Looking for an Arabic-speaking
ENT doctor in Brooklyn?

Finding a specialist who understands your language — and your culture — makes a real difference in healthcare. For Arabic-speaking families in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, and across Staten Island, navigating the healthcare system in a second language can be stressful, especially when the concern involves your child's hearing, breathing, or a complex ENT condition.

Dr. Ruwaa Samarrai is an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat surgeon) and the founder of Seaside ENT. She is fluent in both Arabic and English and sees patients at two convenient locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Whether you need a routine ENT evaluation, a second opinion, or specialized pediatric care, you can discuss your concerns fully — in whichever language you prefer.

Why language matters in medical care

Research consistently shows that patients who can communicate with their doctor in their native language have better health outcomes. They are more likely to describe symptoms accurately, ask the questions they need answered, understand their diagnosis, and follow through on treatment plans.

For ENT conditions specifically, the details matter enormously. Describing the character of ear pain, the frequency of a child's ear infections, the quality of a voice change, or the nature of nasal congestion requires nuanced communication. When that communication happens in your first language, nothing gets lost.

ENT conditions we treat — in Arabic & English

At Seaside ENT, Dr. Samarrai treats the full spectrum of ear, nose and throat conditions for both adults and children. Below are the most common reasons Arabic-speaking patients seek ENT care in Brooklyn:

Pediatric ENT for Arabic-speaking families

Dr. Samarrai completed a subspecialty fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the Northeast. She brings that level of training to families in Brooklyn and Staten Island — and she does it in Arabic when that's what a family needs.

For many Arabic-speaking parents, bringing a child to a specialist can be an anxious experience — especially if they're not confident explaining symptoms or asking follow-up questions in English. At Seaside ENT, that barrier simply doesn't exist. Dr. Samarrai will take the time to fully explain your child's condition, the treatment options, what a procedure involves, and what recovery looks like — in clear, comfortable Arabic.

Common pediatric ENT concerns we hear from Arabic-speaking families:

• My child keeps getting ear infections — do they need ear tubes?
• My baby is having trouble breastfeeding — could it be a tongue tie?
• My child snores loudly every night — is that normal?
• My child's voice sounds hoarse — when should I worry?
• My child always has a stuffy nose — what's causing it?
• The pediatrician said my child has hearing loss — what do we do next?

These are exactly the kinds of conversations Dr. Samarrai has every day — and having them in Arabic makes them easier, more accurate, and more reassuring for families.

Serving Brooklyn's Arabic-speaking community

Brooklyn is home to one of the largest Arabic-speaking communities in New York City, concentrated in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Sunset Park, and Borough Park. Staten Island's Arabic-speaking population has also grown significantly in recent years. Despite this, Arabic-speaking medical specialists — particularly surgical subspecialists like ENT surgeons — remain rare.

Seaside ENT was founded in part to address this gap. Our Brooklyn office at 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220 is located in the heart of Bay Ridge, one of Brooklyn's most prominent Arab-American neighborhoods. Our Staten Island office at 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310 provides the same quality of care on the other side of the harbor.

Insurance & access

Seaside ENT accepts most major insurance plans including Medicaid, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to high-quality specialist care for our community. We are actively credentialing with additional insurance providers. If you have a different insurance plan, many plans offer out-of-network benefits — call our office and we will help you understand your options.

How to make an appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Samarrai at either our Brooklyn or Staten Island location, call us directly. Our office team is available Monday through Friday 8:00am–4:00pm and Saturday 9:00am–3:00pm.

• Phone: (917) 992-3873
• Brooklyn: 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
• Staten Island: 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310
• Hours: