Zachary Elwell, MD
My name is Zachary Elwell. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I attended Arizona State University, where I obtained undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish Literature and Culture. After graduating, I spent two years as a medical scribe in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH). I then attended medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson (UA). As a medical student, I continued to pursue Otolaryngology through research partnerships at the UA and PCH and a fantastic fourth-year rotation with the UA Otolaryngology team. Additionally, I developed a passion for global surgery through leadership in the Global Surgery Student Alliance and the Global Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Initiative. I am thrilled to join the UA team and learn from incredible physicians committed to providing the best possible care for their patients.
What attracted you to Arizona?
I was attracted to the UA program because of the faculty's incredible commitment to resident training and education in a friendly, tight-knit environment. The camaraderie between residents and faculty is one of this program's most outstanding features. In addition, because of this program's small size, you frequently work one-on-one with attendings in the OR and clinic. These working relationships allow for a learning experience tailored to each resident because the attendings know you and your skillset well. Finally, UA's commitment to research and education is exciting! As a resident, I look forward to learning from this incredible team as I develop my operative, research, and teaching skills.
What is your favorite surgery to be involved in?
Currently, my favorite surgeries are reconstructive procedures, including pediatric airway reconstruction and paramedian forehead flap nasal reconstruction. I look forward to gaining more operative experience during residency and finding new surgeries to love!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Outside the hospital, I enjoy hiking, trail running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible in Tucson's beautiful Sabino Canyon. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
What are your long-term goals?
I am currently interested in pursuing fellowship training in either Pediatric Otolaryngology or Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. However, I am excited to explore all subspecialties of Otolaryngology throughout residency training. After residency, I aspire to use my training to advance global Otolaryngology care through research, education, and clinical practice in environments with limited Otolaryngology care. My ultimate goal is to work with others to build sustainable partnerships that provide equitable access to high-quality Otolaryngology care for all.