Meet Our Residents
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Our residents come from across the U.S. and around the world. Our residents and faculty foster a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Training can be challenging, but our program is close-knit and each resident brings a dedication to providing stellar patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience.
Meet our current residents in the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.
Meet Our Residents
Class of 2029
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India Casaday, M.D.Hometown: Sacramento, CA
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 |
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Darby Keirns, M.D.Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
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 |
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Austin Swisher, M.D.Hometown: San Diego, CA
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 |
Class of 2028
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Simon Beatty, M.D.Hometown: Topeka, KS
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 |
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Maggie Donovan, M.D.Hometown: Lake Forest, IL
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 |
Class of 2027
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Hannah Gibbs, M.D.Hometown: Dublin, OH
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 |
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Michael Sramek, M.D.Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
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 |
Class of 2026
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Annica Eells, M.D.Hometown: Eugene, OR
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 |
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Jeff Mecham, M.D.Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
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 |
Class of 2025
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Ben Tiano, M.D.Hometown: Tucson, AZ
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 |
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Taylor Cave, M.D.Hometown: Portland, OR
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 |