Our Providers
At Alaska Center for Ear, Nose and Throat (ACENT) in Anchorage, we have 6 board-certified ENT physicians to diagnose and treat the full range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Our ENT staff also includes 2 highly qualified nurse practitioners who support our patients and our doctors.
Each of our providers brings to the team his or her own special interests and focused training, allowing our practice to successfully treat a wider range of patients and conditions. To meet with one of our specialists, we encourage you to request a consultation online or call ACENT at to schedule an appointment. For our Homer and surrounding patients, please call .
Dr. Dwight M. Ellerbe
Dr. Ellerbe is board-certified in Pediatrics, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. He began his career as a pediatrician, then completed a residency in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, followed by a clinical fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Ellerbe served his country in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel. In addition to his work, his passions include sailing and fishing.
Dr. Stephen B. Schaffer
Dr. Schaffer is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. After earning a master's degree in choral music from University of Arizona, he graduated with honors from medical school at the same institution. Dr. Schaffer completed his residency in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery at Tulane University Medical Center in New Orleans. His interest in singing informs his specialized interest in the treatment of voice disorders at ACENT.
Dr. Mark B. Lorenz
Dr. Lorenz is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. A magna cum laude graduate of Notre Dame University, Dr. Lorenz earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He then completed a residency in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He is fellowship trained and board certified in neurotology, which is a subspecialty concerned with treating neurological disorders of the ear. He joined the ACENT team in 2015.
Christopher Kowalski, MD
Dr. Kowalski earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 2013 after graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA in 2018. Dr. Kowalski is trained and practices in all aspects of otolaryngology including sinus surgery, otologic surgery, and pediatric otolaryngology.
John Kokesh, MD
John Kokesh, MD, completed medical school at the University of Washington in 1988. He completed 2 years of General Surgery training at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, and then in 1994 completed residency in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Washington.
Jennifer Mitchell, MD
Dr. Mitchell is board certified in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. After earning a doctorate in bio analytical chemistry at the University of New Mexico, she went on to complete a doctorate in medicine at the same institution, graduating with honors from both.
Erin Norton, NP
Erin is board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Initially, she pursued hearing and speech pathology at Miami University of Ohio. After an additional undergraduate nursing program at Bellarmine University, she started her career in a Trauma ICU (Louisville, KY) She earned a Master’s of Nursing from the University of Central Florida in 2017 while she worked as a nurse in the pediatric emergency department and in an outpatient surgery center. After completing her training and a moving to Anchorage, she began work at a local urgent care, where she trained for just over three years. She is thankful to have joined the ACENT team where she combines her previous experience to provide thoughtful and comprehensive patient care with a smile. In her free time, she can be found hiking, mountain biking, skiing or traveling with her husband and young son.
What Our Patients Say
"[You] performed a life changing sinus surgery for me several years ago. Prior surgeries with other docs offered me no relief. [You were] able to fix my sinus problems from which I suffered for over 12 years! Best of all, my surgery was a smashing success with very minimal discomfort. Relatively painless with a very quick recovery. What more could I ask for? Since my personal experience with [you], I have recommended [your] services to my friends and family. All have been completely satisfied."
