Meet Our Team

Thomas J. Benda, Jr., MD, FACS, FAAOA

Otolaryngologist

I offer comprehensive ENT care, with a special interest in allergies that assists me while evaluating nose and sinus issues. I was the first otolaryngologist in Dubuque to be residency-trained in endoscopic sinus surgery. I enjoy caring for pediatric patients, performing tonsillectomies and placing ear tubes. I offer stapedectomy and other ear surgeries for hearing, as well as thyroidectomy, parotidectomy and surgeries for head and neck cancer.

I was influenced by my father, who founded what would become Dubuque ENT in 1957. I worked side-by-side with him for several years before his retirement.

I have served as the Chief of Staff and Chief of the Surgical Department at Finley Unity Point, President of the Iowa Academy of Otolaryngology and President of the Dubuque County Medical Society. I have also served on the Board of Directors at the Dubuque Museum of Art and the Education Board at St Columbkille’s parish and schools.

My wife Anne and I have two grown children, Lydia and Jack, and two dogs, George and Sansa. In my free time, I enjoy downhill skiing, bicycling, hiking, drawing, brewing, watching movies and visiting art museums.

Specialties

• Otolaryngic Allergy
• Sinus Surgery
• Otology

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Zoology, University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine
• Internship in General Surgery, Cleveland Case Western University
• Residency in Otolaryngology, University of Chicago Medical Center

Affiliations and Certifications

• Member, Iowa Academy of Otolaryngology
• Board-Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Fellow, American Rhinologic Society
• Member, American Medical Association
• Member, Iowa Medical Society

Daniel J. Givens, MD, FACS

Otolaryngologist

During medical school, I became fascinated with the anatomy with the head and neck, as well as complex surgical issues of head and neck reconstruction.  I enjoyed connecting with patients and helping them recover during difficult times. Later through facial plastic surgery training, I was able to blend my previous background in art with my artistic judgement and technical dexterity.

I am a kind person who treats my patients well and finds time to relate to them. I am proud of my artistic judgment and ability to blend it with my strong technical skills to shape ideal outcomes for my patients.

My wonderful wife Katie is a physician assistant, manages our cosmetic practice and is a cosmetic injector. I have four daughters, and the best part of my day is getting to see my family every morning and evening. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and outdoor sports like running, skiing and hiking.

Education

• Residency, University of Utah School of Medicine
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of Iowa

Affiliation and Certifications

• Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
• Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery

Kat (Katelynn) Knipper, MSPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

I grew up in North Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology as a first-generation college student in 2015. After graduation, I moved to Iowa City to pursue an interest in medicine while working as an inpatient phlebotomist and certified nursing assistant for two years before deciding to apply to PA school. I then made the move to Dubuque in 2018 and started PA school at the University of Dubuque.

In 2020, I both graduated and got married to my very supportive husband, Shane, who is a brewer at Dimensional Brewing Company. Right out of school, I spent a little over a year commuting to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to work in cardiothoracic surgery. Dubuque quickly became home to us, and I knew that I wanted to take care of patients who live within the local community. When the opportunity became available, I transitioned to the field of ENT head & neck surgery in 2022. When not in the office, I enjoy hiking with my husband and two border collies, yoga, reading, traveling and true crime podcasts. 

Education

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Dubuque
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Luther College

Certification

• The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Justin Hunn, PA-C

Physician Assistant

I grew up in Weatherford, Texas, a small town outside of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and I am a first-generation medical provider in my family. I met my wife in college at Harding University and then spent three years in Nashville, TN, working in cardiology research on integrins and atherosclerosis, as well as working as a GI tech for the colonoscopy lab. I moved to Dubuque for PA school and fell in love with the town and surrounding area. My biggest desire is to be of service to the community that has shown me so much love and support.

I have been married to my wife, April, since 2016. We have three beautiful cats that we love and adore. Outside of work, I enjoy disc golf, hiking, camping, backpacking, basketball, gaming and snuggling my cats.

Education

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Dubuque
• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Minor in Missions, Harding University

Certification

• The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)