Meet OAT’s Otolaryngologists

Our Board Certified Physicians

Jerrall P. Crook, Jr., M.D.

Dr. Crook, Jr. was born and raised in Memphis and earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Tennessee. He remained in Memphis for graduate medical training in general surgery and otolaryngology at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. During that time, he published a journal article and his findings were presented at lectures in Pittsburgh, Washington DC, and Toronto. Dr. Crook, Jr. then came to Nashville to join his father’s practice in otolaryngology. Since coming to Nashville, he has served as president of the Nashville Academy of Otolaryngology, a board member for the EAR Foundation, chief of Otolaryngology at Baptist Hospital, and on the surgical advisory committee of Centennial Medical Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is an active member of Rotary International. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and has been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” by his peers. He treats patients with all ear, nose, and throat diseases. In his spare time he can be found hunting and fishing or spending time with his wife and children.

 

Mark A. Deaton, M.D.

Dr. Deaton was born and raised in Virginia where he graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and then from University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery internship and otolaryngology residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Dr. Deaton then came to Nashville where he joined the otolaryngology practice of Drs. Cate and Alley. While in Nashville, he has served on executive committees at Baptist Hospital and as chief of surgery at Centennial Medical Center. Dr. Deaton is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and has been named to the “Best Doctors in America” list. He treats patients with the full spectrum of ear, nose, and throat diseases. When he’s not caring for his patients, he enjoys golfing, kayaking, and hunting.

 

Christopher A. Mantle, M.D.

Dr. Mantle was born in Birmingham and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He attended Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate education and received his Master’s in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Mantle remained in Birmingham, where he graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He was the recipient of many honors including his election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. He returned to Nashville for his general surgery internship and otolaryngology residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After completing residency in July 2011, Dr. Mantle joined Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and enjoys treating the entire spectrum of problems related to the ears, nose, and throat for both adults and children. At home, he enjoys golf, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children.

 

Robert C. Owen, MD

A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Memphis, Dr. Owen completed residencies in Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, he has served on the clinical faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical School and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Additionally, he is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy as well as a fellow in the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Owen lives with his family in Brentwood, TN.

 

Daniel N. Sacks, M.D

Dr. Sacks was born in South Africa and raised in Nashville. After graduating from the University School of Nashville, he attended the University of Florida on a National Merit Scholarship and graduated from the Honors program with dual degrees in Economics and Food Science/Human Nutrition. Dr. Sacks then returned home to Nashville to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and Otolaryngology residency at the University of Connecticut and its multiple affiliated hospitals. After residency, Dr. Sacks was thrilled to be able to return to Nashville and join OAT. He is a member of the American Rhinologic Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Sacks cares for the broad array of ear, nose, and throat problems with a focus on advanced endoscopic techniques. In his spare time, he is an avid golfer, rock-climber, University of Florida sports fan, and enjoys spending time with his wife and extended family.

 

Daniel D. Viner, M.D.

Dr. Viner was born in Nashville and raised in Connecticut. He attended Wesleyan University and graduated Magna cum Laude with honors in Philosophy. Dr. Viner returned to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and he completed his general surgery internship and otolaryngology residency in Ohio at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He received special commendation for service at the prestigious Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and he presented papers at conferences in Chicago, Denver, and Nice, France. As a chief resident, he traveled to Lithuania on a surgical mission trip, teaching current otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery techniques. After residency, Dr. Viner returned to Nashville and joined OAT. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and maintains memberships in the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has been selected as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and has served as the chief of Otolaryngology at Baptist Hospital. Dr. Viner cares for the broad array of ear, nose, and throat disorders. He is an avid reader, enjoys playing tennis, and treasures time with his wife and three children.

 

Charles T. Wright, M.D.

Dr. Wright is a native of Nashville where he attended Lipscomb University on a Presidential Scholarship and graduated Valedictorian of his class. He also received his Masters of Business Administration from Lipscomb with concentrations in healthcare management and leadership. Dr. Wright went on to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis where he received his medical degree with high honors in 2006. While in medical school, he received an NIH Medical Student Research Fellowship Award and was elected into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. Dr. Wright returned to Nashville for his general surgery internship and otolaryngology residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. During residency, he published original research in the specialty’s major journals, presented at national conferences, and traveled to Africa on an otolaryngology medical mission trip. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and provides comprehensive medical and surgical management for adults and children with problems of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. Dr. Wright values time with his wife and son and enjoys traveling, golf, Titans football, and the Florida Gulf coast.

 

Jessica Howell, M.D.

Dr. Howell was born and raised in Savannah, GA. She attended the University of Virginia, where she graduated with distinction. She then attended the Medical College of Georgia, where she received multiple scholarships and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society. She then returned to Virginia for her Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery residency, which she completed at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 2020. During her residency, Dr. Howell served as chief resident, authored numerous publications, and presented at multiple national ENT conferences. She is thrilled to be joining OAT and start life in Nashville with her husband. She enjoys treating both adults and children, and providing comprehensive management for the broad array of ear, nose, and throat symptoms, but has particular interest in both laryngology (voice) and endocrine (thyroid, parathyroid) surgery. When not treating patients, Dr. Howell can be found practicing yoga, playing tennis, or spending time outside with friends and family.

 

Kiefer Hock, M.D.

Kiefer Hock is a Nashville native growing up in Williamson County and attending Ravenwood High School. His passion for medicine began at an early age as he was inspired by both his father and mother who are in the medical field. He moved to Atlanta for college attending Emory University where he majored in biology and minored in religion and philosophical studies. While at Emory he played on the varsity soccer team for three seasons in the NCAA enjoying the challenge of being a college athlete. After college he attended the University of Cincinnati Medical School and quickly found a desire to pursue a surgical field in otolaryngology (ENT) due to his fascination with the anatomy and physiology of the speciality. He continued his residency training at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital as one of the top ENT programs in the country specializing in both complex adult and pediatric ENT care. Kiefer was ecstatic by the opportunity to move back home to Nashville and found a supportive and influential community at OAT to continue his ENT vocation. During his off time, Kiefer enjoys spending time with his significant other, Bailey, and their two dogs, Bronx and Beau. He is delighted to be home surrounded by wonderful family, friends, and a great practice at OAT.

 

William B. Clinkscales, MD

Photo and bio coming soon

Our Advanced Practice Providers

Lindsay Weldon, MSM, PA-C

Lindsay joined OAT as a Physician Assistant in 2022. She was raised in Brentwood, TN and attended Brentwood Academy. She also danced on the competitive level both regionally and nationally. Lindsay went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at the University of Mississippi where she also was captain of the Rebelette Dance Team. Lindsay then advanced her education further, obtaining her Master of Science in Medicine as a Physician Assistant at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. At OAT, Lindsay works alongside the physicians covering on-call consults and assisting in surgeries as well as providing clinic visits where she treats patients of all ages with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys staying involved in her church and Bible study, traveling to the beach, trying new restaurants, dancing, playing with her Aussiedoodle, and spending time with her family and friends.

 

Anna Sweeney, FNP-BC

Anna joined OAT in 2015. She was raised in Nashville and attended University School of Nashville. Anna went on to earn degrees in Art History from Saint Louis University and in Nursing from Belmont. She continued her clinical career as a nurse on the oncology team at Vanderbilt where she served as a preceptor. Anna then advanced her education further, obtaining a graduate nursing degree and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau honor society, served on the Dean’s Advisory Council at Belmont, and is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. At OAT, Anna is predominantly in the allergy department, however, she also treats patients of all ages with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Outside of work, Anna enjoys reading, cooking, volunteering in animal rescues, and traveling with her husband.

 

Ellen West, FNP-BC

Ellen was born and raised in Nashville. After graduating from Harpeth Hall, she attended the University of Virginia, earning a degree in Nursing. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau honor society and graduated with Distinction based on her thesis regarding children’s health in Uganda. Ellen began her clinical career on the Vanderbilt oncology team where she received the Preceptor Award. She obtained a graduate degree in Nursing and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. Ellen is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse (CORLN). She studied advanced allergy techniques, including sublingual immunotherapy, at Allergy Choices in La Crosse, WI. Though primarily in the allergy department, Ellen treats a variety of ear, nose, and throat disorders. She is an active member of her church and enjoys biking, running, and spending time with her husband and three children.

 

Lesleigh Burton, MSN, FNP-BC

Photo and bio coming soon