Dr. WAYNE R. KIRKHAM
Dallas
“I found music before I found medicine,” says Kirkham of his days as a percussionist and vocalist at the University of Wisconsin. “In med school, I realized I could use my musical background to really make a difference.” Kirkham’s clients include rockers Steven Tyler and Stevie Nicks and sports broadcaster Terry Bradshaw. A recent challenge: ventriloquist — and winner of America’s Got Talent‘s second season — Terry Fator, whose Las Vegas act includes impersonating Etta James and Garth Brooks. “There’s nothing better than seeing your performers continue to do what they love,” he says. » 972-566-7515, drwaynekirkham.com
Dr. C. RICHARD STASNEY
Houston
Treating opera singers like the late Luciano Pavarotti , who struggled with acid reflux, is how Stasney made his name. As the founder of the prestigious Center for Performing Arts Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, he learned that compassion goes hand in hand with adequate treatment. “If an opera singer gets a cold, that’s an emergency,” he says. “You can never underestimate the psychological component of the voice.” Which is not to diminish medical innovation: Three decades ago, he pioneered a fat-injection technique to help paralyzed vocal folds meet that’s named after him, and still used, today. » 713-796-2181, texasvoicecenter.com/stasney
Dr. C. GAELYN GARRETT
Nashville
After Garrett, senior executive medical director of Vanderbilt Voice Center, told Willie Nelson that he wasn’t Superman and needed to rest his voice, the country star decided to put the advice to music. Eight months later, he surprised Garrett by serenading her with a new song, the 2011 single “Superman.” When not molding tomorrow’s talent or caring for today’s country music marquee acts, Garrett is finalizing a “vocal pace-maker” that she hopes may one day reverse vocal cord paralysis. » 615-343-0754, vanderbilthealth.com
Dr. DAVID E. ROSOW
Miami
In college, Rosow performed as a violinist with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and DJ’d at a local music station, all while juggling the rigors of earning undergraduate and medical degrees at Harvard. Today, Rosow is director of laryngology and voice at the University of Miami, where he’s connected with Latin music cognoscenti and Univision TV anchors alike. While he loves Latin culture, he constantly warns his clients against too many Cuban coffees. “Caffeine can lead to acid reflux, irritate the vocal cords and dehydrate you.” » 305-243-2587, uhealthsystem.com
Dr. MICHAEL M. JOHNS III
Atlanta
As founder/director of the Emory Voice Center, Johns has worked to support Atlanta’s “booming professional voice population,” hiring three additional laryngologists and six voice pathologists to cater to hip-hop and R&B stars and journalists from CNN and The Weather Channel. On the walls of his waiting room are photos of celebs from all genres, plus a couple of Coldplay albums signed by Chris Martin. Johns is known for his ability to “hear” subtle voice changes and for trying to keep his clients’ voices young. “While age-related changes to the voice convey wisdom,” says Johns, “you want to make sure you’re being heard.” » 404-778-2020, emoryhealthcare.org/voice-center