Med School/Year Graduated: University of Toledo College of Medicine, 2013
Years in Practice: 6
You practice at Barrow Neurological Institute, which conjures neurology and neurosurgery for most people. How does your work as an ENT fit in?
As a subspecialized ENT at Barrow, I work at the intersection of head and neck surgery and neurosciences. I uniquely collaborate to treat tumors and complex disease while preserving speech, swallowing, breathing and overall neurological function.
To that point, your bio indicates expertise in “skull base issues.” Can you explain what those might be, for the layperson?
The skull base is the anatomy where the brain interfaces the sinuses, eyes and cranial nerves. Disease along the skull base is complex and requires precise, team-based surgery to protect critical brain and nerve function. We try to minimize our footprint with endoscopic approaches when possible.
So, a lot of specialization occurs within the ENT field? Are there “throat-focused” ENTs, for example?
Yes, ENT is highly specialized. Many surgeons focus narrowly on areas such as head and neck cancer, voice and swallowing, skull base tumors, sinus disease and ear surgery, allowing for deeper expertise and better patient outcomes.
Have you suffered from any ENT issues yourself? Has that experience informed your approach?
Like many people, I’ve experienced common ENT issues, which reinforces my focus on empathy, clear communication and minimizing disruption to patients’ daily lives while pursuing the safest, most effective surgical outcomes.
Santarelli sounds molto Italiano! What’s your favorite Italian restaurant in town?
I enjoy several Italian spots in Phoenix, including DeFalco’s Italian Eatery for its authenticity and Fat Ox for a more modern approach – both remind me that great food, like surgery, benefits from precision and restraint.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy playing tennis, traveling and a good podcast. Tennis provides great competition, physical challenges and social connection. My Tuesday night tennis league is the highlight of my week!
What shows are you streaming these days?
I tend to rotate between documentaries, sports coverage and the occasional well-written drama – anything with a strong narrative and attention to detail.
“If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…”
Playing tennis at Wimbledon.
