James A. Burns, MD

4.9 
385 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Laryngology

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Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine - 1991
Internship:
University of Virginia Medical Center - 1992
Residency:
University of Virginia Medical Center - 1996
Fellowships:
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School - 2003

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

385 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

April 29, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns was professional, knowledgeable, and overall just extremely nice!

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April 29, 2024

5.0

Showed me the area of concern and what the plain was from that point on.

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April 22, 2024

5.0

He was attentive, knowledgeable and thorough in his review.

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April 19, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns explained my voice condition so that I could understand what was happening to cause my voice to sound the way it did. He was kind and thoughtful!

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April 17, 2024

5.0

Will continue at the top once he gets the results of the tests and turns Ari the problems. Has great attitude and personality

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April 17, 2024

5.0

I'm grateful to Dr. Burns for taking my fears and concerns seriously and making recommendations that have improved my life.

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April 16, 2024

5.0

Personable, informed, communicates clearly

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April 15, 2024

5.0

He took care of my biggest problem

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April 12, 2024

5.0

Good care was given

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April 11, 2024

5.0

Very professional and thorough and not in a rush

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April 10, 2024

5.0

Truly appreciate Dr. Burns' attention and detailed evaluation. He was EXCELLENT, and I would definitely recommend him!

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April 10, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns was professional, affable and very informative.

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April 09, 2024

5.0

I've had an ongoing problem for several years and I couldn't find a doctor that cared enough about my concerns to help. Dr. Burns offered several suggestions that have made a positive change in my life and I'm grateful.

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April 05, 2024

5.0

Pleasant, caring, thorough, thoughtful Doctor who explains everything very well

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April 04, 2024

5.0

I like Dr. Burns interactions with his patients

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April 04, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is very knowledgeable and professional. He always listens to my concerns, and takes the time to carefully examine me, and to explain everything in detail.

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April 04, 2024

5.0

efficiently diagnosed my issue. easy to get on his calendar. Was on time.

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April 03, 2024

5.0

He explained everything to me during and after the procedure. He also reviewed the outcome and what he found in a way that was easy for me to understand.

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April 01, 2024

5.0

Truly informative

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March 31, 2024

5.0

He was awesome. He listened to my concerns and gave me direct answers and care. Made me feel like I was seeing the best possible person for my care.

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March 27, 2024

5.0

Great bedside manner. Explains every procedure. Does not rush appointments

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March 26, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns was very prompt, professional, and courteous. Took a long time to explain what was happening, and what I needed to do.

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March 25, 2024

5.0

Doctor Burns is an excellent surgeon, the procedure he performed on my throat was a success. But be careful, do not anger him, he lost control of his temper with me based on semantics.

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March 25, 2024

5.0

Cured me

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March 22, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns was very professional very caring and encouraging. We need more doctors like him.

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March 21, 2024

5.0

Told me what to expect

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March 21, 2024

5.0

Great job on my vocal cords. Excellent follow up.

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March 20, 2024

5.0

Fantastic bedside manner and provides exceptional care.

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March 19, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is knowledgeable, caring and a good listener. He gave me insight about my medical problem and a good path forward. My visit was a pleasurable experience.

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March 18, 2024

5.0

logical diagnosis, great bedside manner, efficient suggestions for improvement

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March 14, 2024

5.0

Very professional empathetic and efficient

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March 13, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is the first doctor to really listen to me and found out the issue in just minutes while I have been working with other doctors for over 6 months. I didn’t feel like the other doctors were listening to me or necessarily believed what I was saying. They just assumed it was my asthma and focused on that.

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March 13, 2024

5.0

He is a good physician

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March 12, 2024

5.0

I give him a 10 because I will never go anywhere else,to anyone else

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March 11, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is an affable, informative, and empathic phyisician

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March 11, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns was very cordial and is also very engaging. He took me step by step through how the scope was being used. He also shared the video that he took so I could better understand what he was looking for.

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March 11, 2024

5.0

He has been my doctor for 9 years and I trust his care

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March 09, 2024

5.0

Dr Burns is an incredible surgeon

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March 09, 2024

5.0

HE CARES!!!!

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March 07, 2024

5.0

Dr and staff very professional, thorough exam, thorough explanations, took time to answer all questions- 5* !

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March 06, 2024

5.0

Excellent visit. Explained everything thoroughly.

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March 05, 2024

5.0

He makes patient comfort and trust.

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March 04, 2024

5.0

Very thorough.

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February 28, 2024

5.0

Amazing Dr, fixed my cough issues in one sitting

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February 28, 2024

5.0

Very personal. Puts you at ease at once. Patient and attentive and highly competent. Easy-to-understand explanations. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough — a 10++

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February 26, 2024

5.0

He listened, he explained, he was kind, I didn’t feel rushed, I felt heard. A very nice experience

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February 21, 2024

5.0

Knowledgeable, caring, professional and personable. An excellent doctor.

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February 20, 2024

5.0

My surgeon Dr Burns was very considerate and communicated clearly with me. He was happy to answer any of my questions via Mychart message and gave me phone number in case I had any other inquiries

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February 16, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is the best doctor

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February 09, 2024

5.0

He is an expert in his field with great bedside manner. He took time to explain the problem that was diagnosed as well as treatments & very willing to answer questions. He also called me to personally discuss biopsy results.

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February 07, 2024

5.0

Very attentive and he cares about the people!

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January 31, 2024

5.0

Doctor Burns took the time to explain everything and answer my questions

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January 29, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns did such an incredible job on my surgery. I did not expect such perfect results.

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January 29, 2024

5.0

This was my first meeting w/Dr. Burns and I am a firm believer in FIRST impressions, that said...Dr. Burns is AWESOME, PROFESSIONAL AND COMPASSIONATE. You do not find that too often these days in a doctor and, I was not rushed, in fact, he even suggested I record my appointment for my husband, so I could explain the procedure w/out any mistakes. I can not say enough about Dr. Burns!!! I told him so myself and told him I would make an appointment just to sit and talk w/him, he's that nice of a guy!

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January 26, 2024

5.0

Besides being an excellent physician, Dr. Burns has a wonderful bedside manner.

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January 22, 2024

5.0

He and his team are knowledgeable, funny and down to earth — explaining everything, from diagnosis to treatment options, in great detail — making sure I understood everything.

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January 19, 2024

5.0

He’s a super doc

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January 15, 2024

5.0

Attentiveness and Informative.

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January 15, 2024

5.0

The best in the ENT world when it comes to providers that listen to their patients chief concerns beyond the textbook and actually listens to the patient’s concerns and symptoms and helps them get their lives back on track with a excellent treatment plan to assist them with he’s worth the travel and I highly recommend this doctor to anyone looking for a great doctor who know it without a doubt

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January 13, 2024

5.0

Dr James Burns is fantastic. He was thorough in his examination, patient, listened and explained everything. The procedure that he performed which was a scope (camera) going down my nostril was painless. He suggested treatment was very effective and I have experienced such relief after having been so miserable for so long.

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January 13, 2024

5.0

great doctor

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January 10, 2024

5.0

Really comprehensive exam and careful detailed explanations of actions needed and why. Excellent

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January 10, 2024

5.0

His demeanor and knowledge made me feel like I’m really going to get the best care he can offer

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January 09, 2024

5.0

Very professional , good communicator

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January 08, 2024

5.0

Dr Burns is gentle, knowledgeable, humble, And capable! I am one lucky patient to have found this incredible surgeon!

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January 08, 2024

5.0

Because he is great and very nice made me feel at ease.

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January 05, 2024

5.0

James A. Burns is so amazing. He was so sweet and so nice through the whole process. I was very scared to get my surgery but he helped me get over my fear. Highly recommend !!!!!!!!

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January 04, 2024

5.0

Dr. Burns is an expert in the field. My surgery went beautifully and my follow up appointment was informative. Dr. Burns is insistent on ensuring my voice is restored and functioning at the optimum level.

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December 29, 2023

5.0

Dr. Burns explained the procedure and made me feel confident in his expertise.

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December 29, 2023

5.0

He doesn’t second guess hisself and he listens to his patient’s concerns and addresses it he doesn’t just go along with what the previous records state he takes his time and does a through examination and takes his own records. I value that in a provider and this is something that stood out to me as a patient he has empathy for patients and he is passionate about his profession

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December 27, 2023

5.0

Dr Burns treated my health issues with courtesy, compassion and carefulness.

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December 22, 2023

5.0

He thoroughly explained everything and wanted to make sure that I understood everything. He was patient with my questions and wanted to make sure I was comfortable with proceeding with the injections.

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December 22, 2023

5.0

Dr. Burns is an excellent doctor who cares deeply about his patients and their families.

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December 21, 2023

5.0

Dr. Burns is an accomplished and respected doctor with the most experience that I have found. It was very comforting to know that even though my condition was rare, he had much experience with the necessary surgery. He is friendly and approachable and took the time to answer my questions.

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December 20, 2023

5.0

He is knowledgeable, personable, treats patients and their questions with respect and is highly competent.

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December 18, 2023

5.0

Very knowledgeable doctor. Explains generally what will happen, takes your questions & concern. Moves through the procedure & explains each step & asks if you are tolerating ok. Very professional. His staff are all trained. Very efficient team.

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December 15, 2023

5.0

Professional, competent, confident, skillful, knowledgeable, reassuring, the best of the best!

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December 13, 2023

5.0

He was very thorough with explaining procedure and my concerns and iSues

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December 13, 2023

5.0

Good, well above average doctor, personable, friendly and knows his stuff. Great job.

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December 12, 2023

5.0

Dr.Burns, was extremely informative,kind& reassuring

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December 11, 2023

5.0

Informative and great care

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December 08, 2023

5.0

From the moment I met Dr. Burns & his medical staff, I knew I was in the right place. He walked into the exam room & immediately gave the impression I was important to him & that he could help me. Dr. Burns took the time to listen to my symptoms, explain how he could provide a common sense & state of the art treatment, while still being empathetic to my concern about having a surgical procedure with my throat/larynx. He did not rush me & answered all of my questions & concerns. Dr. Burns is a a warm, professional & empathetic kind of person that patients hope & pray they have when in need.

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December 07, 2023

5.0

Dr. Burns is very knowledgeable, caring, and always takes the time to carefully examine me and to listen to my concerns.

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December 07, 2023

5.0

Efficient, knowledgable, and friendly

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December 04, 2023

5.0

I really like him and the way he explained everything to me

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December 03, 2023

5.0

Very understandable

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December 01, 2023

5.0

Professional, expert, good communicator.

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December 01, 2023

5.0

He and all the nurses are the best!

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November 28, 2023

5.0

I feel he’s a great Doctor

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November 27, 2023

5.0

I rate him a 10+ along with his assistant Dr.[name] for their professional treatment and concern for my comfort!

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November 16, 2023

5.0

He is very professional and personal. Solicit the patients feedback and opinions keeps the visit on track, but is very thorough. very well trained which is obvious and his clinical practice and procedures.

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November 14, 2023

5.0

He listened to my concerns and did not dismiss them out of hand. He explained things in easy to understand terms, walked me through the scans and determined an appropriate approach to treatment. He was kind and also had a sense of humor which was nice.

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November 13, 2023

5.0

Dr Burns thoroughly explained my testing and care plans and made sure I understood the explanations and agreed with his assessments. I was an active participant.

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November 11, 2023

5.0

Courteous, on time and knows his area of expertise. Great job.

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November 08, 2023

5.0

Great surgeon and bedside manner

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November 08, 2023

5.0

Great before during and after the surgery. The guy is a Savant . I enjoy how smooth and professional he is from first meeting , to day of surgery and the follow up visits. Great Dr.

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November 07, 2023

5.0

Great bedside manner. Explained procedure in detail

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November 07, 2023

5.0

great bedside manner, open and honest communication and transparency

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November 06, 2023

5.0

Very personable. Took the time to explain the test tesults and to answer questions in terms we could understand.

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November 06, 2023

5.0

Dr Burns is a very talented, excellent surgeon. I come from Ohio just to see him for my care

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Disclosures

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.