Dr. Tarika Bhuta’s path to becoming a doctor began in Montgomery. As a young girl, she often accompanied her father, a vascular surgeon, on weekend rounds. “I want to be a doctor,” she would say.
Always a stellar student and athlete, she was valedictorian of her high school class and won multiple state tennis titles. At the University of North Carolina, she graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors, while also earning varsity letters in tennis. In 1998, she completed her medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from UAB.
In July of 2008, Tarika and her husband, Brian, opened McCool and Bhuta Ear Nose and Throat Specialists. Both are Board Certified ENTs, and provide medical and surgical treatment for children and adults. They offer a wide range of services, including tonsillectomies, ear tubes, facial rejuvenation and snoring procedures. Four years ago, they introduced balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic sinus infections, to the Birmingham area.
Sensing a need for physician supervised hearing healthcare, Drs. McCool and Bhuta opened Sonology Hearing Aid Clinic in July of 2013.
“Hearing loss is a true medical problem with profound consequences, such as depression, social isolation and early onset dementia,” Tarika said. “Patients with hearing loss should be evaluated by a qualified MD. In fact, federal law requires an evaluation by a physician before receiving a hearing aid.”
To help them provide the best hearing healthcare in Birmingham, the doctors teamed with Birmingham native Dr. Rachel Lynch. Rachel is a graduate of Alabama, and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Arkansas. “Combining an ENT practice with a hearing aid clinic is convenient for patients and allows us the ability to provide the very best hearing healthcare,” she said.
Tarika and Brian and their three children live in Hollywood. The children usually walk to the office after their school day.
“I enjoy seeing the kids every day after school and getting them to their after school activities,” Tarika said. “Living and working in Homewood has been an invaluable part of my work/life balance. We are so fortunate to live and work in Homewood, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Tarika’s practice is active in supporting the community through donations and sponsorships.
“I believe community service is vital to sustaining a thriving place to live,” she said.
She is an active member with the Junior League of Birmingham, serves on the Greater Jefferson County Food Policy Council, and supports the Birmingham Museum of Art through the Indian Cultural Society.
In her free time, Tarika enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, cycling, cooking and reading.
McCool and Bhuta Ear Nose
and Throat Specialists
3055 Independence Drive • 205-414-1368
Sonology Hearing
Aid Clinic
3055 Independence Drive • 205-313-0395
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