India Casaday, M.D.

Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona? 

I fell in love with the department here when I was in medical school. I always felt like the faculty and residents valued my education, even when I was a clueless first year med student. I knew that if I did my residency here, I’d learn how to be a great surgeon and have so much fun along the way—I am yet to find a group of residents that laughs more than this one.

Hobbies: Hiking, camping, watching baseball

Darby Keirns, M.D.

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Undergrad: University of Colorado Boulder
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona? 

I felt the program was a perfect blend of strong clinical training and academic opportunity, while also maintaining a supportive culture amongst the residents and faculty. The level of autonomy, early operative experience, and program size I believe will allow me to complete training feeling confident in my future practice. Nearly always having warm and sunny weather on your days off is also the best part of training in Arizona!

Hobbies: Hiking, camping, running, spending time with family and friends

Austin Swisher, M.D.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergrad: San Diego University
Medical school: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona? 

The clinical and surgical training at Mayo Clinic is second to none. The unique mentorship model, robust subspecialty exposure, and strong sense of community within the department create an unparalleled learning experience that aligns with my personal values and professional goals. Phoenix is also a vibrant city with so much to offer. Ultimately, I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of the people—the residents, faculty, and staff who make it truly exceptional.

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and three kids, basketball (playing and watching), half marathons, weightlifting, writing, coffee, thought-provoking audiobooks, eating out

Simon Beatty, M.D.

Hometown: Topeka, KS
Undergrad: University of Kansas
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona? Mayo Clinic's chief year provides the most flexibility to really craft your future for yourself, whether that be going into fellowship or general ENT.

Hobbies: Metal detecting, calligraphy

Maggie Donovan, M.D.

Hometown: Lake Forest, IL
Undergrad: University of Southern California
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona? I have wanted to train at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, ever since I had the opportunity to observe and work with the department during my third year of medical school. From day one, I was drawn to the program's strong surgical training, tight-knit culture, and exceptional support and mentorship. The growth of both the department and the campus is truly impressive and inspiring. Lastly, Phoenix is such a wonderful and fun place to live, and I could not be more thrilled to call it my home during my residency training.

Hobbies: Running, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, other outdoor activities

Hannah Gibbs, M.D.

Hometown: Dublin, OH
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Medical school: Ohio State University College of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

The program is set up to ensure that resident education is truly a priority. Mayo Clinic offers world-class resources and support to trainees. We have the opportunity to work in-depth and personally with leaders and experts in the field. The exposure to various subspecialties is robust. I appreciate that we get to train at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Everyone is very welcoming and genuine which helps to create a really supportive and positive culture.

Hobbies: Hiking, horseback riding, reading, drawing, painting

Michael Sramek, M.D.

Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Medical school: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

I chose to train here because I could see the collaborative, welcoming atmosphere in both Mayo Clinic and the Department of Otolaryngology. Additionally, there is an incredible amount of both change and growth around the program and the hospital that is almost energetic. Most importantly, I think the training here aligns well with my learning style and will allow me to grow to be both competent and confident in my future practice. Plus, I couldn't have picked a more beautiful area to train!

Hobbies: Playing with my son, hiking with my partner, 3D printing and design, anything involving eating food

Annica Eells, M.D.

Hometown: Eugene, OR
Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

I was searching for a program that would provide excellent surgical training from day one. The autonomy and customized learning offered through the mentorship model here is extremely unique and fit my learning style. I also wanted comprehensive training with exposure to and support for subspecialty career paths. Most importantly, I wanted to train with faculty and residents that I could look up to and be encouraged by to continuously improve. I have found incredible support here and am extremely happy with my choice.

Hobbies: Cooking dishes from places I've traveled, aspiring to grow my own ingredients, exploring the surrounding mountains and beautiful Arizona wilderness

Jeff Mecham, M.D.

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

I really admire the high-quality character of the individuals in the ENT department at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. The small program size, mentorship model, and one major hospital practice site helps create a cohesive group between the residents and attendings. Mayo Clinic Health System has practically unlimited resources to help you tailor your education to individual interests and passions. The department has grown a lot over the past few years and each addition has further enhanced resident education.

Hobbies: Piano, songwriting, volleyball, time at home with my wife and two boys

Ben Tiano, M.D.

Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: Northwestern University
Medical school: USC

Why did you choose to train Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

Getting to know the program during last year's application cycle, I was won over by the culture of teamwork within the department. I'm also super excited by the growth I see around me within the department and within the hospital at large.

Hobbies: Travel, spending time with friends and family, mountain biking/cycling, soccer, happy hour

Taylor Cave, M.D.

Hometown: Portland, OR
Undergrad: University of San Diego
Medical school: Oregon Health and Science University

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic in Arizona?

I chose Mayo Clinic because there was a real emphasis on graduated responsibility and independent learning experiences. I'm a hands-on learner and Mayo seemed compatible with this learning style.

Hobbies: Hiking, being outside in general, reading a good book, learning about wine and wine tasting