MEET OUR RESIDENTS 
|  Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

Mackenzie Latour, MD

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Undergrad: Louisiana State University
Medical School: Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport because of the incredible people who make up this program. The faculty, residents, and staff create an environment filled with compassionate, charitable, intelligent, and highly skilled mentors, colleagues, and friends, making it a truly special place to train.

Favorite Surgery:
My favorite procedures are sinus and skull base surgeries.

Outside of Medicine:

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether that's relaxing by the pool in Shreveport, taking weekend trips with my sisters, playing tennis with family, walking my two small dogs, or enjoying an outdoor nap.

Future Goals:

After residency, I am excited to continue my training at Stanford, where I matched for a fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery. My long-term goal is to join an academic practice that combines outstanding patient care, education, mentorship, and amity, much like the exceptional culture we have in this department.

Victor Albornoz Alvarez, MD

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Undergrad: UT Austin
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport for its outstanding resident culture.

Favorite Surgery:
Thyroidectomy is my favorite procedure to be involved in.

Outside of Medicine:

When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy salsa dancing, scuba diving, playing tennis and table tennis, traveling the world, hosting poker nights, and Movie Tuesdays.

Future Goals:

My goal is to become a comprehensive otolaryngologist and provide exceptional care across all aspects of the specialty.

Christopher Vance, MD

Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: University of Arizona
Medical School: University of Arizona

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport because of the resident culture first and foremost. When I rotated here as a fourth-year medical student, my favorite part was the fun, close-knit resident community. I was also incredibly impressed by the surgical skill, confidence, and autonomy of the senior residents, which made it clear this was the place where I wanted to train.

Favorite Surgery:
I enjoy Rhinoplasty.

Outside of Medicine:

When I'm not in the hospital, you'll find me on the golf course, gathered around a board game (especially Catan), trying out new recipes, watching sports, exploring new destinations, or enjoying a good IPA.

Future Goals:

My goal is to build a successful facial plastics practice that allows me to provide exceptional care for my patients while also creating meaningful time with my family.

Amber Suk, MD

Hometown: La Cañada, CA
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Loma Linda University

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport because of its outstanding surgical training and the supportive, collaborative resident culture that makes it feel like home.

Favorite Surgery:
Rhinoplasty is my favorite procedure because it combines creativity, precision, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a patient's confidence and quality of life.

Outside of Medicine:

When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy baking, going to concerts, and crocheting.

Future Goals:

My goal is to pursue a facial plastics fellowship.

Christina Matl, MD

Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Undergrad: Princeton University
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport because I had a great experience getting to know the faculty and residents throughout the interview process. The supportive environment and sense of camaraderie made me feel that this would be an excellent place to grow both personally and professionally.

Favorite Surgery:
My favorite surgery to perform is a tracheostomy.

Outside of Medicine:

I enjoy tackling home improvement projects and finding creative ways to transform and personalize living spaces.

Future Goals:

My long-term goals are to become a highly skilled and compassionate surgeon, build a successful and rewarding medical practice, and achieve financial independence while providing exceptional care to my patients.

Brian Quinlan, MD

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport because, during my in-person interview, the resident culture was undeniably distinct, and that sense of community extended seamlessly into resident-faculty relationships. While it was immediately obvious that the clinical training is top-notch, what truly stood out was the complexity and unique pathologies that find their way to LSU Health Shreveport and the level of trust the faculty have in the residents to be an integral part of the team in these very complex cases from the start.

Favorite Surgery:
Open septorhinoplasty is my favorite surgery. I am fascinated by the art of optimizing functionality while simultaneously crafting something to be more cosmetically pleasing to a patient.

Outside of Medicine:

Outside of the hospital, you can usually find me chasing endurance goals (especially anything involving a long-distance run) or exploring the great outdoors on a hike with my wife and children. I love the balance of a slower-paced weekend, whether that means binging a good book, baking something from scratch, or picking up the violin. Travel is another great passion of mine, and I'm always eager for our next family adventure.

Future Goals:

My long-term goals are rooted in a simple belief: the most valuable thing we have in this life is the relationships we build. During my time in Shreveport, I hope to cultivate durable, meaningful connections that I will proudly carry forward into my personal life and medical practice once I am out in the community. I firmly believe that our attitude shapes our experiences, and moving forward, I strive to embody a spirit of positivity and be someone who consistently encourages those around me to do the same.

Maya Matabele, MD

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Why LSU Health Shreveport?

I chose LSU Health Shreveport for its outstanding teaching environment, strong clinical training, and the genuine camaraderie among the residents. Having family in the area made it feel even more like home and reinforced that this was the right place to continue my training.

Favorite Surgery:
My favorite surgeries are parotidectomies, neck dissections, and anything involving the ears, nose, or throat!

Outside of Medicine:

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, rowing, and staying active outdoors whenever I can.

Future Goals:

My goal is to pursue fellowship training and a career in academic medicine, where I can combine patient care, teaching, and research. I also hope to start a family and continue making time for the people, experiences, and activities that bring me joy.