Ocala ENT Providers

Dr. Schmidt joined the practice in 2009. He is a native of Massachusetts. His undergraduate degree is from Johns Hopkins and post-graduate work was completed at Georgetown University. He attended Albany Medical College and completed a residency in Otolaryngology at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

He has a special interest in facial plastic surgery and completed a fellowship in that sub-specialty at the Garcia Facial Plastics Surgery Institute in Jacksonville, Florida.

Dr. Schmidt is double board certified in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, respectively. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He is a member of the American Rhinologic Society, and a member of AO CMF and is applying to become a faculty instructor in the organization. AO CMF is an internationally recognized craniomaxillofacial multidisciplinary trauma organization that provides ongoing research and education regarding facial bone and soft tissue trauma.

Dr. Grayson earned his BA in Biology from North Texas State University in 1980. He received his D.O. from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984. Dr. Grayson practiced general medicine for 6 years, then completed his otolaryngology residency at Oklahoma State University/Tulsa Regional Medical Center in 1995. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Grayson practiced in Crestview, FL and Orlando, FL before joining Ocala ENT. Dr. Grayson is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American College of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Grayson has special interest in diseases of the Thyroid and Parathyroid.

Dr. Jose L. Jiron Jr. MD is a board certified physician and surgeon treating all aspects of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat diseases). He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Findlay, in Findlay, Ohio, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and Spanish. Through awarded scholarships for his academic excellence, he went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine in Toledo, Ohio. He completed his Internship and Residency at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, under the direction of Dr. Robert H. Mathog MD. During his residency, Dr. Jiron published several journal articles and completed rotations at the Michigan Ear Institute and Karmanos Cancer Center.

His clinical interests include allergy, nose and sinus disease, thyroid/parathyroid disease, salivary gland disease, sleep apnea, facial trauma and reconstruction. He performs in-office balloon sinus dilation procedures (balloon sinuplasty) for patients with chronic sinus issues. He is now also performing balloon eustachian tube dilations for patients with eustachian tube dysfunction, as well as cryoablation for chronic rhinitis that doesn’t respond to nasal sprays/antihistamines. He is the only physician in Marion County performing hypoglossal nerve stimulator (INSPIRE) implantations for the treatment of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Dr. Jiron is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Jiron was born in Managua, Nicaragua and was raised in the United States since the age of seven. He is fluent in Spanish and aspires to give back to society through serving in medical missions abroad. He enjoys running, reading, spending time with his wife, and serving the local church.

Dr. Stephen Reynolds is a board certified otolaryngologist who joined the practice in 2020. He received his bachelor of science degree in biomedical science from the University of South Florida in 2010 where he graduated magna cum laude and was awarded several scholarships including the university’s Director’s Scholarship. He went on to obtain his doctor of osteopathy degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Bradenton campus in 2015, before subsequently completing residency in otolaryngology/facial plastic surgery from Mercy Health Youngstown in northeast Ohio in 2020.

During that time, he received advanced training in head and neck surgery along with otology at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio in addition to the general otolaryngology training at Mercy Health. Dr. Reynolds enjoys all aspects of general ENT.

Dr. T. Scott Keidel is a board-eligible otolaryngologist who joined Ocala ENT Specialists after completing his term as Resident Scholar in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at OhioHealth / Doctors Hospital in Columbus Ohio – a program affiliated with the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

His earlier education included a B.S. in Biology from High Point University in High Point, NC at which earned Dean’s List honors, and he obtained his doctor of osteopathy degree from the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, NC in 2018.

Dr. Keidel is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and enjoys providing his patients with all aspects of ENT care. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, and has been recognized by the Order of Omega Honor Society and the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. His service activities have included volunteering as a Special Olympics Youth Coach, and participating in a medical mission to Managua, Nicaragua.

José C. Mercado is a Physician Assistant (PA) with Ocala ENT Specialists, joining the group in 2017. Prior to this, he was with South Florida ENT Associates in Miami, Florida starting in 2001.

After serving in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist and flight medic for almost eight years, he went on to complete the Physician Assistant Program at Miami-Dade College’s Medical Center (MDC) and earned a Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University (NSU).

In addition to his training in family medicine, he completed an internship in Adult ENT/Head & Neck Surgery at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami, as well as a Preceptorship in Pediatric ENT at Miami Children’s Hospital.

He is passionate about medical education and currently holds academic appointments from Miami-Dade College, Florida International University, and Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences, Physician Assistant Program, and is an Instructor of Medical Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), College of Medicine.

He is a Fellow and Past President of the Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery (SPAO-HNS). He has served as their Webmaster and on their Scholarship Committee. His special interests include sleep medicine, physician assistant education, aesthetics, and cryosurgery. In 2018, he became the first PA in the country to be certified to perform the ClariFix cryosurgery, which is an in-office procedure for chronic rhinitis.

He has been recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants as a Distinguished Fellow and Clinical Preceptor. He was also selected as a “Top Provider” for Otolaryngology Physician Assistant in Ocala for 2018.

Megan Werbel is a Physician Assistant who joined the group in 2023.  Both her Bachelor of Arts, and her Master of Physician Assistant studies were earned at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL – she is a true “double Gator”.

After doing rotations in a number of specialties within the UF/Shands System, Megan realized that otolaryngology was her true passion and joined Ocala ENT Specialists shortly after graduation.   She is board-certified by the prestigious National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Notice to our patients: Departure of Scott Nadenik, DO

Dear Valued Patients and Community Members,

We wish to inform you that Scott Nadenik, DO our dedicated otolaryngologist, will be leaving Ocala ENT effective March 31, 2026. Dr. Nadenik has accepted a new position in Washington State, and will continue practicing otolaryngology there.

Dr. Nadenik has greatly enjoyed serving the Ocala community and is deeply grateful for the trust and relationships built with our patients over the years.

Please be assured that your ongoing ENT care remains our top priority. Our remaining board-certified otolaryngologists at Ocala ENT are fully prepared to continue providing the same high-quality care you have come to expect. We will ensure a smooth transition for all active patients, including timely access to follow-up appointments and any necessary referrals.

If you have questions about your care, upcoming appointments, or would like to request a copy of your medical records, please contact our office directly at:

• Phone: 352-732-5042
• Website: www.ocalaent.com

We remain committed to your health and well-being. Thank you for your understanding during this transition.

[Posted 1/12/2026]

Important Notice: Retirement of Dr. Thomas Thomason, MD

Dear Valued Patients and Community Members,

After more than seven years of dedicated service to our patients and the Central Florida community, Dr. Thomas Thomason will be retiring from active clinical practice, effective January 31, 2026.

Dr. Thomason has been an integral part of Ocala ENT, providing exceptional ear, nose, and throat care with compassion, expertise, and professionalism. We are deeply grateful for the countless lives he has touched and the trust you have placed in him over the years.

Please be assured that our practice remains open and committed to continuing your care. Our other board-certified otolaryngologists are accepting new patients and are ready to step in to meet your ENT healthcare needs.

If you are currently under Dr. Thomason’s care, our team will assist with scheduling follow-up appointments with another provider in the practice or help coordinate any necessary referrals. We encourage you to contact our office at 352-732-5042 or via our patient portal to discuss your ongoing care.

Your medical records will remain securely maintained by Ocala ENT. If you would like a copy of your records transferred to another provider or need assistance accessing them, please reach out to our office. We will be happy to guide you through the process.

We sincerely thank you for allowing Dr. Thomason the privilege of serving as your physician. On behalf of the entire Ocala ENT team, we wish him a joyful and well-deserved retirement filled with health, happiness, and new adventures.

Thank you for your continued trust in our practice.

Posted 1/12/2026