Learn About Our Providers | Otolaryngology Associates

Michael Agostino, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Agostino is a native of South Bend, Indiana, and a 1985 alumnus of the University of Notre Dame. He graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1989. He completed his residency training in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center in 1994. He began his practice with the group Otorhinolaryngology, Inc., in South Bend, which is now part of the Allied Physicians of Michiana. In 2008, Dr. Agostino moved to Indianapolis with his wife, Jeanne, and their five children. He worked at the Riley Children’s Hospital from 2008 to 2012, where he was a clinical assistant professor of Otolaryngology. In addition, he served as the Director of Otolaryngology Education at the Indiana University School of Medicine during that time.

In 2013, Dr. Agostino joined Otolaryngology Associates to work mainly at the Noblesville office. He has worked closely with the staff at Riverview Hospital, and he completed his term as Chairman of the Dept. of Surgery there in 2021. He has extensive experience in Pediatric Otolaryngology, Rhinology and Airway Disorders. He has served as the President of the Indiana Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery from 2007 to 2017, and he has been active with the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He is both a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been certified by IAC - Intersocietal Accreditation Commission - to interpret CT scans of the sinuses, which may be done in the office.

Dr. Agostino believes that the goals of patient care are to preserve the safety of the patient and staff while educating the patient about his or her medical problems and developing a plan of care that is directed to meet the patient's needs.

Valerie Ann Ball, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Ball earned her undergraduate degree at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana where she was valedictorian of her class. She received her master’s and medical degrees from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Ball completed her otolaryngology residency at Indiana University. She was awarded first place two years running for her work in the Marlow Manion Research competition at Indiana University Medical Center. Dr. Ball has served as President of Surgery and on the Executive Committee for St Vincent Kokomo. She was also on the Board of the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Ball likes high school and college sports including all things Notre Dame. She also likes spending time with her large family and her dogs.

Richard Biggerstaff, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Richard Biggerstaff specializes in facial plastic and Head and Neck Surgery. He attended IU medical school where he excelled being elected into the honorary society of Alpha Omega Alpha. He did his general surgery in Grand Rapids Michigan followed by an otolaryngology residency at Indiana University. Following his residency, he completed his fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in New Orleans Louisiana under the tutelage of Dr. Calvin Johnson.

Dr. Biggerstaff is board certified by both the American Board of otolaryngology and the American Board of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This dual training and certification defines physicians who strive towards surgical excellence. He has been active in the IU school of medicine residency teaching program over the years.

With over 20 +years of experience, Dr. Biggerstaff has used his surgical skills performing thousands of complex cosmetic and reconstruction cases including rhinoplasty, necklift, facelift, facial implants, otoplasty, hair restoration surgeries as well as extensive experience with thyroid and parathyroid surgeries.

Benjamin Copeland, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Otologist Benjamin Copeland provides specialized, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of ear and skull base conditions. Dr. Copeland has extensive experience with surgery for cochlear implants, hearing reconstruction, eardrum repairs, cholesteatoma, Ménière's disease and repair of spinal fluid leaks in the ear. He also works closely with his neurosurgical colleagues for surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) and other skull base tumors.

Dr. Copeland received his BA in Biology from Wittenburg University where he was a member of the honors program and graduated Cum Laude. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and later became an MD after attending medical school at Ohio State. He completed fellowship training in Otology/ Neurotology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as well as a residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Copeland has completed and published significant research on-ear and neck conditions and treatments and has earned numerous awards, including induction into the Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Honor Society. Dr. Copeland will practice in our North and South Main offices. When he isn’t concentrating on medicine, Dr. Copeland enjoys traveling with his wife and children, scuba diving and gardening.

Swapna Eisinger, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Swapna Eisinger grew up in South Bend, Indiana. She received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University. She earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine where she was part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Following medical school, she completed her residency in otolaryngology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She is a board-certified otolaryngologist and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Eisinger enjoys all aspects of head and neck surgery but has a particular interest in pediatrics, nasal and sinus surgery, and head and neck cancer. Her interests outside of work include spending time with her husband and children, watching college football, skiing, traveling and running.

Anthony Fama, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Anthony Fama grew up in Carmel, Indiana, and obtained a degree in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester. He graduated as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and returned back to Indiana for medical school. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and graduated with honors. He completed his internship and Otolaryngology residency at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dr. Fama enjoys all aspects of Otolaryngology but has a particular interest in seeing pediatric patients and treating patients with head and neck cancers. He is board-certified and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He enjoys running, golfing and spending time with his wife and two children.

David Fang, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Fang’s medical interests include pediatric otolaryngology, sinus disease and surgery, head, neck, and thyroid surgery, adult and childhood sleep disorders, and otologic diseases. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry and his medical degree from Indiana University. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Fang is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Fang’s hobbies include skiing, travel, and outdoor activities.

John Goldenberg, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. John Goldenberg’s practice encompasses the entire spectrum of ear, nose and throat disorders, but is primarily focused on the management of head and neck tumors. These conditions include both benign and malignant processes within the salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid disease, advanced skin cancers including melanoma and complex reconstructive issues of the head and neck, nose, sinuses, mouth and throat. The reconstruction of traumatic and surgical defects within the head and neck using a variety of techniques including microvascular surgery is also a major aspect of his practice.

Dr. Goldenberg received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Indiana University. He completed an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Following residency, Dr. Goldenberg completed a Head and Neck Surgical Oncology (cancer) and Reconstructive Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Head and Neck Society

Dr. Goldenberg lives in the Indianapolis area with his wife and threes sons, Jack, Henry and Eli. His practice spans the entire state of Indiana but sees patients primarily on the north side of Indianapolis and Carmel.

Jason J Gutt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Gutt pursued his undergraduate education in Bloomington where he received a B.S. in Biology from Indiana University. He graduated with highest honors and was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. Dr. Gutt became an avid Hoosier basketball fan which helped him decide to further his medical education at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He graduated in the top of his class and completed both his surgical internship and his otolaryngology residency at the Indiana University Medical Center.

Dr. Gutt has special interests in Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Otology and Pediatric Otolaryngology. He has published and won awards for his research on MRI safety for patients with otologic middle ear and stapes implants and for his study of laryngeal basaloid squamous cell carcinoma.

Dr. Gutt is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). He enjoys golf, basketball, and spending time with his wife and young son and two daughters.

Lauren Hansen, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Lauren Hansen specializes in the surgical and medical management of ears, nose, throat conditions of both pediatric and adult patients.

Dr. Hansen received her B.S. from Wheeling Jesuit University, where she was an Academic All-American, Captain, and MVP on the Women’s Basketball Team. In addition, Dr. Hansen graduated from her University as Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude and received multiple honors including Laut Honors and induction into the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society. She received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Hansen completed her internship and residency in otolaryngology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. During her residency, Dr. Hansen presented multiple research papers at Otolaryngology National Meetings. Additionally, has been granted acceptance into the Fellowship of American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Hansen’s practice encompasses the full range of otolaryngology, including nasal and sinus disease, and surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disease. In addition, she has developed an interest in balloon sinuplasty, the surgical management of diseases of the salivary glands, as well as, pediatric ear, nose, and throat conditions.

Kelly Hiatt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Hiatt is a board-certified otolaryngologist treating a wide range of pediatric and adult ENT disorders. While pursuing her medical degree at Indiana University, Dr. Hiatt completed her PhD in Immunology. She completed a research-track residency in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck surgery at Indiana University, continuing to study allergy modulation and nerve regeneration. Dr. Hiatt has a wide range of interests including allergy and sinus disease, surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the salivary and thyroid/parathyroid glands, voice disorders, and ear disease. Treatment of pediatric ear, nose and throat problems is also a major aspect of her practice.

Nicole Klein, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Klein is a partner at Otolaryngology & Associates and OA Facial Plastics. Her specialty training as an Otolaryngologist (commonly referred to as “ENT” or Ear, Nose, Throat) encompasses more knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the face, head, and neck than any other specialty. This advanced knowledge of the head and neck is particularly well suited to help patients restore the skin’s youthful appearance. She is equipped to treat patients of all ages with a diverse range of medical concerns.

After practicing medicine for nearly 20 years, Dr. Klein says “I love the art of taking care of my patients, making them feel better, and helping them on their journey to wellness.” Her innate ability to care for her patients and improve the lives of others extends beyond her career focus and into her community and family.

Born and raised in Noblesville, IN, Dr. Klein went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and doctorate from Indiana University School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Klein completed a one-year internship in the Department of General Surgery followed by a four-year surgical residency with Indiana University School of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology. Dr. Klein’s passion for Otolaryngology and surgery was realized early in her residency as she fell in love with the ability to operate and have a “hands-on” role in her patients’ healing.

Dr. Klein is an avid community leader as she has served leadership positions with the Colloquium for Women at Indiana University and supports organizations like The American Lung Association and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. Dr. Klein is married and has 3 children. Her husband Rob Klein is the founder and owner of Conceptual Kitchens and Millwork, an award-winning design firm that specializes in custom kitchen and cabinetry designs. Together they have two college-age daughters and a son entering high school. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Klein enjoys the outdoors and loves tennis, skiing, wake surfing and relaxing with family and friends. Her passion for the practice of medicine and surgery is fueled by her fascination with physiology and wellness.

Eric Knoll, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Knoll received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University- Bloomington. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1987.

His training included internship at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, one year of general surgery at Methodist Hospital, and a three-year residency in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center completing in 1993. He was board certified in 1994.

Clem McDonald, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Clem McDonald completed his medical education, post-doctorate research fellowship and his residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery from the Indiana University School of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He enjoys all aspects of otolaryngology with a special interest allergy and sinus disease, balloon, and minimally invasive sinus surgery, treatment of obstructed nasal passages and nasal drainage, thyroid/parathyroid surgery, and salivary tumors.

He is also a member of the American Academy of Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.

James Miner, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Miner graduated from Peru High School and received his undergraduate degree from Wabash College. He received his medical degree and completed his otolaryngology residency at Indiana University.

Michael Myers, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Myers received his undergraduate degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan. He received his M.S. in Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Michigan. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Myers completed his general surgery internship at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, and his otolaryngology residency at the University of Michigan. He completed a research fellowship at the Kresge Hearing Research Institute and is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Myers specializes in pediatric and general otolaryngology, thyroid surgery, and pediatric sinus disease. His personal interests include outdoor sports and travel. He and his wife, Deborah, have three children, Christopher, Alexander, and Nicholas.

Maximillian Newell, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Newell’s medical interests include sinus and nasal surgery, thyroid/parathyroid surgery, head and neck surgery, and pediatric otolaryngology. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology and his medical degree from Indiana University. Dr. Newell is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, Indiana State Medical Association, and Marion County Medical Society.

Dr. Newell grew up in Northern Indiana. He is married and has two children. His hobbies include photography and mountain biking.

Ruchin Patel, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Patel is a board-certified head and neck surgeon with specialty training in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and is committed to the delivery of high quality and compassionate patient care. He is a native of Indiana and after graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine, he completed his residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. To further his skills and knowledge, he followed his residency training by completing a prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, Dr. Patel spent time with some of the leaders in the field of facial plastic surgery honing his skills in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery.

His clinical interests include functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation procedures utilizing both non-invasive and invasive techniques, eyelid surgery, facial reconstruction after skin cancer surgery, treatment of facial melanoma, facial reanimation after facial nerve paralysis, ear surgery for protruding ears, medical and surgical treatment of sinus disease, surgical treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disease, and the full gamut of ear, nose, and throat disorders.

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Patel tries to spend as much time with his family as possible. He and his wife, Alexandra, enjoy traveling, golfing, and exploring the restaurant and arts scene of Indianapolis. They also have two children who keep them both busy!

Laryn Peterson, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Peterson received her B.A. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. She completed her internship in general surgery at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, and her residency in otolaryngology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Peterson is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Her areas of clinical specialty include general otolaryngology and head and neck surgery.

Megan Wood, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Wood grew up in Greenfield, IN. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and went on to study medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. She completed her otolaryngology residency at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC. With a special interest in voice and airway, she went on to complete a fellowship in laryngology at Vanderbilt University. She enjoys treating a broad range of ear, nose, and throat disorders, including thyroid/parathyroid, head and neck pathology, but has a special interest in voice, swallowing, and airway problems. She and her husband, Jim, have two children, Owen and Ella. She is excited to be back home in Indiana, and enjoys spending time with family and friends outdoors, biking, running with their dog Lucy, playing tennis, attending Indians and Colts games, and of course tailgating at Notre Dame. Dr. Wood is a member of the American Laryngological Association and the American Broncho-Esophagological Society.

Dr. Robert Youkilis, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Robert Youkilis joined Northside ENT in 1999 after completing his residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. Prior to that, he received his MD at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine(1994) and a BS degree at Duke University (1989).

He has served as past chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at St. Vincent Hospital. He has also served on the Board of managers at the Carmel Ambulatory Surgery Center and the Carmel Specialty Surgery Center. He has been a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery as well as the Central Indiana Otolaryngology Society.

Physician peers have repeatedly named him a top ear, nose and throat specialist in Indianapolis Monthly’s surveys by independent researchers Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.

His special interests include the treatment of complex sinus disease, conditions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, voice problems, pediatric ear, nose, and throat disorders, snoring and sleep apnea. He is also very interested in the management of allergies.

Dr. Youkilis and his wife, Tina, have 3 sons that keep them both busy with sports activities, especially hockey. When not at the ice rink, they enjoy tennis, snow skiing, and water sports.

Dr. Jeffery Beach, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Jeffrey Beach joined Northside ENT in 2003 after completing his Otorhinolaryngology residency training at Indiana University. His residency included training at Riley Children’s Hospital, Eskenazi and University Hospitals, Methodist Hospital and the Veterans Administration Hospital. He is board certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

Originally from Ohio, he received his undergraduate degree in microbiology from The Ohio State University and earned his Medical Degree at the University of Cincinnati.

Affiliations:

American Academy of Otolaryngology
Central Indiana Otolaryngology Society
Indiana State Medical Association
PanAmerican Allergy Society
Radiological Society of North America

Dr. Beach sees both pediatric and adult patients and his special interests include allergy and sinus diseases, minimally invasive sinus procedures, disorders of the thyroid/parathyroid glands, salivary tumors, and sleep apnea.

Physician peers have regularly named him a Top Doctor in the annual Indianapolis Monthly Magazine health care issue.

His wife Elizabeth Beach, M.D. is a pediatrician. They both enjoy the outdoors and spending time with their children.

Dr. Seth D. Bruggers, MD, F.A.C.S.

Otolaryngologist

Dr. Seth D. Bruggers, M.D. is a board certified otolaryngologist and joined Northside ENT in 2011.

He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 2006 and completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology – head & neck surgery at Saint Louis University Hospital in 2011. He is member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Central Indiana Otolaryngology Society. He has been repeatedly named a top ear, nose, and throat physician by his physician peers in Indianapolis Monthly.

Dr. Bruggers sees pediatric and adult patients, and enjoys the full range of otolaryngology, especially sinus surgery, disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, otology, and pediatric otolaryngology. He has published several articles on endoscopic sinus surgery and has presented at state and national meetings.

He and his wife, Rebecca, have two sets of twins and enjoy traveling, movies, cooking, and any activity involving spending time out in nature. He is fluent in Spanish.

Sarah Polacek, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Sarah joined Otolaryngology Associates in 2014. As a physician assistant, she works closely with Dr. Ben Copeland to provide diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care related to the ear and other non-surgical ENT complaints

Sarah completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Butler University in Indianapolis. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in both health sciences and science, technology, and society with honors as well as a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Sarah is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants, and The Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Sarah is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and now resides in Indianapolis with her husband and two boys.

Brittany Spaulding, MSPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Brittany joined the Otolaryngology Associates team in 2023, working closely with Dr. Ben Copeland and Sarah Polacek, PA-C providing otology focused diagnosis, treatment, and post-operative care.

Brittany completed her undergrad at University of Kentucky and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Franklin College. She is a member of the Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA), American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), and The Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology (SPAO). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, hiking, and reading.

Meet Our Providers

With ear, nose and throat problems, you need an otolaryngologist who is experienced, understanding and supportive. Our staff works together as a team to be sure we are responsive to your needs and keep you informed about your health issues. We look forward to getting to know you.

Our Locations

Michael Agostino, MD, F.A.C.S.

Valerie Ann Ball, MD, F.A.C.S.

Richard Biggerstaff, MD, F.A.C.S.

Benjamin Copeland, MD, F.A.C.S.

Swapna Eisinger, MD, F.A.C.S.

Anthony Fama, MD, F.A.C.S.

David Fang, MD, F.A.C.S.

John Goldenberg, MD, F.A.C.S.

Jason J Gutt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Lauren Hansen, MD, F.A.C.S.

Kelly Hiatt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Nicole Klein, MD, F.A.C.S.

Eric Knoll, MD, F.A.C.S.

Clem McDonald, MD, F.A.C.S.

James Miner, MD, F.A.C.S.

Michael Myers, MD, F.A.C.S.

Maximillian Newell, MD, F.A.C.S.

Ruchin Patel, MD, F.A.C.S.

Laryn Peterson, MD, F.A.C.S.

Megan Wood, MD, F.A.C.S.

Dr. Robert Youkilis, MD, F.A.C.S.

Dr. Jeffery Beach, MD, F.A.C.S.

Dr. Seth D. Bruggers, MD, F.A.C.S.

Sarah Polacek, PA-C

Brittany Spaulding, MSPAS, PA-C