posted
on 5/21/2026
in
BLOGS from St. Anthony
Since Dr. Tracey Wellendorf’s arrival in July 2025, patients across the region have had direct access to critical ear, nose and throat care at St. Anthony’s Specialty Clinic.
Wellendorf’s core focus areas comprise ear, nose and throat surgeries — including those involving the sinuses, such as balloon sinuplasty and balloon dilation of the eustachian tube — as well as tonsils, adenoids, Mohs reconstruction, bone-anchored hearing aid implants and ear tube placements. He is currently seeing both pediatric and adult patients, whether they’re dealing with chronic stuffy noses, ear problems, sinus issues or more.
“Dr. Wellendorf performs a wide variety of ENT procedures that, over his many years of practicing, have helped a countless number of patients lead a more comfortable and pain-free life,” says Allen Anderson, president and CEO of St. Anthony. “Patients being relaxed and having as positive of an experience as possible is always a top priority at our clinic, and Dr. Wellendorf and his team do an outstanding job helping patients feel comfortable, heard and informed. We’re grateful to have his expertise in-house so St. Anthony patients can get their ENT-related care close to home.”
Wellendorf is an Audubon, Iowa, native and board-certified in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). He has been providing ear, nose and throat care to patients across western Iowa for more than two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Creighton University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and received his M.D. from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. During his medical schooling, Wellendorf was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical honor society. He completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then returned to Iowa. In 1996, he moved his practice to Carroll, where he established the Wellendorf ENT clinics. He is very active in the Carroll community, having served as a city council member for eight years and sponsored many projects within local communities.
“As a patient provider in St. Anthony Regional Hospital’s Specialty Clinic, my goal is to create the best possible patient experience,” says Wellendorf. “I’m always striving to enhance our services, and I take pride in ensuring patients have access to the latest, innovative solutions for their ENT concerns.”
Something New for Ear Pressure Relief
As part of his commitment to enhancing care for St. Anthony patients, Wellendorf now performs the latest procedure in ear pressure relief — eustachian tube balloon dilation. This innovative method is helping patients across the U.S. who experience pressure, pain and fullness in the ear and may be used to treat eustachian tube dysfunction, or ETD.
Wellendorf is certified to perform eustachian tube balloon dilation in patients ages 8 and older. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small endoscope — a thin tube with a camera and a deflated balloon attached — that is gently guided through the nasal passage to the opening of the eustachian tube at the back of the nose. The balloon is then briefly inflated to open the blocked tube, helping reduce inflammation and restore normal function.
The procedure is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort, with little downtime and a quick return to normal activities — often the same day. Many patients report lasting relief, making it an effective alternative to traditional ear tubes. Learn more about this procedure.
To schedule an appointment with Wellendorf and his team, call 712-794-5981. He’s available Monday through Friday, either in office at the St. Anthony Specialty Clinic or at one of the Wellendorf ENT outreach clinics in Storm Lake, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Atlantic and Red Oak. He looks forward to serving your ENT needs close to home.