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Christopher Gaffga, M.D., joins the ear, nose and throat team at Oaklawn
MARSHALL – Christopher Gaffga describes his early search for a career as a quest for a concrete way to help people. His path initially led him into social work and journalism and to consider teaching and psychological therapy as alternatives.
“I was a bit of a journeyman in several different areas, but I wanted work that was more satisfying,” he recalled.
In time, the Georgia native discovered satisfaction — and skill — in the medical field. His ongoing journey now has brought him to Oaklawn’s Otolaryngology service line, based in Suite 2D of the Wright Medical Building at 215 E. Mansion St.
There, he will work with Oaklawn otolaryngologist Michael Sterrett, M.D., focusing on issues involving the ear, nose and throat. Appointments may be made by calling (269) 789-0015.
Gaffga grew up in Marietta, a town near Atlanta, and graduated from George Walton High School with the intent of pursuing a profession in business.
“But it wasn’t until I went through business college that I realized what I could do well in life,” he said. “I wanted something concrete in how to help people and make their lives better.”
As a source of inspiration, Gaffga pointed to his younger brother, who had become a physician with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
“My brother was working in that direction and his career was going to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives,” Gaffga said. “So, I thought I might be able to go along a similar path.”
Gaffga studied biology and chemistry at Exeter University in England, and graduated in 1991 with a bachelor of science degree in psychology/biology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He went on to study chemistry and biology at the University of Louisiana, completing his pre-med classwork there.
Gaffga received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 2001, and interned in the Tulane University Medical Center surgical department in New Orleans. Through 2006, Gaffga was chief resident in the department of otolaryngology at Emory University in Atlanta and resident in the department of otolaryngology at Tulane University Medical Center.
Subsequently, Gaffga worked for Louisiana-based otolaryngology services and in private otolaryngology practice. He is a former chief of staff for the Iberia Medical Center in Louisiana.
Gaffga is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the Triological Society, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.
Gaffga and his wife of 27 years, Ann Marie, have three daughters — Adele, 21; Elise, 18; and Edith, 15. The family live in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Gaffga expects them to join him in Marshall in the near future.
In his spare time, Gaffga enjoys playing tennis, learning the German language and working on his music — including writing and performing his own songs, accompanying himself on his guitar. The family have two Great Pyrenees rescue dogs, named Roger and Nikki.
On coming to Michigan, Gaffga — who at one time lived in the Philadelphia area — said he often felt compelled to find a way to return to the northern part of the country.
“I was looking for a change in climate,” he said. “When I was contacted by the people in Marshall, it seemed a little too good to be true.”
Gaffga said he was impressed by “the people, the personalities, the work ethic and the solidarity in the medical staff” at Oaklawn.
“Those things were as good as we could expect,” he said, adding that his initial meeting with Strerret and the Oaklawn medical team felt “providential.”
“I’m very much looking forward to setting up a new home in Marshall,” he said. “It is a privilege to be able to take care of this wonderful community, and I appreciate the trust and the welcome.”
