Primary Specialty
Laryngology
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Accepts your insurance
Does not accept your insurance
Based on January 2024 plan details.
Accepted plans are subject to change. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.
Practice Focus Areas
This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:
- Benign & Malignant Laryngeal Tumors
- Care for Singers & Voice Professionals
- Endoscopic Airway Reconstruction
- Endoscopic Laser Surgery
- Laryngeal Papilloma
- Spasmodic Dysphonia
- Vocal Fold Paralysis
- Voice Affirmation
Education
- Medical Education:
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MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine - 1991
- Internship:
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University of Virginia Medical Center - 1992
- Residency:
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University of Virginia Medical Center - 1996
- Fellowships:
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Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School - 2003
Board Certifications
- American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Certified)
Faculty Profile
Professor, Feinberg School of MedicinePractice Groups and Affiliations
- Medical Group:
- Northwestern Medical Group
- Alignment Category:
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Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
- On Medical Staff At:
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Ratings and Reviews
At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.
Read Ratings FAQsOverall Rating
698 Ratings
Reviews from Patients
Reviews from Patients
April 03, 2025
5.0 star star star star starDr. Burns has a wonderful bedside manner. He was very approachable and a very good listener, explained everything in great detail at a pace one could understand. He seemed glad to be in the office taking care of his pts. Very compassionate. And knowledgeable. Highly recommended him!
January 28, 2025
5.0 star star star star starI am so grateful that Dr. Burns took me on as a patient because my medical issues are complex and also will likely involve continuing conversations with other Northwestern doctors on my medical team. Dr. Burns is very supportive of this team approach.
January 08, 2025
5.0 star star star star starDr. Burns is deserving of the high score as he delivered during my consult with a high level of physician - patient interaction which facilitates the goals of diagnosis, care and collaboration where appropriate.
January 03, 2025
5.0 star star star star starDr. Burns has an excellent ability to communicate complex medical information to this patient and I greatly appreciated the time he took to carefully explain my medical issues and treatment options.
November 18, 2024
5.0 star star star star starPlease my earlier comment. Dr Burns did listen and suggested an additional procedure that no one else does did. He cut the scar tissue with a laser which helped open up my throat and now swallowing is much easier.
October 17, 2024
5.0 star star star star starI had to have a scope inserted into my nose that the Doctor had to slide down a little to see into my throat. He explained the procedure in a very calming manner and was very gentle with me. I was very nervous and scared to the point of wanting to get up and leave. He told me it was my choice, however, he would like to know what was going on with my throat so he could put my mind at ease. I decided to go ahead with the test and was happy that I did so in the end. He and his assistant were great! He is an excellent teacher and Doctor!
October 07, 2024
5.0 star star star star starHe was able to do what my previous surgeon (from another health system) was not; he completely removed a mass that had been operated on twice before and had continued to grow. Not only is the mass gone, but my voice is getting stronger every day as my throat heals.
Disclosures
James A. Burns, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.
External Professional Relationships
Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.
Northwestern Medical Group