Doctors Dale B. Smith, DO and John H. McGath, MD are pleased to announce their Allergy Ear, Nose and Throat Institute of Altus is opening March 1. Both physicians are board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. They will be coming to their Altus clinic on Mondays and Fridays.

Their Certified Physicians' Assistant, Lonnie Scholl, no stranger to medical offices in Altus, will be in the clinic each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Certified Audiologists Michele L. Rogers, AuD, CCC-A and T. Tate Bay, MS, CCC-A will trade off being in the Altus office on Wednesdays.

The new Allergy Ear, Nose and Throat Institute of Altus will provide office-based services. There may be times when patients need to go to the Lawton office for certain procedures. Initial diagnosis, some treatments and checkups may be provided in the Altus office.

The practice will not only handle common procedures such as tubes for repeated ear infections and tonsillectomies. Dr. McGath is a neurotologist, specializing in the middle ear. Dr. Smith has treated many cases involving head or neck cancer. The clinic will also provide allergy testing and shots tailor-made to the patient.

In 1992, Dr. Smith conducted field research with a local botanist on the native plants of SW Oklahoma. Based on his research and new techniques, the allergy immunization program can be very effective. The practice offers high-dose immunotherapy. With this type of allergy shot program, a 3-year course can offer lifetime immunity to those certain allergens. The clinic also offers special mold tests. According to Dr. Smith, many sinus problems may be caused by unidentified mold allergies. They will also offer herbal remedies the doctors have found particularly effective.

The Altus practice will be located at 1015 E. Broadway, Ste 105 in the Carter Medical Facility. Their web site and telephones in Altus have yet to be finalized. The Lawton toll-free number is (800) 796-3687, or (580) 536-8844. Appointments can be scheduled in Lawton when the Altus clinic is closed.

For those of you who may be seeking a great employment opportunity, Doctors McGath and Smith would also like to add some Altus locals to their practice. They'll be needing a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a medical technician and an office coordinator. Those interested should contact office manager Stefanie Bookout at (580) 536-8844 (telephone) or (580) 536-8818 (fax) or by email at stefanieallergyent@onlineok.com.