Theodore T. Benke, MD

Information for Patients

From the practitioner: About My Practice

Benke Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic was established in 2000. The clinic is a solo practice that includes office ENT, allergy and functional medicine, as well as diagnostic audiology and hearing aid sales and service. My team includes my office manager and administrative assistant, two patient coordinators, two medical assistants, an allergy nurse, and an audiologist. I work in a building that I designed and my wife decorated; it is a peaceful space that offers a relaxed setting for patient care. I am a surgeon by training and am a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. I have retired from the OR as of this summer (2023) but my surgical mindset enhances my critical thinking and problem solving skills so vital for functional medicine.

From the practitioner: What Patients Can Expect

I love people and value each unique patient relationship. I believe that all people are created in the image of God, and that my practice of medicine must uphold this dignity afforded to each human being that I encounter. My staff and I bring a shared vision exhibiting my passion to work every day. We spend time with our patients. We laugh and cry with our patients. We take good care of our patients. From the waiting room to the exam room to the check-out desk, I want my patients to know that we are listening to them and their concerns. I want them to feel like they matter.

Medical Specialties

• Allergy and Immunology
• Alternative Medicine
• Functional Medicine
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Nutrition
• Sleep Medicine

Medical Conditions

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Autoimmune Disease
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Chronic Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Digestive disorders
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Gluten Sensitivity
• Infections (acute and chronic low-grade such as Lyme, Candidiasis etc.)
• Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
• Metabolic Syndrome (pre-diabetes, insulin resistance)
• Migraines and Headaches
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Stress-related Conditions
• Thyroid, adrenal and other hormonal disorders
• Weight or Metabolism concerns

Languages Spoken

• English

Graduate School Education

ENT Residency: University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, Missouri; M.D.: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas

Professional Associations

Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American College of Surgeons, Texas Medical Association

IFM Coursework

• Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice
• Bioenergetics (formerly Energy) Advanced Practice Module
• Cardiometabolic Advanced Practice Module
• Environmental Health (formerly Detox) Advanced Practice Module
• GI Advanced Practice Module
• Hormone Advanced Practice Module
• Immune Advanced Practice Module