Congratulations to Fillmore’s Dr. Linnea Fechtner on the completion of her 5th year Otolaryngology chief residency in Buffalo, New York, 2016-2021.

Linnea will now pursue an Otology Fellowship in Florida as a Cochlear Implant surgeon. There are two residents selected each year for this difficult surgical specialty.

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). The implant has external and internal parts. The external part sits behind the ear. The internal part is placed under the skin behind the ear during an outpatient surgery.

An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems and related structures of the head and neck. Head and neck oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and the treatment of disorders of hearing and voice are fundamental areas of expertise.

Linnea, daughter of Michael and Diane Fechtner, was raised in Fillmore on the “Fechtner Farm”, surrounded by avocado and orange orchards.

She attended St. Bonaventure High School, graduating as 2008 Valedictorian, before going on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame, and the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, Class of 2016, where she earned Honors with Distinction.

Understandably, Linnea’s family is incredibly proud of her accomplishments and for choosing a career which will have an impact on the lives of so many: parents Michael and Diane, grandparents Mercy and Lupe Ramirez and Howard and Linda Fechtner; sister Sigourney and husband Andrew, and nephew and niece, Jackson and Miriam Castel de Oro.

I Peter 4:10 – “God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully.”