Dr. Sohit Paul Kanotra

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Get to know Otolaryngologist Dr. Sohit Paul Kanotra, who serves patients in Iowa City, Iowa. 

Recognized as one of the top pediatric ENT surgeons in the country, Dr. Kanotra is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine of the University of Iowa & the Director of the Pediatric Aerodigestive Program at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. He has an expertise in management of complex airway disorders including open airway reconstruction, pediatric swallowing disorders, pediatric head and neck masses including vascular anomalies, and endoscopic ear surgery. 

“Kids are not just little adults and dealing with children requires a lot of dedication in order to achieve great results. The most important thing in dealing with children is to make them comfortable so that their whole experience becomes playful. It’s hard to fathom the anxiety and fear which a child might have going into a doctor’s office. Equally important is to connect with the family. I firmly believe mothers are the best doctors for their children, so it’s important for the physician to understand and respect this” expressed the doctor. 

Prior to his current appointments, he was the Director of the Pediatric Aerodigestive Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, and the Surgical Director of the Multidisciplinary Pediatric Thyroid Clinic and the Vascular Anomalies Clinic. 

Born and raised in India, Dr. Kanotra received his medical education at Government Medical College in Jammu before completing his residency in otolaryngology in Srinagar. Following residency, he completed a one-year head and neck endocrine fellowship at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York (now part of the Mount Sinai Health System).

Thereafter, pursuing his passion for the care of children, he completed a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology (pediatric ENT) at the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, which is one of the world’s foremost pediatric health-care institutions, providing the best in specialized care for young families.

Subsequent to his education, he attained board certification in otolaryngology through the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which serves the public by ensuring that diplomates meet the standards of training, knowledge, and professionalism through initial and continuing certification.

Apart from having a very active clinical practice, Dr. Kanotra is involved internationally in various humanitarian efforts. He is actively involved in research and fosters a strong interest in basic science research in airway reconstruction as well as clinical research focused on pediatric airway disorders, pediatric dysphagia, and thyroid disorders.

Among his professional affiliations, he is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Neurotology Society.

Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors, specialize in disorders of the head and neck, ranging from hearing loss to cancer.

On a more personal note, Dr. Kanotra speaks several languages, including English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

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