Nizhoni Denipah, MD

Meet Nizhoni Denipah, MD

Board-Certified ENT Surgeon Rooted in New Mexico, Focused on Your Voice, Hearing, and Breathing

When a hoarse voice won't resolve, breathing feels restricted, or hearing loss starts affecting your daily life, having an ear, nose, and throat specialist who listens carefully and stays persistent matters. Dr. Nizhoni Denipah is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, who treats patients at a CHRISTUS Health clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She earned her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed her otolaryngology residency at UNM Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Denipah grew up in the Southwest, graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in physiological sciences, and chose to build her medical career in New Mexico, the community she knows and the patients she is here to serve. Enrolled in the Navajo Nation and also of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Hopi, and Assiniboine heritage, she brings more than a decade of ENT experience and a deep connection to Northern New Mexico's diverse population.

Career at a Glance

• 13 years of experience in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery
• Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery
• Chief Resident during her otolaryngology residency at the University of New Mexico
• Active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Association of American Indian Physicians
• Co-author of peer-reviewed research on the acute management of paradoxical vocal fold motion (vocal cord dysfunction)

Clinical Role and Leadership

Dr. Denipah serves as an otolaryngologist at the CHRISTUS Health Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists clinic in Santa Fe, where she evaluates and treats a broad range of conditions affecting hearing, breathing, swallowing, and voice. Her practice spans both general otolaryngology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and she brings particular depth in voice and airway disorders — including high-volume experience in diagnosing and treating hoarse voice (dysphonia) and vocal cord paralysis. For patients in Northern New Mexico who need specialized ENT and head and neck surgical care, Dr. Denipah provides access to that expertise locally.

She provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Hoarse voice (dysphonia) and vocal cord paralysis
• Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
• Hearing loss in adults and children
• Chronic nasal allergies and allergic rhinitis
• Nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis
• Vertigo, lightheadedness, and balance problems
• Sensorineural hearing loss

What You Can Expect from Care with Dr. Denipah

Patients describe Dr. Denipah as thorough, kind, and determined, someone who stays focused until she finds the source of the problem. Her approach combines careful evaluation with clear explanations, so you understand not just what's happening, but why, and what your options are.

You can expect:

• A persistent, detailed evaluation to identify the root cause of your symptoms
• Clear, straightforward explanations of your condition and treatment plan
• Both medical and surgical options discussed honestly, so you can make an informed choice
• Follow-up care that tracks your progress and adjusts your plan as needed
• A respectful, unhurried experience — from scheduling through your visit

Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Care

Dr. Denipah uses specialized tools to evaluate conditions that aren't always visible during a standard office exam. Flexible laryngoscopy and fiberoptic pharyngoscopy allow her to examine the throat, voice box, and airway in real time — helping patients with hoarseness, swallowing problems, or unexplained throat symptoms get answers during their visit. She also performs fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to assess how well food and liquid move through the throat, which is especially important for patients with dysphagia or vocal cord disorders. On the surgical side, her procedural scope includes endoscopic sinus surgery, turbinate surgery, and middle ear surgery — as well as procedures involving the salivary glands and structures of the mouth and throat. For patients with chronic allergies, she offers both allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy to help achieve long-term symptom control.

Research and Clinical Insight

Dr. Denipah has contributed to the peer-reviewed medical literature as a co-author of published research on the acute management of paradoxical vocal fold motion — commonly known as vocal cord dysfunction. This condition can mimic asthma or cause sudden episodes of difficulty breathing, and is often misdiagnosed. Her academic work in this area directly supports her clinical focus on voice and airway disorders, and reflects a practice informed by evidence and ongoing learning.

Commitment to Community and Health Equity

Dr. Denipah's connection to Northern New Mexico is not just professional, it is personal. Enrolled in the Navajo Nation and also of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Hopi, and Assiniboine heritage, she chose to practice in the community she grew up near and understands deeply. She serves as a delegate for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and dedicates time to motivational speaking — encouraging the next generation of students, including Native American youth, to pursue careers in medicine and science. As a member of the Association of American Indian Physicians, she contributes to a national effort to improve healthcare access and representation in Indigenous communities. Her presence at a CHRISTUS Health clinic in Santa Fe means that patients in this region have access to a board-certified ENT surgeon who reflects the diversity of the community she serves.