Ilka C Naumann, MD

Biographical Statement

Educated in Berlin, Germany, Dr. Naumann earned both her medical degree and her PhD in Genetics, establishing a strong foundation in both molecular science and clinical medicine. Her thesis led her to dive deep into the genetics of Neurofibromatosis, and she received her doctorate with Magna Cum Laude distinction. Seeking a medical specialty that matched her analytical mind and precision, Dr. Naumann found her calling in Otolaryngology. While pursuing further studies in Switzerland, Dr. Naumann had the privilege of being mentored by Professor Dr. Ugo Fisch, widely regarded as the pioneer of modern Otology. This transformative experience profoundly impacted her career trajectory and ignited an enduring passion for Otology and Neuro-Otology.

Dr. Naumann completed her residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Indiana University, where she built a strong foundation in comprehensive ENT care and advanced surgical techniques. She completed her fellowship in Neurotology at the Michigan Ear Institute (MEI), one of the world's leading centers for advanced otologic and skull base surgery.

From 2012-2026 Dr Naumann served as a Core Faculty member at the Otolaryngology residency program at the Detroit Medical Center and Harper Hospital, a staff physician at the Michigan Ear Institute, and Clinical Associate Professor at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic and Human Medicine and the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine performing complex ear surgery, hearing restoration, cochlear implantation, management of chronic ear disease, facial nerve disorders, and lateral skull base tumors.

Learning from years of clinical practice and careful listening to her patients, Dr. Naumann came to recognize that while ear surgery can restore hearing and is essential for many conditions, chronic balance disorders often demand a far more nuanced and comprehensive approach. Seeking a more integrative understanding, she pursued and completed a two‐year Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Weil. While Dr. Naumann has served the community in Metro Detroit for nearly 2 decades, she joined the Henry Ford Family in 2026, providing the same world-class compassionate care to established and new patients.

Titles

• Otologist/Neuro-Otologist Department of Otolaryngology Clinical Associate Professor Michigan State University

Care Philosophy

"I believe that exceptional patient care begins with listening deeply, thinking broadly, and combining surgical precision with compassionate, integrative, and evidence‐based treatment tailored to each individual."

Research Interests

Dr. Naumann's research reflects her breadth and depth as a neurotologist and academic surgeon. Her publications cover novel otologic implant technology, stapes surgery, ossicular reconstruction, BPPV, Ménière's disease, vestibular and facial schwannomas. Her recent interests focus on the connection of systemic diseases affecting hearing and balance, the intersection of body and mind and cutting edge functional testing in patients with disease of the ear. Her work bridges clinical outcome research, surgical innovation, otologic implant safety, and molecular testing. Through these contributions, Dr. Naumann advances both the scientific understanding and surgical management of disorders affecting hearing and balance.

Awards & Honors

• June 2023 - Honors Award American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
• October 2021 - Promotion Associate Professor Department of Surgery, Oakland University, Beaumont Hospital
• October 2019 - President's Award American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy for leadership and Innovation
• October 2015 - Induction as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• June 2015 - Teacher of the Year Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, The Detroit Medical Center and Michigan State University – College of Medicine
• May 2011 - Resident/Fellow Research Award – First Prize St John//Providence Health System, Southfield, MI
• May 2010 - Travel and Tuition grant International Meeting of the Leksell Gamma Knife® Society from St John//Providence Health System and Beaumont Hospital Athens, Greece
• February 2007 - Travel award Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting, Marco Island, FL
• June 2006 - Resident Research Award 3rd Price Marlow Manion Project, Indianapolis, IN
• February 2004 - Travel and Tuition grant, Introductory Course in Microsurgery of the Temporal Bone, Fisch International Microsurgery Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland
• June 2003 - Sponsored participant, Fifty-third Nobel Prize Laureates Meeting, Lindau, Germany
• September 1999 – September 2000, Student Research Development - Scholarship, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
• March – April 1999 - International Federation of Medical Student Association Scholarship Moscow, Russia