Michelle Putnam, MD is a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) with more than 25 years of experience providing comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care. She practices general otolaryngology with specialized interests in sinus and allergy care, pediatric ENT, head and neck oncology, and facial reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Putnam sees patients at Del Rey MD, with clinic locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, California.
Michelle Putnam, MD
Professional Background
Dr. Putnam earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA in 1991, where she began her early training in immunology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She completed a Master’s degree at Boston University in 1993 and continued advanced research focused on B-cell immunology, autoimmunity, and diabetes at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
In 1998, Dr. Putnam received her Doctor of Medicine with honors from Albany Medical College and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed an internship in General Surgery followed by a Residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, both at Albany Medical College. She further refined her clinical expertise through a Fellowship with the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Allergy.
Throughout her training and professional career, Dr. Putnam has remained actively involved in basic science and clinical research, earning multiple publications, awards, and research grants. She has served in leadership and administrative roles with the American College of Surgeons and the Association of American Medical Colleges, and she continues to lecture nationally at universities and professional medical conferences.
Dr. Putnam was a founding physician of Westside Head & Neck, established in 2003, and previously served as Chief of Otolaryngology at St. John’s Medical Center. She holds staff privileges at St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Westwood, and Southern California Hospital in Culver City. She has been recognized by her peers as a Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” every year and has also been featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Doctors” issue.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Putnam is dedicated to patient-centered, evidence-based care that prioritizes listening, education, and shared decision-making. She focuses on accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, emphasizing minimally invasive options whenever appropriate to support comfort, safety, and efficient recovery. She works collaboratively with patients, families, and referring physicians to deliver coordinated, high-quality care.
Conditions Treated & Procedures
Dr. Putnam provides comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care for adults and children, offering both medical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs across Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield.
- Chronic and recurrent sinusitis
- Nasal congestion, nasal obstruction, and deviated septum
- Allergic rhinitis and environmental allergies
- Tonsil and adenoid disorders
- Head and neck tumors and cancers
- Facial trauma and reconstructive surgery
- Functional and cosmetic facial plastic surgery
- Pediatric ear, nose, and throat conditions
- Comprehensive ENT care
Individual results may vary. Information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.