C. Kwang Sung, MD, MS

Laryngologist, Head and neck surgeon, Ear, nose, and throat specialist


Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS) and, by courtesy, of Music

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Additional Languages Spoken:
Mandarin

Biography


Dr. Sung is a laryngologist in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery who specializes in voice, swallowing and airway disorders, and is also the Residency Program Director.

Dr. Sung graduated from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA with a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry with a minor in music. He earned a master’s of science degree in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. He attended the State University of New York – Downstate Medical Center and obtained his MD in 2004.

He completed his internship in general surgery at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City in 2005. He continued at Mt. Sinai to finish his residency in otolaryngology – head & neck surgery in 2009. Following residency, he completed a fellowship in laryngology at Harvard Medical School – Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with Ramon A. Franco, Jr., MD in 2010.

Dr. Sung joined the Stanford faculty in 2010 as Assistant Professor. He is also a staff physician at the Veteran’s Administration Palo Alto Health Care System.

In addition to his medical training, Dr. Sung worked extensively as a professional singer and actor for several years. He attended drama academy in New York City and performed in productions off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and in national and international tours. He has also performed with the Stanford University Symphonic Choir. He regularly lectures to voice and vocal pedagogy students in the Department of Music, in which he holds a courtesy appointment.

His clinical interests include the care of professional voice users; phonomicrosurgery; treatment of vocal fold paralysis with laryngeal framework surgery and injection techniques; diagnosis and Botox treatment of spasmodic dysphonia; office-based laser surgery; treatment of recurrent laryngeal papilloma; treatment of essential laryngeal tremor; and treatment of laryngeal cancer.

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Internship: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Department of Surgery-Division of General Surgery (2005) NY
  • Fellowship: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Dept of Otolaryngology (2010) MA
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dept of Otolaryngology (2009) NY
  • Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology (2010)
  • Fellowship, Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Laryngology (2010)
  • Residency, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Otolaryngology (2009)
  • Internship, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, General Surgery (2005)
  • MD, State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center, Medicine (2004)
  • MS, University of Pennsylvania, Organic Chemistry (1992)
  • BS, Harvey Mudd College, Chemistry (1989)

Honors & Awards
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, SUNY Downstate Medical Center (2003)
  • Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Department of Otolaryngology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center (2004)
  • Bay Area Top Doctors, San Francisco Magazine (2017-2023)
  • First Prize Proffered Paper Session, New York Head and Neck Society (2008)
  • Honor Award, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2023)
  • J. Arthur Campbell Award for Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College (1989)
  • Magna Cum Laude, SUNY Downstate Medical Center (2004)
  • Outstanding Teaching Award, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania (1990)
  • Patient-Centeredness Honoree, Stanford Health Care (2018-2019)
  • Phi Lambda Upsilon, University of Pennsylvania (1989)
  • Third Prize, Metropolitan New York Resident Research Day Symposium (2007)
  • Travel Award, Triological Society (2007, 2009)

Memberships
  • Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2005 - Present)
  • Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology (2010 - Present)
  • Member, Society of University Otolaryngologists (2012 - Present)
  • Member, American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) (2013 - Present)
  • Member, Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization (2019 - Present)

Administrative Appointments
  • Course Director of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Grand Rounds, Stanford University School of Medicine, Dept. of Otolaryngology (2011 - 2015)
  • Director of Otolaryngology Medical Student Clerkship, Stanford University School of Medicine, Dept. of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2011 - 2017)
  • Home Study Course Laryngology & Bronchoesophagology Working Group, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (2011 - 2017)
  • Laryngology & Bronchoesophagology Education Committee, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (2011 - 2017)
  • Medical Student Admissions Reviewer, Stanford University School of Medicine (2012 - 2013)
  • Residency Program Director, Stanford University School of Medicine, Dept. of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (2019 - Present)

Publications

Specializing In

  • Microlaryngoscopy
  • Minimally Invasive Endoscopy
  • Skin Cancer Screening
  • Spasmodic Dysphonia
  • Stridor
  • Swallowing Disorders
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis
  • Vocal Cord Surgery
  • Voice Problems

Practice Locations


Esophagus Center Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA

420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor

Redwood City , CA 94063

(650) 736-5555

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Voice and Swallowing Center Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Voice & Swallowing Clinic in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA

801 Welch Road

Palo Alto , CA 94304

(650) 723-5281

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

LGBTQ+ Health Program Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, CA

960 N. San Antonio Road, Suite 101

Los Altos , CA 94022

(650) 724-8844

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(287 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

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4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.9/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.8/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
4.8/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
0.0/5
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Wait time at clinic (from arriving to leaving)

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

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Patient Reviews

(223 reviews)

Dr Sung is the best
Excellent
Fast and efficient
I received excellent care
I was very pleased and will in the future re
Exceptional care by both Dr Sung and Jasmin!
Dr. Sung is the best of doctors. Interested in his patients, super knowledgable and he is kind. Highly recommend Dr. Sung.
Dr. Sung is a very caring, excellent ent I would highly recommend to anyone
Dr. Sung is an excellent physician!
Dr. Sung is an outstanding clinician and I appreciate how he stays up to date on research and attends international conferences in his field. I appreciate that Stanford supports ongoing education and opportunities for physicians/surgeons learning/participating at conferences and staying up to date on cutting edge research. I appreciate Dr.Sung’s compassionate understanding and empathy, as well as how he answers all my questions and gives explanations for my treatment plan. I am so grateful for his support and encouragement.
Outstanding care
Dr. Sung and his staff are the best!
Always efficient
Dr Sung took the time to understand the situation and clearly explain the options and steps needed to move forward.
Everyone I came in contact with was VERY PROFESSIONAL. I felt well taken care of. Thank you, Eric
Competent, knowledgeable. Professional, approachable. Wonderful doctor. You are in gifted hands with this doctor. The best.
Dr. Sung is a very compassionate and competent provider.
Hi highly recommend Adam Fry.
Dr. Sung explains observations, options, and expectations very well. I feel he listens to the patient's concerns.
Dr. Sung, and all who work in the office, are so kind, engaging and a pleasure to be around. Their care is very much appreciated.
Great Dr great experience
Dr Sung is a very kind person and a gifted ENT doctor
My visits go smoothly. This time I didn't wait at all.
Dr. Sung is the best!
Very amiable. Clear communications.
Everyone was kind and they were running on time.The doctor explained everything and the procedure went as planned.
Very caring and very professional
Very knowledgeable with he’s trad, great
Very clean, very organized, professional and really do care about the patient.
Very informative ðŸ‘
The appointment was exactly at the time it was scheduled
Dr Sung is an expert on his field. Very professional and approachable. A very good patient advocate.
Excellent people made me feel very comfortable and helpful
I had a great experience with Dr Sung. He was able to correctly diagnose the problem with my throat and correct it.
Exceptional care in all respects. Beyond any expectations.
Dr Sung is so caring he is the best. He explains well and takes the time to show you your camera results and compares from your last results which gives you confidence in your problem.
I appreciated the team approach and communication with me as a patient-participant.
The throat oncology dept. is excellent. Iam so fortunate to be here.
Doctor Sung always does a fantastic job. Explains everything and I don’t feel rushed. Lucky to have him.
The staff is always caring and professional
Awesome
Nice guy but hasn't solved my problems. Does not appear to want to go the extra mile.
A coworker is seeing him this week per my recommendation
Great visit. On time. Staff were excellent. Very informative
This was one of the most efficient teams of doctors I've ever had. They asked precise questions and listened to my answers. They explained what they were doing, what I was seeing, theories on why it was happening. Then they went to consult with third and final member. When they returned I was presented with an explanation, possible solutions, answers to my questions and options. I was given time to decide. I didn't have to give my decision there and then. We scheduled a follow up appointment to later review and give my decision.
Very professional
Dr.Sung and his staff are exceptional!
Excellent!
Dr Sung is so caring and patient.
On time and thorough,. Excellent,
They're on time and all business
Excellent care and great doctors. Thank you.
Dr Sung is the third doctor I’ve seen for my cough and I appreciate that he takes a fresh look rather than assume it’s been covered. The attention, care and hearing me have been exceptional throughout the past year of care.
very nice
Dr. Sung is a very professional and excellent provider!
All the doctors and other staff members were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Dr. Sung was thorough, compassionate, and took the time to answer the many questions I had. His bedside manner was kind and positive. I felt very comfortable talking to him as well as with the treatment plan for me.
Dr. Seung is both an excellent physician and a very compassionate person.
Very thorough and professional
Patient and skilled doctor. Trust his diagnosis and assessments.
Dr Sung and staff are fabulous…
Dr. Sung is thorough and conversational, I am more than pleased with his medical care.
Very impressed with Dr Sung and his willingness to treat my ailment same day. I traveled from Nevada for appt. He could have had more return another day for treatment.
Dr Sung was very thoughtful and spoke to me direct and throughly explained everything
He and staff explain and deliver!!
Dr. Sung was very thorough and answered all my questions.
He communicates well and is very caring.
I was very satisfied with the care received by both scheduled providers. Thorough, knowledgeable and concerned.
the doctor know what he is doing.
A very trustworthy doctor, explains everything very well.
Dr. Kwang Sung is an excellent ENT specialist. He is kind, knowledgeable, and a passionate expert in his field. Dr. Sung has given my family, and I hope when no one else could. He treats me like I'm one of his family. Dr. Sung explains himself very well. Dr. Sung is second to none. He is followed and admired by many ENT trainees, who will also become great physicians in the future because of his ability to show his miracle work. His staff Sarah and Jazmin tried their very best with sincerity to accommodate all my work/disability requirements. YES, I will recommend Dr. Kwan Sung to everyone.
Dr. Sung and his very efficient staff are top notch.
Was seen on time. Efficient testing and explanations.
I had a laryngoscopy there on Tuesday and dr didn’t send me home with any literature about it . Nothing on do and don’t what to eat and what not to eat I’ve had a scratchy cough in the last 2 days and my voice is worse . I called the next day and asked a nurse to call me back and no nurse called me . Then the next day I called again. To try and find out if my voice is supose to be worse and I got threw to the nurse on call
I get the best of the best at Stanford
Dr. Sung is helpful and willing to explain the procedure, which is more than can be said for other doctors.
Hands down I would recommend this doctor … the doctor has and is helping me with my vocal medical problem and has the nicest caring manner!
Dr Sung is always very professional and explains things very clearly. He provides he recommendations and why. He has always answered all our questions thoroughly. We need more doctors like him,
Dr. is very personable and kind when explaining the patient's problem and possible fixes.
Dr. Sung iOS awesome. He gave me back my voice that I had lost for almost a year and a half due to cancer. Thank you so much Dr. Sung.
Dr. Sung is wonderful. So nice, thorough, matter of fact, clear, thoughtful. He came very highly recommended by other doctors at Stanford, but also other friends and colleagues that have been his patient, and have had family members that have been his patient(s). I really appreciated being able to see Dr. Sung so quickly, and I greatly prefer video visits when being in the office is not crucial. It saves travel time, waiting time, exposure to germs (Covid) and allows for a more comfortable environment for the appointment.
I am confident in Dr Sung
DoctorSung is an exceptional provider. well informed in my history. compassionate, thoughtful, and forward-looking.
Dr. Sung is a very kind, professional and knowledgeable doctor.
The doctor was very kind & answered my questions.
Great.
excellent experience
Kind and courteous. Recommend highly.
I do not have anything bad to say all very good thank you very much.
dr sung knows my history before he comes in- his questions are on target and his response to my questions are understandable. just what I needed in a doctor
Dr. Sung is an extraordinary physician - caring kind and skilled.
Fantastic staff
Dr. Sung and his staff are very friendly and professional. It is a pleasure to be a patient.
Always professional and very accommodating!
Dr Sung allowed me to be part of the decision for the next step-he even ask option would make me feel more comfortable.
Dr. Sung and he care team are very professional and caring of my health needs and very concern of any questions that I may have.
Dr sung did an excellent job informing me of options and procedures - liberal use of lidocaine certainly helped, or it would have been too stressful.
could not ask for a better doctor and staff
In very good care
great
Dr. Sung discussed possible treatment options and the pros and cons of each in excellent detail; my wife was able to listen in by phone. A very good meeting.
good experience
Appreciate the feedback and care from dr and assistant.
Dr. Sung is always great.
Dr sung is the best, nice demeanor, very thorough, excellent surgeon.
excellent Doctor
The service has been excellent.
All personnel at the Voice and Swallowing Clinic were excellent. Dr. Sung and his staff were efficient and explained the procedures and what they found and discussing options for treatment.
Dr. Sung was excellent, highly professional, addressed patient's concerns and responded to patient's satisfaction.
Dr. Sung is a very caring provider. He is very professional and goes the extra mile to take care of his patients needs.
Very professional and caring. Took time to explain to me and my husband and show issues on screens
Dr. Sung is the best: professional, well-mannered, kind, compassionate, takes a genuine interest in the patient, engaging...
Very good safe my life.
No bad experience very nice people there. Dr. is the best.
Very grateful for the way of treating me and caring for my health. God bless them all.
Excellent.
I have ABSOLUTELY no complaints about Stanford health care! Dr. Sung was terrific. The operation was not fun, but it went well, including the many helpful assistants before, during and after the operation.
Dr Kwang Sung is awesome...
Never had a bad experience happy with everyone.
good
The doctor's explanations were very clear and very thorough.
Complete faith in doctor.
All doctors should be as caring, personable and knowledgeable in their specialty as Dr. Sung!
Dr. Sung is very knowledgeable and courteous. He makes the visit enjoyable with his pleasant demeanor.
The care provider was great with us
These People are Top Tier!
Very good care.
He was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding. Best care I have received from a doctor ever.
All the staff were great. The dr. in training was great also. Very nice & friendly staff. Dr. Sung knowledge was great on my HPV at my age. Will be back in 1 yr.
excellent care!
Dr. Sung and his staff are great.
How do I contact him with additional concerns or questions that I have thought of after I left the appointment?
Dr. Sung is the best!
As good as it gets. Took time to answer all questions and shared views to throat.
Dr. Sung is the best doctor. He is so caring & professional. He provided the world class service for my mom. We are so grateful for having him. He is super!
We had had a misunderstanding of what part of the problem was for some time. It had not been explained to our satisfaction. Dr. Sung finally explained it to us clearly using hand motions to demonstrate the neurological flow. After his explanation, we finally understood the problem. He was patient and wanted to be sure we were fully satisfied with the explanation.
I would recommend anyone with throat cancer to Stanford ENT.
Dr Sung explained the problem with my larynx and the surgical procedure to correct it very clearly. He took all the time he needed to answer all of questions and concerns. We have complete confidence in Dr Sung.
Dr. Sung is the best! He helped me to be realistic about my future - that there will minimal improvement from here on. Thus I have realistic expectations!
Excellent.
good
Very good experience.
I have received medical treatment and care at Kaiser Health Care and the John Muir Health Systems. I hope I never have to seek care through either system.
I am a long-term return patient of Dr. Sung's. He responded immediately to my email concerning regarding my condition, fit me in immediately... To his schedule, and promptly scheduled me for outpatient procedure which immensely relieved my symptoms. I am thoroughly... Satisfied with Dr. Sung's professionalism and competence, and would 100% recommend him to any other patients with my condition. 100% satisfied.
Brilliantly competent people all around.
I've only had a very positive experience with Dr. Sung from day one. I trust him and have great confidence in his knowledge, ability, and expertise.
Dr. Sung is a highly skilled professional, and a person with best possible people skills.
I am grateful for the service & I could not be more pleased with Dr. Sung.
I recommend the attention as excellent to any other patient because my experience with my doctor & nurses has been excellent.
Dr. Sung, I consider to be one of the best doctors I have ever been to
Dr. Sung is a fabulous doctor. I couldn't be happier!
good
Dr. Sung and entire team showed genuine compassion and clinical expertise.
I felt like this doctor did not seem to care about my condition at all. he did not answer any of my questions thoroughly or thoughtfully. what these doctors don't realize it's that we wait months and months to see them and hold out hope for good insight in the problem. was truly shocked by the lack of concern. there voice therapist was very nice though.
Dr. Sung is the BEST!! He saved my life.
Dr. Kwang was excellent on all counts: prompt, professional, courteous, knowledgable, concerned about my care.
Dr. Sung did not seem familiar with my chart from PAMF or previous test results. He isn't a sympathetic listener.
Dr Sung is great! He always sits down, looks me in the eye and has a conversation with me. I really feel like I am an active participant in my treatment. He is great!
Excellent!
Dr. Sung is a very kind & friendly doctor.
Dr. Sung Chih-Kwang is a great medical practitioner and his professional and people skills are always excellent. He treats me with the higher level of courtesy and respect during everyone of my visits.
Dr. Sung is an excellent doctor who spent time explaining my condition. He is very knowledgeable and has patient-friendly manner.
I have already recommended each of my care providers - it is amazing how a doctor listening patiently expresses the desire to get it right & to do it with care.
We're always impressed with the unrushed way in which Stanford doctors interact with us.
love all the doctors I have visited! they are excellent at everything...
Very good.
I am truly grateful for the wonderful and excellent medical care I am receiving.
i HAVE RECOMMEND YOU MANY TIMES
excellent
I would recommend Dr. Sung to anyone with my similar condition.
Very good.
Dr. Sung is simply the best ~ very patient, always explaining details, welcomes our question, and has demonstrated a genuine concern for my husband.
Saw four previous doctors for same condition and this was by far the best experience
Dr Sung is outstanding
Very professional & caring.
I like Dr. Sung from the first visit he was very kind and I think great bedside manner
I have consulted with Dr Sung a number of times and he has always demonstrated what a wonderful, gentle, caring, and true health care professional he is! I have returned home each time feeling extremely happy and satisfied with my interaction with him and the treatment I received from him.
All very good
he thought I was there for a procedure he performed at my last visit. Didn't read the chart. If he looked at me, he could see I was wearing a neck brace & thus didn't need to deaden my nose/throat
Drs. seem to spend unlimited time with me - not over scheduled.
I have the utmost respect for the two Doctors who saw me and would highly recommend either of them to others.
Felt doctor was very intelligent and thorough. Didn't feel forced into having aprocedure.
The physician's staff and the physician were professional and courteous -
This care provider Dr. Sung is an excellent person, very honest - capable & friendly. I would like to recommend his to all my friends & families and relatives.
Appt. - Dr. Edwards is great! Appt. - need foot appt. also. Dr. was great.
This was the fourth time I was seen by Dr Sung and his team of staff. I could not ask for any better treatment than what they provided me.
My care provider always concern about my health care and about medicines.
good
Dr. Sung is the best! I love Dr. Sung - he was extremely nice and encouraging during my treatment. The entire ENT department is amazing! It's my favorite department @ Stanford! Doctors all the best! (Dr. Sung, Dr. Nayar, Dr. Anne - voice therapy).
The fellow and attending did a fantastic job of going over the results of my laryngoscopy with me.
Excellent staff & service.
We were totally impressed with our first visit and will return in May for follow-up.
Very good doctor!
Dr. Sung and his team of health care staff were professional to the true sense of the word! They did everything right! As a former health care worker myself over 48 years, I have only praises for Dr. Sung and his team for all the excellent patient care they have provided me during the three consultations I have had with him since last year.
Doctor Sung, Chih Kwang is very sympathetic, thorough and knowledgeable.
Dr. Sung is an excellent physician. He took the time to explain things thoroughly and took care and concern about my voice problem. Also, when I had to have the procedure to look at my vocal cords, he took time to do the procedure and it was painless and not uncomfortable. I usually have difficulty with the procedure, but Dr. Sung is an expert! Much appreciated that he took the time. I highly recommend Dr. Sung to other people.
Dr. Sung is a great dr. but also a caring person, I have asthma, an he sent me to the lung dr. another reason the money it cost to travel to Stanford is worth it.
I would not hesitate to strongly recommend Dr. Sung and his staff to any other patient needing these services. I cannot think of one thing that could use improvement. My confidence and trust in the medical team was absolute.
Most outstanding! Has helped me beyond words!
Dr. Sung is a wonderful doctor. He understands my problems well and provides reassurance that he'll help me if they worsen.
Excellent professional and people skills of Dr Sung.
I was very anxious about this appointment. Dr. Sung was patient and inspired confidence. I really appreciate his attitude and "bedside manner."
I have received excellent care in this ENT clinic by all.
Very impressed with Dr. Sungs patient side manner and apparent knowledge. A calming presence put me at ease over the accomplished procedure.
I would highly recommend Dr. SUNG
Very good experience.
Everyone including the support staff at the hospital were fantastic.
Dr. Sung was great! Very empathetic.
The staff of doctors were concerned for my issues.
would have liked some written info. of problem and summary of visit.
Dr. Sung and Dr. Nancy Jiong are great doctors. They were extremely friendly and concern about my health. I am very glad to have them as my primary doctors. Stanford should recognize them and award them for their good job.
Dr. Sung was very professional & compassionate. He listened attentively & gave exceptional care!
I get the best care with Dr. Sung and his associate Dr. Nancy J
Excellent.
They were very professional and really care about my health and concerns.
Dr. Sung is a very excellent doctor and so is his staff.
The care provider is an excellent provider.
Although far away EVERYONE has been kind, competent & efficient. The very goods are accurate.
The doctor was very explanatory while going through the laryngoscope procedure with me.
Good.
I had a very good experience & Dr. Sung was very helpful.
Dr. Sung is amazing! He diagnosed & fixed a vocal problem that no on else could. I saw sing again!!
Super treatment (A+). I was VERY HAPPY WITH DR. SUNG, CHIH-KWANG.

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