About
Dr. Arnaldo Rivera’s areas of clinical and surgical interest are conditions that affect hearing and balance as well as conditions that affect the skull (lateral skull base). Dr. Rivera cares for patients of all ages with complex tumors and pathology, and he is the only fellowship-trained ear, lateral skull base and implantable hearing device surgeon at MU Health Care. While his tenure in the Navy, he was the neurotologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and cared for wounded warriors. As such, he treated complex trauma to the lateral skull base and inner ear, giving him a unique perspective in the surgical interventions and reconstructions of this complex anatomy. Dr. Rivera is a Navy reservist and holds the rank of captain.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of Puerto Rico of San Juan
Internship
Surgery (General Surgery)
- National Naval Medical Center-Bethesda, MD
Residency
Otolaryngology
- National Capital Consortium
Fellowship
Otolaryngology, Otology & Neurotology
- Northwestern University
Boards
Insurances
MU Health Care participates with most major managed care organizations. To find out whether MU Health Care is a participating provider in your insurance plan or network, or for information on co-payments and deductibles, please contact your insurance carrier directly.
In the News
Academic Information
Research Profile
Dr. Rivera's active research practice includes new developments in the pharmacological management of dizziness, facial nerve palsy and single-sided deafness. He has published multiple peer-reviewed papers, presented at national and international meetings and contributed to several books. He currently serves on the Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Rivera is also the Program Director of the Advanced Otology Fellowship at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Areas of Expertise
- Otology/Neurotology
Awards & Honors
- Member, Alpha Omega Alpha
- Member, American Medical Association
- Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Member, Missouri State Medical Association
- Member, Missouri Society of Otolaryngology