Incoming Residents

Dr. Olivier Bourguillon was raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti for fourteen years before moving and growing up in Georgia. He attended college at The University of Georgia and completed his medical training at Morehouse School of Medicine. In his free time, he enjoys playing or watching soccer and basketball, exercising, the outdoors, discovering great restaurants or breweries and hanging out with friends. He chose UPMC because of its history and culture of providing excellent training in Otolaryngology, as well as the collegiate atmosphere with a lot of positive support.

Dr. Alex Harris was born in Charleston, WV. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and worked as an engineer in New Orleans and Houston before returning to earn a master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University and a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In her free time, Alex enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, programming, and hiking. Alex chose UPMC because it offers strong research opportunities combined with excellence in leadership, high-volume training, and outstanding camaraderie between the residents and faculty.

Dr. Shivam Patel, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, joined the University of Pittsburgh Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery residency program in June of 2022 after receiving his medical and undergraduate degree from Penn State University. While in medical school, he completed a clinical research year to further nurture his passion for Otolaryngology. He chose UPMC for residency for its robust surgical and clinical experience across all subspecialties, extensive opportunities for research, unparalleled legacy and mentorship, the opportunity to work with and learn from thought leaders in the field, and camaraderie of the residency program. Outside the hospital, he enjoys high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, Peloton, watching college football, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Brandon Smith was born and raised in central New Jersey. He received his undergraduate and Master’s from Rutgers before going on to attend medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. During his time in medical school, his research focused on improving access to surgical subspecialties for medical students, improving surgical education, reducing gender and racial disparities among academic providers, and improving outcomes for both adult and pediatric Otolaryngology patients. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys playing soccer, cooking, rock climbing, and gardening. Brandon was attracted to UPMC Otolaryngology for its incredible faculty support, exceptional training, and its welcoming, collegial atmosphere.

Dr. Kristen Zayan grew up in Michigan, and she completed an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Miami, where she subsequently obtained her medical degree. She chose UPMC for Otolaryngology residency after completing a sub-internship when she was drawn to both the academic strengths within the various subspecialties and dedication to research and teaching amongst the faculty and residents. In her free time she enjoys outdoor running, indoor spinning, hosting dinner parties, and making fancy cocktails.