Award: Physician – Surgeon
Those needing nasal surgery travel from all over the region for Dr. Kent Lam to perform it, according to the co-worker who nominated Lam for Healthcare Heroes.
Lam is an associate professor and chief of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery for Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Department of Otolaryngology Surgery at Old Dominion. His patients have a broad range of nasal and paranasal sinus conditions. He also teaches medical students and ENT resident physicians at EVMS, where he has been for the past 10 years.
His colleague also shared he mentors trainees in clinical research that is focused on improving outcomes for patients with rhinologic disease, which affects the nasal passage.
Lam serves as the founding proctor for the EVMS HOPES student-run free clinic, which offers monthly care to underserved patients in Norfolk. In addition, he travels internationally, including on humanitarian mission trips to Honduras. In March, he said he performed an endoscopic endonasal medial orbital decompression on a patient with thyroid eye disease.
Lam shared more with Inside Business:
Q: What drew you to being an ENT (ear, nose, throat) surgeon?
A: I was first drawn to rhinology, which is an ENT subspecialty focused on disorders of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses, for its unique combination of intricate anatomy, interesting pathology and focus on multidisciplinary collaboration with other specialties, including allergy-immunology, neurosurgery and ophthalmology.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: In my professional life, I am motivated by the ability of rhinology to utilize both minimally invasive endoscopic procedures with long-term medical management to provide sustained improvements in the quality of life of patients affected by a variety of sinonasal conditions.
Q: How do you cope with challenges?
A: I have always relied heavily on a strong support network at home and work to cope with the different challenges encountered in both personal and professional settings. I would not be where I am today without the continuous acceptance, encouragement and mentorship of these individuals.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: Over my past 10 years in clinical practice, I have treated and managed many patients who, in the process of experiencing improvements in nasal breathing, smell and other sinonasal-related symptoms, have expressed their appreciation for the effort I place into my work.
Q: How do you measure success?
A: To me, professional success is measured by the impact that I can have in the lives of my patients who entrust their happiness and livelihood in my clinical judgment.
Q: What lessons have you learned?
A: I have learned the importance of living more meaningfully in the present and prioritizing the relationships, pursuits and experiences that matter most to me.
Q: Any advice for those choosing a surgical specialty?
Inside Business Healthcare Heroes 2026: Dr. Kent Lam
