize convenience and value for his patients, he offers many diagnostic tests and laryngeal procedures in the office, including laryngoscopy with stroboscopy, vocal cord injections and superior laryngeal nerve block injections.
In addition to this subspecialty focus, Dr. Churnin enjoys practicing comprehensive general otolaryngology. His clinical practice includes pediatric ENT surgery, treatment and surgery for nasal obstruction and sinus disease, as well as the evaluation and surgical management of benign and malignant head and neck conditions. He also has expertise in thyroid and parotid surgery, providing patients with a full spectrum of otolaryngologic care.
Dr. Churnin particularly values the doctor-patient relationship. He understands the importance of listening and developing trust as he guides them on their journey through diagnosis, treatment and healing.
“One of the most alluring aspects of being an otolaryngologist is how fascinating each niche of the field can be. It is what led me down the path of this specialty and what ultimately guided me to pursue being a General Otolaryngologist who could do it all,” he said.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Churnin enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Milo and Harper. He loves cooking, exploring new restaurants and running. A lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan, he is also learning to embrace the local teams—showing good faith support for the Carolina Panthers and quickly becoming a devoted Carolina Hurricanes fan.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Trinity University
- Medical Degree, University of Texas – Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Residency, University of Virginia, Department of Otolaryngology
Professional Society Memberships
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head Neck Surgery
- North Carolina Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Publications
- Pruett L, Koehn H, Martz T, Churnin I, Ferrante S, Salopek L, Cottler P, Griffin DR, Daniero J. Development of a Microporous Annealed Particle Hydrogel for Long-term Vocal Fold Augmentation. Laryngoscope. 2020 Oct;130(10):2432-2441.
- Wilson JH, Payne SC, Fermin CR, Churnin 1, Qazi J, Mattos JL. Statin Use Protective for Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a Nationally Representative Sample of the U.S. Laryngoscope. 2020 Apr;130(4):848-851.
- Association Between Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction and Cognition in Older Adults American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy. Jan 1, 2019
- Churnin I, Qazi J, Fermin CR, Wilson JH, Payne SC, Mattos JL. Association Between Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction and Cognition in Older Adults. American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy. 33(2): 170-177. 2019.
- Myc LA., Churnin IT, Jameson MJ, Davis EM. Treatment of Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea by Upper Airway Stimulation Results in Resolution of Debilitating Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 14(10): 1797-1800. 2018
- Churnin I, Michalek J, Seifi A. Association of Resident Duty-Hour Restrictions on Mortality of Nervous System Disease and Disorder. Journal of Graduate Medical Education. 2016 Oct; 8(4): 576-580.
- Churnin I, Shakal A, Seifi A. Gender association with postoperative hemorrhage patient safety indicator in the United States from 2000 to 2012. Journal of Critical Care. 2015 Oct; 30(5): 1124-5.
Locations
- Garner
- Raleigh