Current Fellows
Dev Amin, MD
Hometown: Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College - Thomas Jefferson University
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University
Awards & Research:
- Outstanding Chief Resident Award
- Distinguished Resident Teaching Award (3x)
- AOA
- GHHS
My primary research has centered on tissue engineering applications in peripheral nerve regeneration using animal models. I received the Thomas Jefferson University Innovation Research Award and the Steven Balshi, MD Excellence in Research Award for leading a grant-supported investigation on Targeted Anti-neurofibrosis in
Medical Interests: Comprehensive Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Tissue Engineering Applications, Medical Education
Hobbies: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Fitness, Music, and Ceramics
What made you want to become a doctor?
Medicine offers a means to help others during their greatest times of need. It also fosters my love of biology, emphasizes the importance of effective communication, and involves lifelong learning.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology?
The breadth and depth of the specialty, combined with complex anatomy, are central to how patients communicate with the world. Further, the collegiality and collaboration that define the field are invaluable.
Why did you choose the U of MN?
The Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is nationally renowned for its comprehensive and expert training. Graduates of the fellowship go on to become leaders in the field. Dr. Hilger and the entire fellowship team provide exceptional mentorship and foster a strong sense of family, excellence, and legacy within the program.
Benjamin Ostrander, MD
Hometown: Kenwood, California
Medical School: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Residency: University of California - San Diego
Awards & Research:
- Herbert Silverstein Award for Research Excellence in Otology/Neurotology, May 2025
- Phi Beta Kappa
Medical Interests: Surgical innovation, Biodesign and medical device development, vestibular schwannoma management, operative efficiency, and process improvement
Hobbies: Music (from playing guitar and piano to attending concerts), being active in the great outdoors (running, cycling, triathlon, skiing, hiking, camping), art (museums, photography, painting), food & drink (discovering, appreciating, cooking)
What made you want to become a doctor? Medicine offers the opportunity to leverage a fascination with human biology towards improving the lives of others, merging art and science, and gaining insight into the full spectrum of the human condition.
What sparked your interest in ENT/Otolaryngology? The complex and intricate anatomy, the focus on treating conditions that are fundamental to communication and quality of life (hearing, speech, swallowing, smell, taste), and the people!
Why did you choose the U of MN? This program offers a positive and supportive community that can expand my horizons and broaden my surgical training, as well as outstanding bioengineering research opportunities.
Shelby Barrera, MD
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Medical School: University of Texas - San Antonio
Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Awards & Research:
- AOA
- Resident Research Award for work on In-Person and Virtual Otolaryngology Residency Reviews
- Research has included published papers on revision cochlear implantation, Bluetooth hearing aids, myringoplasty techniques, complications in obese tracheostomies, and primary care prescribing in AOM
Medical Interests: Everything Pediatric ENT, especially sleep, craniofacial, head and neck masses, and aerodigestive.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, 2 kids, and black lab), exploring restaurants and breweries, reading, road trips, tennis, and dancing
What made you want to become a doctor? I wanted a career in which I used my knowledge and skills to make other people’s lives better and medicine has allowed me to do just that.
What sparked your interest in ENT/Otolaryngology? I found ENT as a third year medical student after shadowing multiple surgical subspecialties. At first, I felt my personality meshed well with the pediatric ENTs at my home institution and they became my mentors. Once I became more involved, I realized how much I enjoyed the types of surgeries ENTs perform to improve basic quality of life tasks such as speech, hearing, swallowing, breathing, and sleep.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The broad breadth and depth of the pediatric ENT experience including craniofacial as well as the mentorship provided by the amazing faculty.