Mayo Clinic recognizes Southwell surgeon for diversity efforts

TIFTON — The Mayo Clinic recently presented otolaryngologist Dr. Dontre’ Douse the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education Diversity Award.

Douse, who will begin practicing in Tifton with Southwell in August 2025, is currently receiving residency training in head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic’s main campus in Rochester, Minn. A Georgia native, Douse earned his medical degree from the Mercer School of Medicine in Savannah.

“I am humbled by this award and thank the Mayo Clinic for this recognition,” Douse said. “I look forward to starting my practice in Tifton next year with Southwell and performing procedures at Tift Regional Medical Center.”

The Mayo Clinic recognized Douse for his numerous efforts in promoting diversity within the medical profession. This included serving as an advisor and advocate for diversity in his residency program as well as being a nationally recognized leader in mentorship and advocacy for residents who are historically underrepresented in otolaryngology.

His work included advocacy in social media as well as activism through various student and professional societies. He is also the second author on an influential manuscript titled “Increasing the Number of Black Otolaryngologists.”

Douse also co-created a 10-week summer research education program for undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who identified as a minority underrepresented in medicine. The students also had to have a financially or educationally disadvantaged background. In addition to being the co-creator, Douse served as a student mentor and national representative and supporter of the program.

“Congratulations to Dr. Douse for this award, and we commend him for his tremendous advocacy,” Southwell President/CEO Christopher Dorman said. “We are proud that he will be joining our team in August 2025.”