Richmond Breathe Free is highlighting its founder Dr. John Ditto's dedication to delivering safe, effective, and convenient care through minimally invasive treatments and a patient-first philosophy.
Dr. Ditto’s updated profile on Richmond Breathe Free’s website details his professional background in otolaryngology alongside personal interests such as playing cello with the VCU Health Orchestra to highlight his community involvement.
A study published in 2021 in the Journal of Surgical Education found that surgical novices with musical backgrounds performed significantly better than non-musicians on key fundamental tasks. These individuals demonstrated superior suture quality and completed laparoscopic peg transfer more quickly due to stronger musical perception and manual dexterity.
According to Richmond Breathe Free, Dr. Ditto got his degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine, where he received the Outstanding Achievement Award and a scholarship from the Student National Medical Association. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with research published in the Archives of Otolaryngology, followed by an otology fellowship. Before relocating to Richmond nearly two decades ago to focus on sinus and allergy care, he practiced in Jefferson City, Missouri, serving on the State Board of Examiners.
Ditto co-authored a 1999 article on chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, contributing to understanding rare head and neck tumors. His residency research at the University of Michigan advanced otology treatments for hearing loss, infections, tinnitus, and related conditions now applied in his Richmond practice.
Dr. Ditto has been recognized multiple times as a Richmond Top Doctor in Otolaryngology through peer selection, including being listed under neuro-otology by Richmond magazine in 2013. He holds fellowships with both the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.
Patients have reported significant improvements in breathing and quality of life following minimally invasive procedures such as balloon sinuplasty. Testimonials include Edward Cook’s remark that Dr. Ditto "definitely made my life better" through polyp reduction, restored smell, and clear nostrils.
Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers specializes in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care with minimally invasive options for sinusitis, allergies, and related issues using advanced technology for personalized treatment plans. The center emphasizes patient comfort and quick recovery while maintaining affiliations with local hospitals like Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. It currently holds a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 234 Google reviews.
