Rhinology & Sinus Surgery

David M. Poetker, MD
Assistant Professor
Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
Department of Otolaryngology & Communication Sciences

Dr. Poetker, a board-certified otolaryngologist, specializes in all disorders of the paranasal sinuses including acute and chronic sinusitis. He has received specialty training to address tumors of the paranasal sinuses, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and revision (re-do) sinus surgeries.

Sinus disease is a long-term, chronic problem. Dr. Poetker specializes in the long term management of sinus disease. He works with his patients in an organized, logical fashion to find the medical and surgical management that fits the individual.

Dr. Poetker's research interests include studying the differences in mucous production in patients with sinus disease. In addition, he is involved with several studies to evaluate the safety of corticosteroids. 

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Luther College, Decorah, IA, 1993
• Master of Arts (MA) - Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 1996 
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) - University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 2001
• Residency - Otolaryngology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 2006
• Fellowship - Rhinology & Sinus Surgery, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, 2007

• American Board of Otolaryngology

• American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
• American Medical Association
• Wisconsin Medical Society
• American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• American Rhinologic Society

• Chronic Rhinosinusitis
• Nasal Polyps
• Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis
• Sinonasal Tumors
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Revision (re-do) Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Fungal Sinusitis
• Endoscopic Orbital Surgery
• Laser Surgery
• Computer-Guided Sinus Surgery
• Frontal Sinus Surgery
• Sinus Issues Following Trauma 
• Polyps
• Allergic Sinusitis
• Sinusitis
• Laser
• Nasal & Sinus Surgery
• Nasal and Sinus Disorders

• Patient Age:  2+  
• Joined MCW Faculty in 2007

• Mucin Gene Expression in Paranasal Sinuses
• Safety Profile of Corticosteriods

• 2006 Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Resident Teaching Award
• 2006 Milwaukee Society of Head and Neck Surgery and Medicine, Eby Resident Paper Award, First Place
• 2005 American Broncho-Esophageal Association, Seymour Cohen Award, Honorable Mention
• 2005 American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Potsic Basic Science Award, Second Place
• 2005 Milwaukee Society of Head and Neck Surgery and Medicine, Eby Resident Paper Award, Second Place
• 2005 Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Toohill Resident Research Award, First Place Clinical
• 2005 AO North America Resident Trauma Research Grant Recipient
• 2004 Luther College Young Alumni Award
• 2004 AO North America Resident Trauma Research Grant Recipient
• 2003 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Resident Research Grant Recipient
• 2001Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Outstanding Senior Student Award, University of Iowa, College of Medicine

•  Medical Student Clerkship Director 

• Established Patient Appointments - 414.805.5581
• New Patient Appointments - 414.805.3666 (or) 800.272.3666