Ears-Nose-Throat and Allergy-Asthma Specialties Join Network

Two of the Lehigh Valley’s biggest independent ENT (otolaryngology) and allergy-asthma practices have joined St. Luke’s University Health Network, adding new specialty care services to the health care system that is ranked #1 in quality, safety and patient experience by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Effective July 1, Specialty Physician Associates and the Center for Allergy & Asthma Care joined St. Luke’s and will now operate as St. Luke’s Ears, Nose & Throat and St. Luke’s Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

This addition significantly expands access to specialty care across the region, bringing into the St. Luke’s family more than 30 providers and more than 10 locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, including Quakertown and Wind Gap.

“This is exciting news for St. Luke’s,” said Scott Siegfried, Vice President, Specialty Care Division of St. Luke’s Physician Group. “These organizations have always been close partners, so to officially welcome them into the family will only enhance the care we provide to patients.”

Together, these new teams strengthen St. Luke’s ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated care closer to home for even more patients and communities.

These two long established and highly regarded practices have been intertwined in the fabric of St. Luke’s over many years and have been strong allies of St. Luke’s organization and partners, according to David Yen, MD, who specializes in otolaryngology as well as head and neck surgery.

The physicians in these practices chose to join St. Luke’s due to its efficient, integrated system and positive workplace culture, according to Shannon Kearney, DO, an allergy, asthma and immunology physician

“I am excited for the opportunity to grow alongside St. Luke’s,” said David Yen, MD. “As a longtime partner, I’ve enjoyed everything about St. Luke’s, and now this enables us to provide care to our patients across a broader network of physicians. This decision was made with our patients in mind, and we believe it will only enhance the care we provide to them.”

Kearney echoed Dr. Yen's sentiments and called St. Luke’s a “well-oiled machine.” She also says St. Luke’s “really feels like home” and that she would not have joined a hospital system other than St. Luke’s. “I’ve always valued St. Luke’s commitment to high-quality, compassionate care."

Michael Ciliberti, MD, an allergist, agreed.

“We are so happy to be joining the St. Luke’s family, because that’s what it is,” Dr. Ciliberti said. “Everyone in the office feels the same way.”

For St. Luke’s, the addition addresses a growing community need in the Lehigh Valley, one of the worst areas in the country for seasonal allergies. This represents both a strategic expansion and a validation of St. Luke’s stellar reputation.

"With the legacy and reputation of these organizations, and the strength and stability of St. Luke’s, both areas will continue to grow and support the needs of our communities”, Siegfried said.

St. Luke’s Ear, Nose & Throat Locations