Biography

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J. Walter Kutz Jr., M.D., is a Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kutz is also Co-director of UT Southwestern Medical Center's Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) program

His clinical interests include diseases of the skull baseacoustic neuromacochlear implants, otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, and chronic otitis media. 

After his initial medical education and otolaryngology residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. Kutz completed a two-year fellowship in otology and neurotology at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles. Because the cochlear implant was first developed at the House Ear Clinic, he had a unique opportunity to be active in a busy implantation program during his training. 

Dr. Kutz has multiple clinical research interests, including cochlear implants, acoustic neuroma outcomes, neurofibromatosis type 2, and implantable hearing devices. He is also actively involved in resident and fellow education and is the Director of the Neurotology Fellowship and Associate Director of the Otolaryngology Residency Program.

Dr. Kutz is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with a certificate of added qualification in Neurotology. He was recognized as a Best Doctor in Dallas by D Magazine. Dr. Kutz frequently lectures at both national and international meeting on endoscopic ear surgery, acoustic neuroma, skull base surgery, and chronic otitis media.

Meet Dr. Kutz

J. Walter Kutz Jr., M.D., appreciates how the sense of hearing enriches our lives. He loves playing and listening to classical music. He also enjoys the fine detailed work required for microsurgery.

"I’m invested in my patients’ health.”

So it’s perfect that Dr. Kutz helps patients hear better as an otolaryngologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Specializing in otology and neurotology, he treats diseases of the ear, temporal bone, and skull base.

Much of his practice involves care for both adult and pediatric patients with chronic ear disease, including cholesteatoma (a skin cyst located in the middle ear and temporal bone). He also treats complex skull base tumors such as acoustic neuroma, meningioma, and glomus tumors.

Dr. Kutz is one of few neurotologists in Texas who performs auditory stem implant surgery, a treatment for neurofibromatosis type 2. In the procedure, he works with colleagues in neurosurgery to place an implant into the brain stem. Without the implant, the patients would be completely deaf.  

For children and adults who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing, he performs cochlear implants, which use an electronic device to provide a sense of sound.

He says cochlear implants for children may be the most rewarding procedure he performs. “They can’t hear – and will not be able to hear – unless they have a cochlear implant. It’s exciting to see those children one to two years after surgery and they’ve started to develop speech.” 

Dr. Kutz is also active in clinical research and deeply involved with medical education at UT Southwestern as Director of the Neurotology Fellowship Program and Associate Residency Director of the Otolaryngology Residency Program.

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Education & Training
  • Fellowship - House Ear Institute (2005-2007), Otology/neurotology/skull Base Surgery
  • Residency - Baylor College of Medicine (2001-2005), Otolaryngology
  • Internship - Baylor College of Medicine (2000-2001), General Surgery
  • Medical School - Baylor College of Medicine (1996-2000)
Professional Associations & Affiliations
  • Texas Medical Association
  • Dallas County Medical Society
  • American Neurotology Society
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology
  • Society for University Otolaryngologists (2012)
Honors & Awards
  • D Magazine Best Doctor 2020-2022
  • Chief Resident Appreciation Award for Outstanding Contribution and Leadership 2009, Awarded to an Otolaryngology faculty member by the resident surgeons for outstanding teaching
  • Outstanding Teaching Resident Award from Baylor College of Medicine 2005
  • Houston Society of Otolaryngology -1st place resident research competition 2005
  • J. Charles Dickens Award for Outstanding Basic Science Research 2003
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society 1999
Books & Publications
Research
  • Cochlear implant outcomes
  • Acoustic neuroma

Clinical Focus

  • Skull Base Tumors
  • Ear Surgery
  • Skull Base Surgery
  • Hearing Loss
  • Facial Nerve Disorders
  • Acoustic Neuromas

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Q&A by Dr. Kutz