Welcome

At Superior, Ear, Nose, Throat - Allergy & Audiology you can expect comprehensive, patient-centered treatment for medical problems involving the ears, nose and throat. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing clinical excellence and unsurpassed customer service.

Philip Heichel, MD, is a board-certified Otolaryngologist by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He has been practicing in the Upper Peninsula since 2021. He obtained his undergraduate and medical degree from Michigan State University. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas Health San Antonio. He provides care in all aspects of ear, nose and throat clinical and surgical management of disease affecting ENT patients. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, experienced in advanced allergy management.

Chris Lunseth, PA-C is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree at St Olaf College of Northfield, Minnesota and worked as a Paramedic in Marshfield, Wisconsin prior to graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physician Assistant Program in 2001. After graduation he moved to Marquette to work in both Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine. Chris joined our practice in 2010 and works full-time providing coverage to patients in the Upper Peninsula. Chris enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Norman Purmal FNP-C, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Board certified (AANPCB) Family Nurse Practitioner. Norman earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northern Michigan University in 2015. After graduation from NMU he worked as a Registered Nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota specializing in Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Nursing, Transplant Nurse, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Nurse and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialty Nurse from 2015-2021. In 2021 he moved back to Marquette to pursue his Masters of Science in Nursing while working for UPHS Marquette in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit until graduation in 2023 with his MSN.

David Heichel, MD, is a board certified Otolaryngologist by the American Academy Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery. He has been practicing in the Upper Peninsula since 2004. Prior to that, he served in the United States Air Force retiring after 20 years of service. He provides care in all aspects of ear, nose and throat clinical and surgical management of disease effecting ENT patients. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy experienced in advanced allergy management.

Brittany Hardy, BSN, RN earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Bay College in 2018 and her Bachelor Degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2021. Brittany has been a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy since 2019. Brittany joined our practice in January of 2022 and provides nursing care to patients in the ear, nose and throat clinic as well as the allergy clinic. She enjoys work and the fast pace that nursing has to offer. During her time away from work, she enjoys being with her husband and her two daughters.

Jackie Gilbert, MS, CCC-A earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Western Michigan University in 1989, and her Master of Science degree at Gallaudet University of Washington, DC in 1991. Following that, Jackie worked at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit for 2 years prior to relocating to Marquette where she worked for 20 years at Marquette General Hospital. Jackie joined our practice in October of 2012. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children (most of the time), as well as cooking, reading, walking and gardening.

Jacob Sommers, Au.D. is certified by the American Board of Audiology and holds certification in tinnitus management. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at Northern Michigan University and his Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D) from Louisiana Tech University. He then worked as a clinical audiologist in East Texas, before returning to Marquette in 2020 when he began working at Superior Ear, Nose and Throat. Jacob is active in the Marquette community with the U.P. Rowing Club and the Marquette City Band, and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

Kelly Beranek, BSN, RN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Michigan State University in 2007. Following that, Kelly worked as a Pediatric RN at Evanston Hospital and Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for 5 years. After relocating to Marquette with her husband she worked at Marquette General Hospital as a Float Pool RN for 10 years and at Superior Endoscopy for 2 years. She joined our practice in 2023 and received her American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy accreditation at that time. She provides oversight and delivery of nursing care in our Allergy Clinic. During her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children.

Dr. Sierra King, DNP, BSN, RN earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Northern Michigan University in 2024. Before achieving her doctorate, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in sociology from Northern Michigan University in 2017. Since becoming licensed as a Registered Nurse, she has worked in our local community providing patient care. Sierra began her nursing career at our local hospital specializing in cardiac and ICU stepdown units. She left the hospital in 2021 to perform procedural sedation and to work as a gastrointestinal technician/RN in endoscopy. Sierra joined our practice in 2023 and is certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. She provides oversight and delivery of care for patients within our allergy department. Sierra enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and traveling when not at work.