Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS

Meet Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS

San Diego otolaryngologist, ENT Doctor and sleep medicine specialist

Paul Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist specializing in disorders affecting the ears, nose, and throat at Silenso Clinic in San Diego, California. His expertise is in advanced procedures to diagnose and treat airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea, using both surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Dr. Schalch Lepe often sees patients with chronic nasal obstructionsnoring, and obstructive sleep apnea who are interested in minimally invasive treatments. His patients are often unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) for various reasons. He offers Inspire® upper airway stimulation therapy, an innovative treatment for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Dr. Schalch Lepe also maintains the highest levels of expertise in treatments for allergies, sinus pressure, deviated septum, and more.   

Dr. Schalch Lepe, MD, FACS at Silenso Clinic in San Diego

Video: Learn More About Dr. Schalch Lepe

I love interacting with people, discussing their problems and symptoms, and then finding the right solution for them. Nothing is as fulfilling as a great outcome and a patient that experiences improvement in their quality of life

Dedicated to an Optimal Patient Experience

Above all, Dr. Schalch Lepe is passionate about providing comprehensive, safe, effective, and efficient care. He works with patients to find treatments that align with their preferences and medical needs. He believes this approach is the best way to provide therapy for his patients.

When you choose Dr. Schalch Lepe as your ENT Doctor in San Diego, you can expect personalized and compassionate care from beginning to end. He conducts all consultations himself, will never rush, and will ensure you fully comprehend your situation and treatment options. Additionally, Dr. Schalch Lepe maintains an open line of communication so that you can always reach him with any questions or issues.

Dr. Schalch Lepe’s Background and Qualifications

Dr. Schalch Lepe completed his residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at UC Irvine Medical Center, UC Irvine School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) School of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico. Dr. Schalch Lepe is double board certified in otolaryngology and sleep medicine by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

An International Perspective

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has the unique perspective of having trained in multiple countries. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California. 

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Dr. Schalch Lepe Discusses Seasons Allergies on NBC San Diego

Leading Research in the Field

Dr. Schalch Lepe focuses his research on advancing treatments for obstructive sleep apnea through targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Such novel approaches for sleep apnea can be particularly valuable for individuals who have not found relief with other treatment modalities, including CPAP. He has published several scientific articles and co-authored book chapters on surgical treatments of obstructive sleep apnea.

He is actively participating as a principal investigator and member of the data safety monitoring board of several studies involving new technology for upper airway stimulation.

More Than an ENT Doctor

Outside of work, Dr. Schalch Lepe enjoys traveling with his family, international foods, music, and cinema. He speaks three languages fluently and is a native Spanish speaker with significant international life experience and heritage.

Affiliations

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Ready to Meet Dr. Schalch Lepe?

Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe and the expert team at Silenso invite you to visit our practice to see how we can help you breathe, sleep, and live better. Call (858) 925-5800 or fill out our online form to begin your journey towards a better life today.

A Conversation with Dr. Schalch Lepe

Early on in my career, I developed an interest in the science of medicine and the complex anatomy of the head and neck. I am passionate about breathing and how it relates to sleep. I am interested in minimally invasive approaches to treat conditions related to breathing, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Silenso Clinic specializes in nasal breathing, snoring, and OSA. This allows me to accommodate patients with these conditions in a timely manner. My approach is personalized. I can provide access to an Academic center (UC San Diego) because I am on staff as a clinical assistant professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which gives my patients unique access to cutting-edge technology and research. I work in private ambulatory surgical centers as well. This boutique approach is patient-centered, efficient, and state-of-the-art for surgical procedures. My office has the latest technology for safe and effective, minimally invasive ENT procedures.

I have a multi-national background, having been born and raised in Mexico City by a Swiss father and Mexican mother. I was raised in a bi-lingual, bi-cultural environment. I was always interested in pursuing my training in the US, and I had the fortune of training with some of the top doctors in my field of specialty in the US, Europe, and even the Middle East.

We can perform full, in-person visits, including:

  • A comprehensive head and neck exam 
  • An endoscopic assessment of the airway
  • Review of images
  • Scheduling of home sleep testing or imaging 

We are conscious of the importance of our patient’s time, and we strive for efficiency while being thorough and comprehensive.

I attended medical school at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (known as UNAM) in Mexico City. I was part of a high achievement program within my medical school class and graduated in the top 1% in 2002. After completing my undergraduate rotatory internship and a research-oriented year of social service, I moved to Chicago, where I worked as a research associate at Northwestern University. I then started my surgical internship at Loyola University Medical Center. During this time, I worked on clinical research in sleep apnea and nasal surgery and, after two years, started my residency training in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UC Irvine, in Orange County, California. After graduation, I returned to Chicago, where I continued to specialize in sleep apnea surgery for another year.

My areas of interest and specialization include minimally invasive nasal surgery, image-guided sinus surgery and sleep apnea surgery, including minimally invasive techniques, hyoid suspension and UPPP, as well as and more advanced modalities such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

My diagnostic and treatment philosophy is putting the patient first, finding the right treatment for the right patient, focusing on excellent outcomes and patient experience, and offering access to the latest technological advances to treat our patients safely and effectively. Our motto: sleep wellness through better breathing.

My goal, before, during, and after my training, is to always be at the cutting-edge of my field of specialization. Learn from the best, implement the latest advancements in diagnostics and treatments, and always keep my patient’s preferences in mind. I enjoy conducting research and teaching surgeons in training, and I take advantage of my academic affiliation with UC San Diego Health to access the latest advancements in my field.

I enjoy being with my family. Together, we enjoy travel, fine dining, movies, and music. We love hosting family and friends. We love our two cats too!

Very early in my medical education, I became fascinated with the complex anatomy of the head and neck. Otolaryngology is at the crossroads of many great specialties, such as plastic surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, ophthalmology, and sleep medicine. Sleep medicine is a relatively young field with lots of opportunities to improve a very important aspect of our lives, and I love having a positive impact on my patients’ quality of life.

Coming to the US to train as a surgeon was my dream even before I started medical school. Moving to a different country and leaving family and friends behind is always a challenging experience, but challenges bring about growth. Ships are meant to leave ports and navigate the oceans!

Generous, compassionate, and laser-focused.

I was blessed with having many great teachers from the beginning of my education. My high school science teacher, some of my medical school professors, and my residency and post-graduate Faculty members all played a major role in who I became as an ENT surgeon.

Medical education is an endurance, long-distance race. We learn every day from our patients. The process of becoming a surgeon turns you into a lifelong learner. You appreciate and treasure health, the complexity of the human body, and the importance of being kind and compassionate every day of your career.

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