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. During his tenure in the NAVY, he was the neurotologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and cared for wounded warriors and their families. 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. He is also the program director of the Otology fellowship at The University of Missouri. Since 2009, Dr. Rivera has been a member of the FDA Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Panel of The Medical Devices Advisory Committee. Captain Rivera retired from the NAVY after twenty-eight years of service.

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 Graduate Medical Education

Fellowship

Otolaryngology, Otology & Neurotology

  • Northwestern University

Boards

American Board of Otolaryngology
American Board of Otolaryngology/Neurotology

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

Cochlear Implants Unlock World of Sound (KRCG)

Academic Information

Professor of Otolaryngology
Department Diversity Ambassador
Otology Fellowship Program Director

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