Candace Chafton, FNP-C

I’m Candace Chafton, a family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) specializing in ENT/allergy, with Phelps Health. My collaborating physicians include ENT/Allergy Physicians Brian Kriete, MD; and Mary Doellman, DO; and Family Medicine Physician Matthew Hurley, MD.

In addition to general ENT (ear, nose and throat) concerns, I see patients of all ages for allergies, including environmental, food, penicillin and alpha-gal allergies. I also treat vertigo/dizziness, salivary gland issues, lymph node enlargement, skin lesions and migraines.

Since childhood, I’ve wanted to work in the medical field. My original plan was to become a physician, but I landed on the career of family nurse practitioner, and it’s been a great fit. 

Prior to becoming an FNP, I worked in the operating room (OR) as a tech and then as a nurse for 16 years with Phelps Health. The decision to work with a surgeon, then, was a logical choice. I am familiar with surgery, making it easy to educate my patients. I also enjoy the variety of ages that I get to see in the ENT/allergy specialty.

Having grown up in this area, with several years of nursing experience, gives me a familiar connection to many of my patients. I strive to make my patients comfortable, and they aren’t afraid to open up to me.

I live in Salem with my significant other, two dogs and two cats. I also have two adult children, both of whom are married. When I’m not seeing patients, I enjoy camping, fishing, Fox Trotter horses, horse shows, hiking and birdwatching.