About Dr. Nord

Board-certified otolaryngologist and nationally recognized leader in sleep surgery and hypoglossal nerve stimulation

Dr. Ryan S. Nord, MD
Ryan S. Nord, MD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & DIRECTOR OF SLEEP SURGERY

Dr. Ryan Nord is a board-certified otolaryngologist and Associate Professor and Director of Sleep Surgery in Richmond, Virginia. He has built one of the most experienced hypoglossal nerve stimulation programs on the East Coast, performing over 500 Inspire implants and serving as a clinical investigator for Nyxoah's Genio system.

His expertise centers on the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, with a particular focus on upper airway stimulation for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. He is one of a select group of surgeons in the country who implants both FDA-approved hypoglossal nerve stimulators—Inspire and Genio—giving his patients access to the full range of advanced treatment options.

Dr. Nord earned his MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine with a distinction in research in Otolaryngology, and completed residency training in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at University Hospitals at Case Western Reserve University. He also holds a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University.

Board Certified FDA Clinical Investigator Inspire & Genio Implanter Multidisciplinary Sleep Clinic
500+ Inspire Implants
10 Years Directing Sleep Surgery
25+ Peer-Reviewed Publications
100+ Invited Lectures

Areas of Expertise

Specialized surgical care for obstructive sleep apnea with a collaborative, patient-centered approach

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

Among the most experienced HNS surgeons nationally, implanting both Inspire and Genio systems with outcomes-driven patient selection and follow-up.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

National expert in DISE evaluation, serving as a reviewer and second-opinion provider for programs across the US and Europe.

Upper Airway Surgery

Full spectrum of sleep surgery including barbed reposition pharyngoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, and palatal procedures.

Multidisciplinary Sleep Care

Leads a Multidisciplinary Sleep Apnea Clinic, bringing together specialists across disciplines for comprehensive, team-based care.

Clinical Research

Principal investigator for the Genio FDA trial and the ADHERE UAS Registry, contributing to the evidence base that shapes treatment guidelines.

Education & Mentorship

Mentors 30+ medical students and residents, co-directs the national Excellence in UAS course, and lectures internationally on sleep surgery.

Education & Training

Education

MD — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Distinction in Research in Otolaryngology
2011
MS, Physiology & Biophysics — Georgetown University
2006
BS, Biochemistry — Washington and Lee University
2005

Training & Certification

Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery Residency
University Hospitals at Case Western Reserve University
2011–2016
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology
2017
Physician of Excellence for HNS
Inspire Medical Systems
2019–Present

Recognition & Awards

J. Catesby Ware, PhD Physician Award Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2023 — Recognizing sustained leadership and outstanding contributions to sleep medicine
Clinical Excellence Award American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, 2020
Best Bedside Manner Richmond Magazine, 2019
Top 10% Most Cited Publication (2023) Respiratory Sensing Lead Malfunction in UAS — Laryngoscope, 2024
8 First-Place Research Awards Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine, Virginia Society of Otolaryngology (2019–2025)
Physician of Excellence for HNS Inspire Medical Systems, 2019–Present

Select Publications

Peer-reviewed research advancing the science of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and sleep surgery

1
Adibi I, Nayak A, Saeedi A, Yu K, Bentan M, Nord RS. Impact of nasal pathology on efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea. The Laryngoscope. 2025;135(9):3433-3440.
2
Bentan MA, Nord R. Comprehensive analysis of adverse events associated with hypoglossal nerve stimulators: insights from the MAUDE database. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024.
3
Islam AS, Pingree G, Chafin A, Fitzpatrick TH, Nord RS. Respiratory sensing lead malfunction in upper airway stimulation: a single institution report. Laryngoscope. 2024;134(3):1479-1484.
4
Nord RS, Fitzpatrick T, Pingree G, Islam A, Chafin A. Should lateral wall collapse be a contraindication for hypoglossal nerve stimulation? Am J Otolaryngol. 2023;45(1):104053.
5
Nord R, Fitzpatrick T, DeShazo JP, Reiter ER. Comparison of readmission and complication rates between traditional sleep surgery and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022;7(5):1659-1666.
6
Nord R, DeShazo JP, Grenda T, et al. Pneumothorax during upper airway stimulation: Does experience make a difference? Am J Otolaryngol. 2022;43(5):103577.
7
Ali NS, Fitzpatrick TH, Islam AS, Nord RS. Mitigating infection risk in upper airway stimulation. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2024;133(3):277-283.
8
Dzierzewski JM, Soto P, Vahidi N, Nord R. Clinical characteristics of older adults seeking hypoglossal nerve stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Ear Nose Throat J. 2024;103(2):NP118-NP123.

Professional Memberships

National & International

American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery
Sleep Medicine Committee Voting Member

International Surgical Sleep Society
Educational Committee Member

Society of University Otolaryngologists

Iberoamerican Society for Sleep Surgery

Regional & Editorial

Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine
Program Committee Member

Virginia Society of Otolaryngology

Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
Editorial Board Member

Laryngoscope & ENT Journal
Peer Reviewer

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Dr. Nord sees patients in Richmond, Virginia, with referrals accepted statewide and beyond.

Compare Treatment Options Patient Handouts

Contact Dr. Nord