Biographical summary
Zech G. Franks, M.D., is a fellowship-trained sinus and endoscopic skull base surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He specializes in treating difficult-to-manage sinus and nasal disease, with expertise in benign and malignant tumors of the skull base and sinuses, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, chronic sinusitis and anosmia
(loss of the sense of smell).
"I am dedicated to caring for patients with sinonasal tumors and other rhinology conditions by guiding them with clarity and compassion, and providing treatment that not only promotes healing but empowers them to enjoy a full, meaningful life," says Dr. Franks.
In addition to his clinical activities at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Franks serves as a residency admissions committee member and interviewer, as well as a medical advisor for the ENT physician newsletter. He has published multiple articles on topics including sinus disease, skull base pathology and the effects of pollution on sinus disease. He is also a reviewer for the medical journal International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.
Dr. Franks earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Franks then attended Stanford University School of Medicine for his fellowship training in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery.
Dr. Franks is often invited to speak at national and regional medical conferences and meetings. He is a professional member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, Florida Society of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery and North American Skull Base Society Mentor/Mentee Program.
When he is not at work, Dr. Franks enjoys camping with his wife and three young boys. He also spends time running, cycling, hiking and reading fantasy or science fiction novels.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Endoscopic skull base surgery
Interests
- Endoscopic skull base surgery
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Encephalocele
- Nasal CSF leak
- Anosmia
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2024
Fellowship - Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull base SurgeryDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
- 2023
Residency - Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2018
Research Student - MedicalUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2018
MDUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2014
MA - Master of Public Health, Certificate in Global HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- 2009
Undergraduate Research FellowVanguard University of Southern California
- 2009
BS - BiologyVanguard University of Southern California
Activities and honors
Awards and honors
- 2022
Top Research Presentation at Johns Hopkins Resident Research SymposiumDepartment of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2022
Top clinical abstract at COSM ARS meetingDepartment of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2019
Resident of the Month of Johns Hopkins HospitalDepartment of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2017
Medical Award of Excellence ScholarshipUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2015
Medical Award of Excellence ScholarshipUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2014
Medical Award of Excellence ScholarshipUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2014
Endowed Scholarships based on service, merit, and needUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2014
Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare Distinction TractUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2014
Student Council Class Representative for Class of 2018University of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2012
Dean’s ScholarshipJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- 2011
Young Investigator AwardAAPC CHEST Meeting, American College of Chest Physicians
- 2011
Highlighted PosterCongress of International Society on Thrombosis & Haemostasis
Professional memberships
- 2025 - present
Medical Adviser for the ENT Physician NewsletterDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery/Audiology
- 2025 - present
MemberAmerican Rhinologic Society
- 2025 - present
MemberNorth American Skull Base Society
- 2025 - present
Mentor/Mentee ProgramNorth American Skull Base Society
- 2025 - present
MemberAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
- 2025 - present
MemberFlorida Society of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
- 2024 - present
Residency Admissions Committee Member and InterviewerDepartment of Otolaryngology
Publications