Meet the 2025 Teacher of the Year awardees

Dedicated to trainee education. He really prioritizes educating fellows, residents, and students. Everything is a learning opportunity when working with Dr. Shamoun.

Dr. Shamoun is very passionate about enhancing the training experience on nuclear rotation. He provided appropriate orientation to the various aspects of the rotation, ensured trainees have a good learning environment and incorporated teaching throughout the work flow. He is approachable, easy to work with and upholds trainee autonomy.

Dr. Shamoun made time to teach on a daily basis, and made me see patterns that I previously did not recognize, especially within the spectrum of vascular diseases. I was also inspired by how much Dr. Shamoun’s patients valued him as their quarterback, so to speak, between vascular surgery and neurosurgery. He always motivates the next generation of students and trainees by showing them how much is not quite known about these conditions. We are so fortunate to have him as a provider and teacher.

Dr. Shamoun is always a joy to work with. His passion for teaching is evident every day he works with fellows. Despite such a busy day with patients and reading images, Dr. Shamoun made time for us to go over relevant nuclear board preparation and other high yield topics. This goes a long way in motivating us to continue becoming better versions of ourselves.

The nominee regularly takes the time to thoroughly review all educational cases while simultaneously emphasizing the relevant local anatomy with all residents on the musculoskeletal radiology service, regardless of the length of the list or how hectic the day may be. He also has served as an excellent mentor outside the reading room, assisting with and providing guidance on educational exhibits which have won awards at international radiology conferences and been solicited for publication. He also recently won the reading room educator of the year award, consistently provides high-yield didactic lectures of excellent quality, and was a significant contributor to my success on the musculoskeletal section of the diagnostic radiology CORE certification exam.

Dr. Melville works endlessly as our wellness chair to improve resident morale, mentorship and joy! He comes up with new ideas and events and always wants to know how to improve the residents’ work experience. In the reading room, he is welcoming of questions and enthusiastic about teaching. He cares about the residents as individuals and checks on us professionally and personally.

Dr. Melville cares deeply about our residents and is always willing to listen. He takes time to teach every single day, and encourages senior residents to teach as well. Overall, he is a great attending and we feel grateful to learn from him.

Dr. Sugi recently became the new Division Education Director for our Body Division. He is a former Mayo radiology resident who returned to Mayo after working as an attending at UCSF. His expertise is unparalleled, but more than that he consistently goes above and beyond to provide high quality education in conference, in the reading room, and while we are on call. He makes an effort to meet with us individually to ensure we have the support, resources and strategies to be competent in body imaging interpretation. He is invested in our success and it shows. He is not just an excellent educator, but a role model and an inspiration.

Dr. Sugi is a gold-standard educator in the reading room and during didactics. I love when he pulls up a relevant PowerPoint presentation related to an interesting case we are reading and takes a few minutes to go over some teaching points. Additionally, he frequently sends trainees interesting cases and teaching articles outside of clinical hours.

Great teacher who provides high level teaching to residents consistently.

On my first week in radiology, Dr. Sugi went above and beyond to make sure that I understood the basics such as the workflow, software and overall expectations. As I have gone through residency, he continues to go out of his way to teach me. He is also a genius. I swear, he knows so much about body radiology. It is a privilege to learn from him and I am thankful he chooses to work here.

Dr. Renfree is an excellent teacher in conference, clinic and the OR. He goes above and beyond to teach the residents and medical students. He is always available and willing to answer any questions. Overall, Dr. Renfree is a great role model for us both inside and outside of the hospital.

Dr. Kevin Renfree is an exemplary candidate for the Educator of the Year award due to his unwavering commitment to medical education and his innovative contributions to the field of hand surgery. As an assistant professor, he has demonstrated a profound dedication to mentoring residents and medical students, fostering their development through hands-on training and collaborative learning experiences. Dr. Renfree is not only a skilled surgeon but also a prolific researcher, having co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles that advance the understanding of complex hand conditions. His leadership as chair of the Division of Hand Surgery at Mayo Clinic further exemplifies his desire to elevate the standards of education and practice in orthopedics. Dr. Renfree’s passion for teaching and his continuous pursuit of knowledge make him a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition.

He has been dedicated to educating residents for over 30 years, has been integral to the orthopedic and plastic hand surgery integration process, recently initiated monthly hand conference, and has contributed to many high-level research projects that have been impactful in clinical practice.  Additionally, he has always been an incredible mentor for all residents, including those not going in the hand surgery.

Over 30 years, he has contributed extensively to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, resident education and is extensively involved with teaching at the medical school. He dedicates many extra hours of his time toward our education both inside and outside of the operating room. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside an individual of excellence and an outstanding mentor like Dr. Renfree. Best of the best.

He has demonstrated commitment to all facets of resident education in clinic, surgery and didactics. He has put resident needs above his own and is an extraordinary advocate.

There are few people in the world more excited about sinus surgery than Dr. Marino. His enthusiasm for understanding the pathophysiology and management of the diseases he cares for is contagious. He is an exceptional teacher both in clinic and in the operating room. His has an uncanny ability for knowing exactly what little adjustments need to made to help things click from a learning perspective. Beyond caring for residents as future surgeons, Dr. Marino is an excellent advocate for our growth as individuals.

Dr. Marino is an excellent teacher both inside and outside the operating room. Perhaps his most defining characteristic as an educator is the level of care and consideration he puts into each of his residents. He has an incredible ability to simplify complex anatomy and pathophysiology to a practical level to appropriately manage patient care. He is intentional in the way he teaches in the operating room, balancing in real time the interplay between feedback and autonomy. Beyond the individual moments of teaching, Dr. Marino has the uncanny ability to look at the bigger picture of trainee growth, and is resolute in his commitment to giving the trainees what they really need to become excellent surgeons and physicians. His door is always open and he’s never too busy for a “few minute” chat to help a resident.

Dr. Marino is an exceptional surgeon and dedicated educator in the field of rhinology. Dr. Marino’s passion for his specialty and his unwavering commitment to patient care and education have made a profound impact on both his patients and his trainees. Dr. Marino has significantly advanced the field of rhinology through his innovative research and clinical expertise. His work in developing biomarkers for chronic rhinosinusitis and applying artificial intelligence for data analysis exemplifies his forward-thinking approach. The breadth of his contributions to the field is extensive, reflecting a career dedicated to enhancing our understanding and treatment of sinonasal disorders. As a mentor, Dr. Marino stands out for his unique ability to connect with his trainees. His understanding and patience create a nurturing environment where residents feel valued and empowered. Each resident respects and looks up to him, recognizing him as an exemplary figure in their professional development. His dedication to education ensures that the next generation of surgeons is well-prepared to meet the challenges of their careers. Dr. Marino’s leadership in both clinical practice and research is commendable. He has been instrumental in fostering collaborations that push the boundaries of knowledge in rhinology, addressing critical unmet needs in clinical care and research. His ongoing contributions continue to shape the future of rhinology, making him a respected leader in the field.

Dr. Marino is a fantastic educator. He is approachable, inquisitive and inspiring. He epitomizes academic medicine and embraces the Mayo model of apprenticed teaching. His enthusiasm for rhinology is obvious and contagious. He is supportive of research ideas and encourages intellectual curiosity. It was clear upon my first visit with Dr. Marino how thoughtful he is as both an educator and leader. I can think of no better person to receive this award.

Dr. Marino creates a learning environment where all feel comfortable participating in questions and discussions. His humble mentoring inspires professional excellence and teaches us by first giving the best example.

Dr. Adam Milam is busy with clinical duties, research projects, committee work, and academic work, yet he prioritizes resident learning and well-being. He organizes and hosts monthly journal clubs where he challenges residents to be thoughtful and intentional in their analysis of papers. He has developed and hosts a yearly, tri-site journal club for all anesthesia residents across the enterprise. He teaches lectures that are high-yield and excellent. And most importantly, when we, as residents, work with him in the operating room, he prioritizes our education and growth. He is supportive, consistent, and thoughtful in his teaching, but tough and demanding that we give our best. Whether he is aware of it or not, he lifts residents up to reach their highest potential in the operating room and beyond. We are thankful for his teaching, guidance and leadership. Dr. Milam is an incredible teacher and advocate for resident education and well-being. Even with his busy schedule of research, leadership appointments and clinical duties, he dedicates his limited time to resident education. He has single-handedly developed an excellent journal club and patient safety conference program. He challenges residents to think critically and grow. In the clinical environment, he expects excellence and encourages residents, through his example, leadership and teaching, to rise to each occasion. We are fortunate and grateful to have Dr. Milam, and we are better anesthesiologists because of his commitment to our education and professional development.

Dr. Milam is an excellent advocate for resident education and well-being. He leads monthly journal club meetings with the anesthesia residents and has introduced tri-site journal clubs to facilitate sharing of research and resources across the enterprise. In the OR, he never misses an opportunity to teach and does so in a supportive way which engenders trust and understanding.

Dr. Milam is a passionate and devoted educator. He spends a significant amount of time committed to resident education and well being. He also encourages resident autonomy and participation in the learning process. It is evident how much he truly cares about his role as an educator and it is much appreciated by the residents.

Dr. Henry Clarke is an outstanding nominee for the educator in Research award, recognized for his significant contributions to the field of arthroplasty. As the Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Clarke has been instrumental in advancing knee replacement techniques, particularly through his research on robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty, which enhances surgical accuracy and patient outcomes. His recent publications, including a randomized controlled trial on total knee arthroplasties, reflect his commitment to evidence-based practices and his dedication to improving surgical methodologies. Dr. Clarke’s passion for educating the next generation of orthopedic surgeons, combined with his innovative research efforts, position him as a leader in the field and a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Dr. Clarke is involved in many research projects. Despite his busy schedule he is always willing to be part of our projects and provide valuable guidance.

Dr. Clarke has mentored or attributed to countless clinically impactful publications.  Most recently, he was responsible for overseeing the integration of Pearl Diver into our research practice, which has already resulted in many high-level publications.

Dr. Clarke has contributed to numerous studies that have changed the way Orthopedic Surgeons practice not only here at Mayo Clinic, but across the country and the world. This past year alone, he has traveled nationally and internationally to present research projects and has won numerous research awards in the process. Dr. Clarke is an outstanding research mentor for residents, fellows and medical students.

Don Dulle is an exceptional candidate for this award in recognition of his profound impact on sports medicine education and resident training. As a physician assistant specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, he has dedicated himself to mentoring trainees, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the complexities of sports-related injuries. His engaging teaching style and commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment have inspired many residents to excel in their careers. Additionally, Don’s active involvement in educational programs and workshops ensures that trainees are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in sports medicine, making him a pivotal figure in advancing their education and professional development.

Don is fantastic to work with. He teaches residents all aspects of sports medicine. He is always a pleasure to be around and is helpful in all parts of the practice. He significantly enhances our sports medicine rotation.

Don Dulle has contributed extensively to resident, fellow and medical student education throughout his many years at Mayo Clinic. He constantly goes out of his way and takes from his own time to explain concepts and make sure our education is the best it can be. I’m grateful for all the time I have spent with and everything I have learned from Don Dulle.

Dr. Aimen Vanood graduated from Arizona State University in 2016. She completed medical school in 2021 and graduated from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She completed her Transitional Year at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and graduates from the Mayo Clinic Arizona Neurology Residency in 2025. Dr. Vanood will continue her education and training in the Mayo Clinic Arizona Headache Fellowship.

As a senior resident, she demonstrates the qualities of a fantastic leader, ever thoughtful of all team members, and welcoming junior trainees and medical students to instantly feel they are looked after.  

While prioritizing clinical experiences, she has made time to pursue other academic endeavors.  Her presentations and publications have spanned several subspecialties. More recently she has focused her research on headache disorders, particularly in the aging population, and is working on a related niche senior research project to be further expanded into her forthcoming headache fellowship.

Dr. Vanood is passionate about education and shares her spirit of inquisitiveness with others. She has gone above and beyond in curating high-yield didactic lessons, creatively adding communication specific topics and innovative formats to further augment the residency curriculum. She has been successful in integrating a formal simulation curriculum and plans to publish her work in the growing education literature.

She approaches all that she does with humility, great thought, and consideration. She has truly embraced the words of Drs. Will and Charlie Mayo in keeping the needs of the patient first. She lives this value every day and ensures that the care of each patient is always paramount.  

Dr. Vanood embodies the characteristics of the Spirit of Mayo Clinic Award and Mayo Clinic values in her unwavering commitment to service, her keen understanding of the privilege of being a physician, her dedication to innovations in education, her spirit as a perennial learner, and above all in her signature kindness. 

Fantastic educator and role model for residents and fellows in the field of regional anesthesiology. Creates a safe, engaging and supportive environment for learning. Dr. Nimma consistently takes the time to teach and support residents learning. She provides clear, detailed explanations and poses thoughtful questions that spark curiosity.

Mentors to excellence, expects a lot, worries about teaching residents and fellows equally. Dr. Ray is an exceptional teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to support the learning and development of the fellows. He dedicates a significant amount of time to teaching, ensuring that complex concepts are explained clearly and thoroughly. His approachable demeanor and genuine passion for education make him an invaluable resource for trainees.

In addition to his teaching excellence, Dr. Ray has played a transformative role in the program by reinventing the curriculum for nuclear cardiology. He has substantially updated and enhanced the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the latest advancements in the field, making it more engaging and effective for fellows. His innovative approach has not only improved the educational experience but has also better prepared trainees for their careers in cardiology.

Dr. Ray’s dedication to teaching and his commitment to continually improving the program make him a truly deserving candidate for this award.

Very engaging cosmetic teaching sessions. Dr. Pincelli is incredibly knowledgeable on peels and is an asset to our cosmetic education.

To complement her cosmetic teaching, she is also very familiar with tropical and infectious disease. She explains beyond the textbook and using her own collection of images, she helps us get the gestalt for disease that we would not normally be exposed to in the U.S.

Extremely approachable, kind and informative. She is very encouraging and positive, which motivates residents to want to work with her and be more like her.

Always willing to discuss cases with us, and goes above and beyond, sharing articles related to our patients to expand our learning.

As a graduate of our program, she inspires residents, showing us what our future holds and helping us achieve our goals.

Dr. Nadwodny provides enthusiastic sports medicine teaching. He is knowledgeable, efficient and up-to-date on all the latest literature. 

Dr. Nadwodny is such a positive force for the residents. He is knowledgeable, patient, efficient, and goes the extra mile as a teacher (and does so with a smile on his face). He is appreciated.

Dr. Kinnucan prioritizes teaching while ensuring the highest level of care for her patients. She serves as a mentor on an individual level to those in all stages of their training, including residents, fellows and junior faculty. Her generosity in collaboration with trainees is common knowledge among the residents and fellows at Mayo Clinic in Florida. She has worked with countless residents on projects that have facilitated presentations at national and international research conferences and authorship in leading journals.

Dr. Kinnucan has utilized her leadership positions to altruistically mentor and promote women, who are underrepresented in the male-predominant field of gastroenterology. Dr. Kinnucan’s investment in the women around her in various stages of their careers allows her to identify their strengths and ultimately sponsor them for opportunities for professional growth. 

Dr. Manochakian goes above and beyond traditional teaching, dedicating countless hours to mentoring and guiding his fellows. I can speak from personal experience as Dr. Manochakian has been a transformative mentor who consistently guides, supports and inspires me daily. He creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to achieve their best. His ability to adapt his teaching to meet the diverse needs of his fellows demonstrates his deep understanding of educational excellence. Moreover, Dr. Manochakian is a role model for lifelong learning. He actively engages in professional development and incorporates the latest advancements into his curriculum, setting a standard for continuous improvement. It is a consensus that Dr. Manochakian’s passion for education inspires those around him, motivating his fellows to pursue their own academic and professional aspirations with the same dedication. Through his exceptional leadership, mentorship and teaching, Dr. Manochakian has made an indelible impact on his fellows’ lives, cultivating knowledge, confidence and a sense of purpose. He is a true beacon of excellence in education, and his contributions will undoubtedly resonate for years.

Taught me a lot of the basics of “internal medicine” care. He is one of the best physicians and teachers I have encountered since being at Mayo Clinic. During rounds he always takes the time to teach us new information and takes a lot of time to make sure we learn something and take something away from rounds every day. Additionally, he always creates an environment that fosters learning. I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Butt.

Dr. Trautman allows learners to think critically for themselves but also fine-tunes their ways of thinking so they can get the bigger picture. He provides additional resources for learning and is patient. 

Dr. Hammack is brilliant, with an impressive list of board certifications. Yet she makes every learner feel just as smart as her — and feel like they are a valuable contribution to the team. Despite her incredible accomplishments, she is down-to-earth, warm and welcoming. 

Dr. Nakhleh goes above and beyond to explain the cases and offer resources for more in-depth information, He is always available and welcoming of any questions or clarifications, his door is always open.  He is very easy to work with and gives constructive feedback.

Dr. Lee is the ideal physician that I aspire to be. His vast wealth of knowledge is truly awe-inspiring. He is very dedicated to teaching and sharing that wealth of knowledge. In addition, his bedside manner is amazing. He is capable of explaining complicated concepts in a simple and approachable way. He never judges or makes the learner feel bad. Truly a great role model. 

Dr. Oladeru has been an exceptional educator for the radiation oncology residents at Mayo Clinic Florida. She has led the development of the breast cancer didactics curriculum, ensuring the content is both comprehensive and tailored to address key knowledge gaps. On her clinical rotation, she provides invaluable one-on-one teaching, emphasizing high-yield material critical for board exam preparation. Beyond her formal teaching responsibilities, Dr. Oladeru is deeply invested in mentoring residents, offering career guidance, research collaboration opportunities and tailored feedback to help them excel academically and clinically. Her innovative teaching methods, including case-based learning and interactive sessions, have been universally praised by residents. Dr. Oladeru’s dedication to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment set her apart as an outstanding candidate for Educator of the Year. Gives multiple lectures throughout the year and excellent mentorship for board study. Dr. Oladeru has been an excellent teacher, providing comprehensive overviews of topics related to breast and gynecologic cancers. She is extremely nice and approachable and has regularly taken time out of her normal clinical duties to offer lectures to all the residents. She goes above and beyond for resident education. In addition to giving didactic lectures to the entire residency and individually when rotating on her service, she also helps extensively with boards preparation, which is incredibly helpful. 

Dr. Stowell is humble, professional and extremely knowledgeable. He gives very good lectures. It doesn’t matter if you are on day service, on call, on overnight, or just walking by the hallway to ask a question: He’s always passionate to teach residents. 

Dr. Wang makes time for case-based teaching even on busy days and regularly educates on physical examination skills in addition to medical decision-making. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always approachable. He exemplifies excellent bedside manner and is both an excellent educator and role model.

Dr. Veenstra is a great educator who provides residents with autonomy and feedback. Dr. Veenstra is a true gem when it comes to the surgical residents’ education. His ability to maintain calm amidst a service beset by chaos and the way he remains ever available to talk through thought processes and weigh the pros and cons of surgical decision making are just a few examples of his many positive attributes. Dr. Veenstra is one of the hardest working and most caring surgeons there is; he would do anything for his patients and residents. He is an excellent surgeon, a compassionate doctor and a joy to work with. 

Finest surgical and clinical educator I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Natural leader. Great teacher. Patient. Available. Helpful. He is an excellent surgical and clinical educator as well as a great person.

One of the most prominent people in the MCF trainee community (despite not being a trainee himself!) unifies residents, fellows and med students through programming and personal support. He is sincere and kind in all his work and it feels like he puts trainees first. Makes everyone feel welcome and values on the MCF campus.

Exceptional dedication and support within the trainee community.

Incredibly supportive of Mayo resident programming. Willing to put in a lot of hard work to make sure trainees are happy and engaged on campus. He truly listens to our needs and goes above and beyond to design programming that aligns with trainee interests.

Brandon is extremely quick to respond to trainees. He helps trainees-in-need when they need to navigate the MFA emergency fund, coordinate outside assistance (such as childcare) or help familiarize people with Jacksonville. We appreciate his personalized support and willingness to help.

Dr. Huang dedicates his career to improving resident education.

Dr. Huang has gone through extraordinary efforts to foster resident education. He took the time to refresh our SIM trainings and even came up with an escape room using anesthesiology equipment. His time, hard work, and passion for education are truly impressive.

Dr. Huang is an excellent teacher and always interested in education for all learners. He is especially involved in the simulation program and coordinates one of my favorite sim labs (escape room). Thanks for all you do!

Dr. Huang is dedicated to mentorship and went above and beyond to help me reach my goals.

Such an amazing teacher! So invested in making learning fun!

Dr. Ramanujan has gone above and beyond every day to educate residents and fellows. He is always looking for opportunities to teach, including coming in on his post-call days to provide one-on-one teaching.

A consultant who goes above and beyond in educating residents. He works diligently on educational opportunities and is dedicated to advancing the educational goals of residents across the department.

No professional interaction with Dr. Bois goes without teaching points. He intentionally sets aside time for holding flash lectures on high-yield, clinically impactful topics.

Has a deck of slides for any possible topic within cardiology. Ask Dr. Bois for a presentation on any topic and you shall receive.

Teaches with every breath he takes on every occasion and is overall an amazing human being

Dr. Bois consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to cardiology education by always taking the time to teach. Whether in clinical settings, during lectures, or one-on-one mentorship, Dr. Bois ensures that learners at all levels gain a clear understanding of complex cardiology concepts. This dedication not only enhances the knowledge and skills of trainees but also fosters a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning in the field of cardiology.

Dr. Bois is e truly phenomenal. He always take the time, including on busy rotations, to ensure that our learning is not compromised due to workloads. He is dedicated to teaching and is genuinely interested in making sure we understand the basics and advanced information. He does this in a truly easy-to-digest way and always leaves me feeling motivated and inspired to learn more.

Dr Bois is an excellent teacher and educator. This year on our cardiovascular rotation, he made sure to discuss relevant topics on a daily basis with our team. They were relevant, conciseand interactive with great teaching points. His ability to discuss and teach on busy services was also an important factor that helped learners in getting the message.

He is the best!

He is truly concerned about fellows’ learning and takes the time to teach.

Dr. Miranda is a very kind and dedicated educator. He can guide trainees to think through complex clinical situations while also creating a safe learning environment.

Great teacher who is willing to take the time to explain everything.

Few people are as dedicated as he is to our education. Absolutely amazing.

To say Dr. Miranda is brilliant is an understatement. His level of knowledge and the way he conveys it are impressive.

He is always teaching, whether conference or at the bedside. His understanding of hemodynamics is exceptional, and he truly puts our trainees in the next tier of expertise. He is always encouraging of learning and consistently pushes us to be our best. Unmatched educator and mentor.

He always cares about the trainees in every aspect of their training, gives them a lot of autonomy and confidence in the operating room and is always available for coaching.

Dr. Stulak takes the time to teach. He genuinely cares about our education and us as people. He tailors his teaching to the needs of the trainee. He gives great feedback and is an excellent example of professionalism.

Dr. Stulak never lets a case go by where he doesn’t have the resident do some part of the case. He not only helped me gain independence in cannulating and decannulating but also enabled me to do proximal and distal anastomoses independently and wean from bypass independently. He is a good teacher when he is there, but he is an expert at growing his student’s autonomy and knows when it is time to not be there and help us grow our confidence managing patients in the OR.

Outside of the OR he is a mentor and wants to know about the residents on a personal level, helping us professionally and troubleshooting problems. He is an example to me of the kind of staff I hope to be one day.

Phenomenal teacher who makes the OR a safe learning environment and consistently lets fellows do more in his cases than many other staff, which is monumental to our learning. He coaches you through each case.

Dr. Stulak takes the time to tailor the education he gives me to my needs. He provides insightful feedback which helps me to improve. He cares deeply for his patients and his colleagues who help him provide care as a team. His operating room is a place of learning and healing but also a place that is safe and fun.

Dr. Stulak goes out of his way day in and day out to make sure residents and fellows are succeeding both in and out of the OR, at work and at home.

Champion for residents and their learning and autonomy in the OR.

He is a great teacher both inside and outside the operating room and cares for residents a lot, and gives them support and coaching. I don’t think anyone in this department is better with residents and fellows than him. He deserves this award.

Dr. Assad consistently goes above and beyond in his role as a mentor, providing hands-on guidance to residents and fostering an environment of learning that pushes them to reach their full potential. Through his unwavering commitment to teaching, he not only imparts essential clinical knowledge but also serves as a role model in how to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients. Dr. Assad’s approach to mentoring is exemplary, encouraging residents to challenge themselves and strive for continuous improvement. His dedication to shaping the next generation of practitioners goes far beyond standard expectations, making a lasting impact on both the professional and personal growth of the residents he mentors.

Dr. Assad truly cares about the well-being and success of his residents. He helps his residents learn how to think through different situations and problem-solve.

Dr. Assad has provided an amazing environment that bolsters our success as residents. He guides us as professionals and gives us a great deal of confidence in our abilities to succeed. Dr. Assad is a world class educator, clinician, and mentor that is a true expert in the field. I am honored to be working with him and able to learn from his wealth of knowledge.

Dr. Assad is an exceptional mentor who genuinely cares about the education and growth of his residents. He is always approachable, creating a supportive environment where residents feel comfortable seeking guidance. Dr. Assad provides hands-on mentorship, ensuring that each resident improves their clinical skills through personalized attention and constructive feedback. He is dedicated to making sure residents get the most out of their residency experience, sharing valuable tips and knowledge that help them succeed. His commitment to their professional development and well-being sets him apart as a mentor.

Dr. Assad always looks out for not only his own residents, but for residents in other dental specialties. He has a special talent for making the residents feel cared for by taking the time out of his busy days to touch base with everyone. His efforts mean the world to us, and they contribute greatly to our sense of community.

Dr. Assad provides an amazing environment for learning and is a true role model. He embodies the Mayo Clinic Values and is always looking out for the greater good of others, especially his students.

Dr. Aghazadeh has a particularly effective way of approaching every patient with a genuine interest in diagnosing and treating. No patient is too complicated or challenging for her to maintain curiosity in creating the best workup and treatment plan. This is an inspiring quality for a teaching physician to model for dermatology learners.

Great educator of dermatology and significant role model!

She goes out of her way to show interesting cases but also bread and butter, which is just as helpful. Additionally, she provides a safe learning environment for all the learners.

Dr. Aghazadeh is the perfect balance of being knowledgeable and passionate, yet remaining humble, kind and gentle. Her expertise tackles one of the most difficult niches within dermatology; genodermatoses. This can be particularly intimidating to trainees, but her accessible style of teaching makes this topic not only digestible but fascinating. As residents, we look forward to rotating in Dr. Aghazadeh’s clinics, knowing it will be fun even (or especially) when the patient presentations can be complex and challenging. She is an excellent ambassador of Mayo Clinic culture and deserves high praise!

Dr. Aghazadeh is a brilliant physician and is a kind, approachable person who shows passion for teaching and setting trainees up for success. Every time I work with her; she goes out of her way to teach in a way that is easily understood. She is a fantastic mentor and helped me to get an abstract accepted at AAD. She involves residents in various research projects and helps us find these opportunities. We are incredibly lucky to have her at Mayo!

Brilliant. Always has vast knowledge to share. Takes time to teach even in busy clinics. Always willing to help you with patient questions and inbox messages. Cares about patients. We are so lucky to have her!

Dr. Colbenson is easily one of the best teachers on shift in the entire department and current ED residents feel they are better physicians after working with her. She is exceptionally smart, yet teaches in a way that is empowering and not belittling. She balances your autonomy with your patients and committing to a decision but will step in to help you in a way that does not demean or embarrass when she needed. She helps you think more broadly about a patient to help expand your knowledge; she uses even straightforward pathology and presentations as an opportunity to extend the situation to think about other nuances that a hypothetical similar patient could have that would change management or differential diagnoses. Every patient is an opportunity for her to teach us. She never gets flustered either, even when the department is bursting at the seams in volume and chaos. Medical students, off-service residents and visiting medical students all consistently say she is one of the best teachers we have. Beyond physician roles, the nurses love her in both her quality of care, how she treats them, and how they learn from her. Additionally, she cares about the trainees as people. Lastly, but certainly not least in terms of workload, she drives a tremendous amount of our formal residency education/conference each week to ensure we are getting what we need to become great EM physicians. She is constantly open to feedback to change it up if a session was not as valuable as desired or if we feel we are lacking in an area and would like a dedicated session related to that. She works tirelessly and performs at an exceptionally high level. She is elite in every way: teacher, physician, mentor, colleague, leader, and beyond.

Dr. Colbenson dedicated her time to helping me address and refine my weaknesses, providing actionable and fair feedback that was both insightful and tailored to my needs. She has an exceptional ability to identify areas for improvement and offer practical strategies to address them. After implementing her advice, I saw immediate and positive feedback on shift, which speaks to the effectiveness of her teaching.

Beyond one-on-one mentorship, her contributions to our weekly didactics are unparalleled. She consistently delivers high-quality, engaging sessions that are both informative and applicable to clinical practice. Her dedication to education and fostering growth is phenomenal and appreciated by all who learn from her. Dr. Colbenson exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator and mentor.

It is one thing to be knowledgeable, it is another to be an excellent teacher of your knowledge. Dr. Colbenson could put on a master class in pedagogy.

Provides efficient and effective teaching when staffing in clinic and has the utmost confidence for us as physicians in training in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. He pushed me to be more succinct in my presentations and documentation. He provides invaluable knowledge about our insurance and health systems, is incredibly encouraging, remembers our individual journeys in progressing through residency when staffing with us, and offers just the right amount of support when performing procedures in clinic. He has recently been working with me to help effectively agenda-set with patients for which I am incredibly grateful.

Dr. Witt has been a light in our residency. He is very knowledge and fantastic to work with. He is particularly good at making you think beyond the textbook. It could be an extremely easy and straightforward visit, and he will still ensure that you walk away learning more than you ever thought you could out of that visit. He is kind and caring. His patients rave about him. He will truly be missed when he retires.

Dr. Witt has demonstrated role model performance in precepting in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Somehow, he maintains heightened awareness of each resident’s progress on their journey through residency and provides individualized practical and effective advice to help navigate through the challenges of residency itself, the healthcare system beyond the textbook, as well as what lies ahead (e.g., career opportunities tailored to our individual needs). He provides just enough supervision for procedures in family medicine residency clinic, where you feel independent but also secure that he is there. He is very down to earth and provides feedback in a way that makes me feel valued and respected as well as grateful of the exceptional wisdom that I can take away from our conversations. The trust he places in us as learners gives me the confidence I need when facing challenging times in residency. For all these reasons and more, it has been an absolute pleasure working with Dr. Witt.

Excellent, succinct teaching that is immediately applicable to high-yield or pressing learning topics.

Dr. Stacey takes the time to know each resident very well and caters his teaching points to every individual resident. He has taught all of us various schema to approach patient conditions and arrive at evidence-based management plans, even when the symptoms do not fit a box of diagnoses. He also takes sincere interest in uplifting residents’ personal lives as well, depending on when and how much residents are willing to share. He has truly been a wonderful faculty, attending and life coach in the past years that I have known him since joining MCHS La Crosse as a resident.

Invested in teaching and highly efficient techniques to make learning fun and exciting.

He provides excellent guidance on evidence-based medicine and patient centric care.

Is an excellent preceptor and physician. Attentive to both the learning goals of the residents as well as the patient’s needs. Seeks every opportunity to advance her own knowledge and education, and thus is an incredible example for residents/lifelong learners. Makes each learning environment a safe place to be. Mentor both for medical knowledge and skills as well as leadership.

Dr. McDonough is a well-rounded physician who balances clinical excellence with a genuine kindness that resonates with residents and patients alike. Her teaching style emphasizes understanding the bigger picture, guiding residents to see beyond isolated cases and connect their learning to broader principles of medicine.

Goes above and beyond for residents, and is an incredible teacher and educator.

Dr. McDonough is caring, thorough and specializes her teaching to each of us individually. She never makes anyone feel dumb and is highly respected.

She provides autonomy while giving evidence-based recommendations. Encourages you and makes you feel confident!

Never have I seen someone so enthusiastic, not only about teaching, but enthusiastic about the opportunity to teach. She comes to clinic prepared with numerous tidbits of information and well thought-out teaching plans. She is in your corner as a learner and helps guide you down the correct path if you’re lost, and celebrates your improvements. She congratulates you as a mentor, colleague and lifelong learner. She strives to improve education in the residency at Mayo, while championing women’s health and cervical cancer screening. Research, education, and incredible patient care: Dr. MacLaughlin is the whole package. I am honored to work with and under her in the Kasson Clinic. Thanks again for all the help Dr. MacLaughlin!

She is an advocate for her patients in every way. She is a 100% supportive of all the residents and is intentional with her teaching for us in clinic. She follows up on patients and ensures 100% safety with all the decisions we make. She is a leader and someone we all look up to in the residency program and deserves to be recognized for that.

Honest in what she does and does not know but always follows up with learners about things she learns daily.

Dr. MacLaughlin is incredibly knowledgeable and kind. She always has time for teaching and learning points and is never too busy to answer questions. We are lucky to have her.

Dr. MacLaughlin is the doctor I aspire to be! She brings so much joy to her daily practice, and she effortlessly weaves in guidelines into everyday precepting. I appreciate that she is open about areas where she is learning too and invites me to collaborate as we search for answers. I always feel comfortable coming to her with a problem and know she will help me find my answer or offer advice from her catalog of resources she has compiled to point me in the right direction.

Dr. MacLaughlin has enthusiasm to teach and learn alongside us every day! She goes the extra mile for patients and residents. She is always providing the most up-to-date information. She genuinely expresses interest in residents’ personal lives. Super approachable!

She’s non-judgmental and allows residents and medical students to feel empowered to ask questions.

Dr. Mueller is an incredible physician and teacher. He always partners with the residents to develop care plans and gives residents the space to practice independently. I also had the pleasure of working with him in fibromyalgia clinic and learned a tremendous amount about the counseling and toolkit for working compassionately with patients with this diagnosis.

What an approachable and enthusiastic physician. A tough combo to find!

Always so supportive of resident wellness!

Dr. Mueller is one of the best consultants I have worked with in the Community Internal Medicine clinic. When staffing when him, you are guaranteed to have his attention, be given the time to thoughtfully present your case, and be challenged in your diagnostic assessment to ensure due diligence to the patient is performed. When working with Dr. Mueller, I know the needs of the patient will come first, and I know I will learn something new.

He has a unique approach to staffing patients and teaching that is both approachable and constructive. He allows for learner autonomy and provides evidence-based studies to stimulate thought for alternative theories for residents. He clearly invests a significant amount of time and energy into the residents.

Dr. Mueller is an extremely kind individual who not only cares about teaching but also cares about his residents’ well-being and safety.

Dr. Mueller is not only a phenomenal physician, but a wonderful human being. The empathy and insight he brings to each patient encounter sets a powerful example. He goes beyond for learners, both in teaching and supporting them outside of medicine.

I’d have to imagine Dr. Leasure gets nominated year after year. She is not only an exceptionally brilliant physician and educator, but a compassionate leader and role model for residents. Every time I work with Dr. Leasure I learn a new pearl. She motivates me to develop new, better strategies for my most challenging patients. She has immense clinical knowledge and is always willing to share it with residents in a way that is motivating. Most importantly, she is always seeking feedback — both as an individual and as a primary care leader — to improve the resident clinic. She holds frequent Outpatient Residency Advisory Board Meetings to ask for feedback from residents on how to improve our clinic experience or close our knowledge gaps. Almost immediately after this, I’ve noted learning opportunities and education sessions tailored to this feedback. She is deeply committed to the education and growth of the residents — we have a robust learning environment because of her work.

Dr. Leasure provides excellent pearls while working with her in the outpatient setting. Her empathy and kindness are unmatched. You can tell she genuinely cares about what she does and has a genuine love for teaching.

Always able to provide pertinent takeaways for patients we staff together. Extremely helpful in early residency teaching for mastering Epic and workflow. She is willing and proactive about directing residents to multiple different resources.

Dr. Leasure is always willing to help residents when needed.

Dr. Ratelle is a kind, patient, sincere and thoughtful educator who is truly invested in his trainees. He is genuine and honest, so I take it as a true compliment when he points out my strengths. But more importantly, Dr. Ratelle has been instrumental in my growth, because he provides a nonjudgmental space to identify my weaknesses and struggles. This has helped me come to terms with the things I can’t change and work on improving the things I can change, so that I can continue moving toward becoming the best physician I can be.

I have had multiple opportunities to watch Dr. Ratelle teach in a variety of settings. He is an engaging, highly knowledgeable physician who enthusiastically teaches a variety of learners, including residents and fellows.

Teaches at a suitable level for everyone, employs multiple teaching techniques to maximize learning, emphasizes resident autonomy and is extremely approachable for all questions.

Dr. Ratelle is a phenomenal educator. Rounds genuinely feel like an interactive classroom lecture. I enjoyed my time on service with him and learned so much. I hope to get the opportunity to work with him again. I am a better doctor because of him!

Teaches with a focus on efficiency and to an appropriate level for each learner, always with good strategy to help reinforce learning. Has this unique enthusiasm about medical education that easily transfers to anyone under his leadership, infecting us with a joy to learn!

Dr. Ratelle is always joyful, dedicated to his learners/trainees, and willing to go beyond to do what’s right for patients and improve the work environment for everyone.

Dr. Montejo is an exceptional educator. I appreciate the way she cultivates our autonomy as fellows by pushing us to critically think and create our own plans. She has an extremely energetic and supportive teaching style. She is always, always intentional about providing focused and constructive feedback each time we staff patients with her, regardless of whatever else is going on in the moment. I feel very fortunate to be under her tutelage!

Dr. Jenny Montejo is an amazing educator and mentor. She is always focused on learners and teaches with enthusiasm.

Dr. Montejo is an exceptional teacher who effortlessly combines her expertise with a warm, personable approach. She provides clear, actionable feedback in real time, which enhances our learning and confidence in clinical decision making.

Dr. Stan is an excellent teacher. He takes the time to teach residents and fellows in between cases and on rounds. He is approachable and answers questions with excellent insight into each case.

Dr. Stan always emphasizes on understanding the context behind medical decisions and encourages learners to work their way logically through a clinical question. He is an excellent role model for fellows in the clinic and in the hospital.

He is an exceptional clinician-teacher. From the very first time I worked with him; I was extremely impressed by his teaching skills. When explaining endocrine conditions, he always takes the time to go back to the underlying physiology, which makes complex concepts much easier to understand. Whenever I have a question, I feel comfortable asking him, and he always makes time to provide thorough explanations, often referencing the latest guidelines. He is approachable, kind and respectful, and I truly enjoy working with him.

Dr. Olson is an outstanding clinician and educator for medical students, residents and fellows. Even in busy clinics or hospital service, he always finds the time to teach important clinical pearls, has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with patients and families, and is an amazing team leader and role model overall. He is deeply passionate about education and is an inspirational educator for trainees.

Dr. Olson has truly exemplified excellence in clinical teaching and clinical care. He structures rounds to facilitate the growth and learning of all members of the clinical team in an inclusive and impactful manner. He exhibits excellent bedside manner and truly puts the needs of the patients first. He models excellence through great humanism, respect and empathy.

Dr. Olson makes learning hepatology fun! He is practical about decision-making and is mindful of costs patients endure relating to testing. He looks at the patient holistically to provide the best care possible. He finds one teaching point from each case and somehow manages to keep the clinic on time. I am grateful to have the chance to learn from him!

An excellent consultant who models exceptional patient care and evidence-based practice for trainees in a welcoming environment in which trainees can learn and thrive.

Best doc to work with ever! He has such impressive clinical acumen backed by evidence that learning from him in HB clinic is a pleasure. I hope all trainees get the opportunity to rotate with Dr. Olson to benefit from his teaching. Despite busy clinics, he takes time for short, clinically relevant didactics. I appreciate him and hope to continue growing by working with him.

Dr. Abeykoon exemplifies an unwavering commitment to teaching and mentorship. His passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is clear in everything he does. He consistently goes beyond supporting his trainees, showing a genuine interest in their professional growth and well-being. Dr. Abeykoon is not only an exceptional educator, but also a dedicated mentor, taking the time to connect with each resident and fellow individually, ensuring they have the guidance and resources they need to succeed. His door is always open, and he is known for being approachable and available 24/7, offering a steady source of support both in and out of the clinic and the lab. Dr. Abeykoon’s thoughtful, proactive approach to mentoring and his genuine care for the success of those he works with make him an invaluable asset to our training program.

Dr. Abeykoon is an amazing teacher that goes out of the way to educate fellows about hematologic malignancies. He also creates time to meet regularly with fellows to discuss career development ideas and opportunities.

Excellent educator, provider and person. Pleasure to work with and learn from him.

Dr. Abeykoon is a great mentor. He is a very passionate and critical thinker. He is truly knowledgeable, dedicated, kind, supportive, approachable and empathetic.

Dr. Saliba creates a welcoming learning environment, tailors the perfect balance between teaching and patient care, and observes trainees very closely without imposing on graduated autonomy.

Dr. Saliba is not only brilliant, but he is also kind, empathetic and always willing to go the extra mile for his patients and colleagues. He is approachable and patient with us as fellows and always willing to teach, guide and mentor.

I had a great experience working with Dr. Saliba! It’s always refreshing to work with someone who is not only approachable and friendly but also gives me the space to make decisions and grow as a professional.

he embodies everything that makes an exceptional educator. He is not only incredibly intelligent, but he also demonstrates a genuine kindness and care for learners. He is approachable and will take the time out of a busy work schedule to help. His ability to support learners, whether academically or personally, creates an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to succeed. It is an honor to recognize his dedication to teaching and the impact he has in the Hematology Department.

Dr. Saliba possesses the very rare balance of being an amazing clinician but also having the ability to efficiently pass on that knowledge to trainees. He particularly tailors teaching to further develop capacities of trainees at various levels of training without ever sounding condescending. Rather, he is an extremely supportive physician that represents the epitome of the Mayo spirit and moves people towards hematology by showing his interest and love for his patients and his daily work. We are fortunate to have him in our ranks.

Dr. Saliba is an aspirational educator who is consistently kind, patient, empathetic and humanistic. He creates a genuinely welcoming learning environment that makes space for questions, mistakes and exploration, thereby facilitating a deep and lasting education. He readily adapts to the specific needs of each learner — whether they are students, mentees or colleagues — and truly brightens the learning experience for all those around him. Most impressively, he demonstrates this aptitude in all settings, whether the clinic, classroom or laboratory. Thus, Dr. Saliba exemplifies the Three Shields of Mayo Clinic, and I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with and learned from him.

Dr. Brandeland has been at Mayo Clinic in palliative care for only a few years, but in that short time she has made an outstanding impact on the training of our fellows and residents.  She has a wide breadth of knowledge that she eagerly shares with trainees through clinical rotations, didactic lectures and informal teaching sessions. Her experience in critical care medicine, medical ethics and interest in cross-cultural care gives a unique viewpoint, skill set and specialty knowledge. Despite this depth of knowledge, she is humble and kind. She models growth-mindset and fosters a safe learning environment, which gives her learners the psychological safety to always ask questions. She sees the person behind each of her team members and trainees, and she takes the time to tend to the team’s well-being. She is an exceptional educator, clinician and human being. She is so very deserving of this award. 

Dr. Brandeland is kind, compassionate and incredibly knowledgeable. She teaches with curiosity and meets learners where they are at and tailors topics to fit learners needs. More importantly, she shares information in a format that you can recall. 

Dr. Chesdachai possesses the timeless qualities of a great teacher. His wisdom, humility and ability to inspire deep thinking set him apart. He does not just teach facts — he serves as a guide for his students, fostering a lifelong love for learning. He carries himself with an authenticity that inspires others to emulate and grow.

Dr. Chesdachai always finds an opportunity to teach the fellows and residents no matter how busy the service is. He also tailors the learning experience based on the learner’s current deficiency.

He is deeply passionate about resident and fellow education. Always takes time to explain medical decision-making during rounds. Excellent didactics. Summarizes key learning points in an easily digestible way for learners.

Took time to teach and delivered lectures despite busy service.

Mac is strongly committed to the education shield. He prioritizes teaching of the fellows and residents on service, clearly considering it a core part of his job.

Mac is highly knowledgeable and demonstrates a strong commitment to teaching, as evidenced by the email summaries he provides to learners. He is always eager to share his insights and offers wonderful guidance to residents and fellows. He is also extremely approachable and always fosters a positive learning environment.

Terrific teacher and mentor. Really takes the time to teach fellows and residents around every case during SMH ID service.

Dr. Chesdachai is a valuable resource for aiding with research.

A very patient and excellent teacher!

Throughout my 14 years of medical education, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing educators and mentors. However, Dr. Wisit is one of the most influential people in my academic career. He cares about our well-being (he has genuine interest in our life and our emotional and mental health), our learning (he sends frequent email with new studies summarizing and detailing the important points and how they can affect our practice) and our academic development (everyone in the three years of fellowship has worked on multiple projects with him with almost all leading to publication or presentation at national meetings). He is more than deserving to be recognized as teacher of the year.

Dr. Wisit shares summaries of new nephrology articles that get published which makes it easy for us to keep up with the latest literature. He is also available for questions, and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious!

The greatest physician/teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work and learn from. Patient, humble, enthusiastic. During rounds, he tailors the teaching to the levels of the trainees. Effective and efficient. Stress-free educational environment. That is aside from his impressive research output. He is helping all our program fellows to learn and publish.

Dr. Wisit is an incredible repository of evidence-based medicine knowledge. He consistently supports fellows, fostering a collaborative environment where we are encouraged to actively engage in teaching, understanding and research. He has a remarkable ability to distill the latest evidence-based medicine into concise, easily digestible summaries, making it more accessible for fellows. He inspires us to ask meaningful research questions and continuously motivates us to refine our clinical and research skills.

Dr. Wisit loves to teach and always has articles that he shares key points with us even when we are not working with him. Moreover, he is regularly active in research and loves to help fellows broaden their research skills.

Dr. Wisit is truly one of the best mentors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He cares about the well-being and success of every fellow in our program and is always ready to help whenever he is needed. He is always in good spirits and his happiness is contagious. He also has mentored each of us to publish peer-reviewed articles and present at both national and international meetings. Furthermore, he often sends us emails sharing new papers with good summaries and emphasizing their clinical relevance. Dr. Wisit genuinely cares for our growth, both in the academic setting and the personal one.

He is exceptionally dedicated and serves as my primary resource for evidence-based medicine and the latest nephrology research. As one of my research mentors, he inspires me to strive for excellence and is readily accessible, whether via email or text. His teaching approach is highly collaborative; he values and actively engages with fellows’ opinions and reasoning, fostering a respectful and productive learning environment. Moreover, he consistently explains his own reasoning and clinical approach with clarity, enhancing our understanding and critical thinking.

Dr. Pennington is an exemplary role model of a lung transplant physician. She models unhurried patient-centered care at the bedside while leading an extremely busy inpatient service. Despite her many responsibilities, she prioritizes fellow education on the rotation and gives focused lectures on relevant topics like immunosuppression, indications and complications of lung transplant. She provides focused feedback on multi-disciplinary rounds on a fellow’s plans. In addition, she is an engaged and responsive research mentor, single handedly mentoring 4-5 fellows and their respective research projects in transplant while making each feel valued and supported. She is the face of lung transplant for the rest of the pulmonary division and there is no one more deserving of an educator award!

Dr. Pennington is great at instilling concepts into novice learners.

She is outstanding at breaking down complex concepts.

She is an excellent clinician, leader mentor and educator who is the most deserving of this award!

Dr. Kronzer role models excellent patient care, shares clinical pearls, and is an exuberant supporter of evidence-based practice. She also inspired me to participate in research and mentored me in a supportive environment that has caused me to enjoy it too. She is a shining star in the rheumatology department.

Dr. Kronzer has been an unparalleled teacher in the rheumatology department. She is a top-notch mentor on research projects and provided a foundation framework for how to organize a research project. Furthermore, she has been an outstanding coach and confidant for helping to navigate tricky situations that have arisen during fellowship. Training here at Mayo would not be the same in the rheumatology department without Dr. Kronzer and I am extremely grateful to have her as a teacher and mentor here.

I’m convinced Dr Kronzer is secretly a superwoman. She swoops in on her bike after a busy morning caring for her young kids, rapidly triages and solves clinical problems, then goes and does the same thing for research questions. Residents love her education and fellows love her efficiency. Dr Kronzer is the complete package. We are lucky to have her at Mayo.

He goes above and beyond to teach on a consistent basis and is truly kind, approachable and knowledgeable. He provides useful feedback. He also regularly shares helpful resources to facilitate learning. He is quick to involve learners in interesting projects and supports them along the process.

Dr. Carvalho has been exceptional throughout this year in providing teaching opportunities and assistance whenever needed.

Dr. Carvalho goes above and beyond in teaching the fellows. He is always available to discuss a patient. He brings excellent knowledge of the literature and extremely helpful practical management advice. He is a very deserving candidate for Teacher of the Year.

Excellent teacher for senior-level and chief residents. He does extraordinarily complex surgeries and can walk residents through high-level parts of the procedure seamlessly. He has invested heavily into formalized resident education through his morning didactics.

Dr. Rinaldo provides comprehensive educational sessions in morning conference and in the OR. He provides feedback without being overbearing.

Exceptional didactics, surgical teaching and relatable mentorship. He is a natural teacher.

I’ve been his service resident this block and in conferences he teaches about the best techniques and approaches, complete with operative videos and describes surgical and radiologic pearls that he has found practically useful. In the OR he explains his rationale for the operative steps and is always willing to answer questions. He provides real time feedback so I can improve my techniques as well. In communications about his patients and management, Dr. Rinaldo is always clear and prompt. Overall, Dr. Rinaldo is an excellent educator who goes above and beyond. He really deserves this award.

Dr. Rinaldo takes time to teach in the OR, gives a proper amount of autonomy, and is readily available to answer clinical questions, often when he is not on call. He encourages research and has served as a mentor for many residents.

Dr. Rinaldo has been an excellent addition to our Neurosurgical Faculty as an operative and didactic mentor for open vascular neurosurgery.

Consummate teacher. Perfect blend of didactic, instructional, practical and theoretical education. Constant graded autonomy and ideal learning whenever I’ve worked with him. Continues to have one of the best rotations for our residents.

I have grown tremendously from the cases I have done with Dr. Rinaldo as a chief resident. He does an excellent job of communicating key steps and technical nuances of surgery without stepping in and taking over the case himself, which has pushed my skills further and made me a more confident surgeon.

He is extraordinary in every sense. Not only does he brilliantly weave teaching into rounds, but he also creates teaching sessions that cater to new learners and advanced learners by covering the basics and higher-level topics all at once. This builds a collaborative environment. Additionally, he cares more deeply for the wellbeing of his students more than anyone I have ever met. I hope I can be a physician like Dr. Carabenciov; if so, I know I will be making the world a better place.

Excellent lectures and on-the-spot teaching. He is friendly and approachable, easily answers questions in a clear manner, and creates a comfortable environment for learners

Dr. Carabenciov is incredibly patient, kind, supportive, and makes me want to become the best version of myself to help others like he does.

Dr. Carabenciov is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He is a phenomenal teacher, communicating helpful, practical neurology knowledge in a way that others remember and can understand. He is approachable, caring, supportive, thoughtful and humble. I always feel like I can go to him when I have a question about a patient or I need help. He cares for us not only as residents but more importantly as people. I am thankful to have him as a role model, friend and teacher. 

Excellent clinician educator who makes learning interactive and fun.

Dr. Pinto is an exceptional teacher. His passion for neurology is contagious. His lectures on peripheral neuropathies and physical exam findings in functional neurologic disorders are in the top five neurology lectures I have heard at Mayo. He is a huge asset to the department.

Although early in his career, he already has a tremendous fund of knowledge that he shares with learners. His enthusiasm is contagious, such that clinic is very enjoyable. Overall, a great mentor.

Dr. Pinto cares so much about his patients and his residents. He goes beyond to be available for questions regarding patient care and adds on patient care slots to help residents care for complex patients and learn from the cases. From his time as a resident to now as a junior consultant, he has brought a contagious energy to neurology that makes learning last and makes it enjoyable as well.

Dr. Pinto makes a special effort to educate residents on important topics/pearls in neurology, and he exemplifies the three Mayo Clinic shields.

Despite being a new consultant to our division, Dr. Pinto has proven tremendous initiative and energy in educating trainees — both residents and medical students. His knowledge and expertise in neuromuscular medicine and peripheral nerve diseases has been well received and appreciated by his students.

Dr. Pinto is a passionate and lively physician. He makes you want to love neurology the way he does. His lectures are engaging, which allows for deeper learning.

Dr. Chow is new to the OB-GYN department, but in his time here he has already become a favorite of the residents and other learners. He always takes the time to explain his thought process and involve learners as much as possible in patient care. Even when skills/cases are “chief level,” he still involves the junior resident and allows them to take part up to their level of ability. He has been such a friendly face on L&D and we love working with him!

Dr. Chow is so passionate about teaching residents! He is very hands-on and prioritizes our education, even during a busy day. He is an excellent communicator with staff and patients. I couldn’t imagine my training without him!

Dr. Chow has been a wonderful addition to our team. He is so practical and pleasant to work with.

I appreciate that Dr. Chow involves the junior residents in all aspects of patient care. I enjoy learning from his way of doing things and he’s always down for a chat! We love working with him and feel supported by him.

Dr. Chow goes beyond when it comes to teaching residents. He makes time to give feedback in a non-judgmental and constructive manner.

Hugely respected in her field and yet the most humble, approachable, and kind mentor. She is brilliant, quite literally wrote the educational textbook on uveitis, and has a great sense of humor when teaching about inflammatory eye disease.

Unparalleled enthusiasm for resident teaching and dedication to the well-being of patients.

Dr. Smith routinely takes time out of her busy clinic to meet you at your level of education and talk through highlights and important misinformation about any disease a patient in her clinic may have. She is always a joy to work with. She always makes you feel comfortable when you ask questions.

Dr. Smith is a wonderful mentor and teacher. She goes the extra mile for her residents and always takes time to review cases with trainees, no matter how busy or behind clinic is running. Education is a priority in her clinic, and for that, learners are incredibly grateful. Especially for learners coming from disciplines outside of her sub-specialty, she takes time to go through imaging and case details and values input from her trainees. Her dedication to education does not go unnoticed.

She is a genius!

Dr. Smith is patient, wise, kind, and above all is an example for us of how to care for patients.

Dr. Smith goes out of her way to carve out time and teach trainees, no matter their level of training or background. She prioritizes education even during a busy clinic and carves out time to teach learners. Her efforts to integrate education into her day-to-day work do not go unnoticed and are so appreciated by her trainees!

Since joining the department only a few years ago, Dr. Grigoriou has transformed the pediatric orthopedic surgery training experience for residents by fostering an environment in which we are challenged and supported to provide excellent patient care, think critically about complex clinical issues, and develop strong technical skills through graduated autonomy in even the most advanced surgical procedures. He has an ability to recognize trainee learning styles and adapt in a manner that elicits optimal performance while making it a very enjoyable working experience, and his balance of intellect, humor and passion for his profession have made him an excellent mentor to many.

As a new addition to the pediatric ortho group, he has become a favorite for many of the residents that rotate through. He is excellent at teaching to the level of the learner and is effective at breaking down complex topics into the must-know aspects which helps with retention. He gives residents the right level of autonomy and provides significant intraoperative teaching as well.

Dr. Grigoriou has provided fantastic formal and informal teaching to residents on his surgical service, on adjacent surgical services and to the residency program. He can elegantly balance a suitable teaching dynamic, a relatable humor and mentorship while leading by example in his excellent care for his patients.

He is part of our basic science dissection curriculum, journal club and pediatric orthopedic surgery educational conferences. He walks residents through concepts in an engaging and straightforward way. He is engaged and passionate in the operating room about teaching.

Dr. Grigoriou is a true three-shield surgeon. He makes sure the resident is heavily involved in clinic and the operating room to the level of their experience/skill. He makes sure to “think out loud” or explain things he is doing in surgery, which many consultants don’t do. In clinic, he is an excellent example of thoughtful evaluations of patients to ensure they are properly indicated for surgery.

He does some extremely complex and innovative pediatric hip preservation work that is world-leading and never fails to ensure the residents with him are engaged and learning everything possible. He is an absolute asset to Mayo Clinic.

From the first to the final day of the rotation, Dr. Grigoriou is committed to the resident gaining skill, knowledge, autonomy and transparent feedback in all aspects of pediatric orthopedic patient care. In the clinic, he ensures that you understand the patients you are seeing, their pathology, imaging studies unique to pediatrics and to hip preservation, and the decisions about their care. In the OR, if the resident has prepared well, they can perform the procedure with real-time feedback and postoperative debriefs that enhance your understanding and skill.

I cannot tell you how valuable it is to know that the feedback is honest and balanced. Dr. Grigoriou makes sure that you are improving, which means he will make sure you know where you fall short, and it is clearly with a desire that you become excellent. I am not sure I have seen another attending this committed to helping me improve over the course of three months.

The rotation is over, and he still reaches out to let me know how patients are doing that we took care of together. Teaching even after the rotation is over.

A cherry on top, Dr. Grigoriou is extraordinarily fun to work with. He is hilarious, self-aware, respectful (to the degree that painfully dry sarcasm can show respect), and engaged with the team. We laughed a ton during my quarter, had some awesome deeper conversations, got to talk about career and personal goals, and about family life.

Dr. Grigoriou is a wonderful teacher who makes the learners better surgeons.

It is hard to think of a provider who has put more into this residency program during her time at Mayo than Dr. Van Abel. She is not only dedicated to resident teaching both in the clinic and operating room, but has also helped immensely with assisting residents with fellowship placement and research goals.

She cares so much about the progress of residents and really treats all your learning and progress as a personal goal each quintile. She has helped immensely with fellowship match, resident CVs and research. I think it would be a challenge to find a consultant who has given more of themselves to this program.

Dr. Van Abel constantly shows her commitment to excellence in education by supporting learners of all levels. From a resident perspective, whether you are on her service, or just helping in her OR one day, you are bound to have some high-quality learning points to take away from your time spent with her. She constantly pushes residents both from a knowledge and technical skill standpoint to reach their potential.

She takes additional time in the OR and in the clinic to go out of her way to teach residents and students, explaining complex pathophysiology and treatment of head and neck cancer.

Dr. Van Abel has been instrumental in helping to train me surgically as well as academically in the research sector. She helped me to get started with my first few research projects. Additionally, Dr. Van Abel has a passion for mentorship exemplified by her role as a co-founder for the Mayo ENT Summer Undergrad research program and Med student research fellowship.

Dr. Van Abel is an amazing educator. No faculty dedicates more time daily directly to resident education.

Dr. Van Abel is always looking to find knowledge gaps and help residents fill those gaps with an explanation, drawing, or resources for studying. She is truly dedicated to educating and uplifting all learners from undergraduate students to medical students to residents to fellows. She is a steadfast advocate and helps her trainees reach their full potential. Takes time, no matter the scenario, to teach at least one thing in every case.

Hard to think of a consultant more dedicated to resident teaching than Dr. Van Abel. She genuinely cares about the success of her residents and their future goals. Dr. Van Abel also dedicates herself to mentoring med students, research fellows and undergraduate students. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor and feel so lucky to have trained with her.

Dr. Hopkins is an exemplary educator. While still relatively junior in practice, he has rapidly become one of the best educators in our department. In fact, I think his temporal proximity to the fellows and residents keeps him grounded in knowing how to best explain challenging concepts. He often goes out of his way to spend time with trainees and will often review poignant and relevant concepts beyond those that are specifically demonstrated in a particular patient’s case. Not only is he a great educator, but he is a great person. His calm and humorous demeanor makes him an approachable and friendly presence in the department. I am thankful for the time I have had to work with Dr. Hopkins, and I know he has already made an indelible mark on our training program.

Dr. Mark Hopkins is a fantastic educator. He is approachable and explains complex pathologies in a way that is understandable to trainees at all levels. He is knowledgeable and makes time to discuss differential diagnoses, diagnostic pitfalls, and appropriate workup for the cases he encounters with his trainees. I am always excited to work with him because I know I will learn new and valuable information in the positive and encouraging environment he creates. Dr. Hopkins is very deserving of this award.

Every interaction with Dr. Hopkins brings many new salient teaching points. He goes beyond to provide comprehensive, detailed information on whatever the topic may be. He is respected by trainees, allied health staff and colleagues for not only his amicable and humor-filled personality but also his ability to teach and inform others. For this he absolutely deserves recognition!

Despite busy frozen file and sink days, Dr. Hopkins always makes time to teach me. He explains things very well. He also prioritizes my education over everything else. I am grateful to have him as a teacher!

He is an amazing teacher.

Dr. Reichard has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, both on clinical service and in both formal and informal educational roles. As a rotation director for resident bone marrow rotations, she consistently provides helpful feedback on live cases. Although she may not always get a chance to work with each resident on service, she still spends a significant amount of time with each trainee when she goes over the bone marrow exam at the end of their rotation, providing many excellent learning points. In addition, she is an active leader and participant in the divisional case sharing conferences, which provides education to both trainees and allied health staff. Dr. Reichard also teaches more informally through her Hematopathology Unknowns conferences, which is not a formal part of residency or fellowship curriculum but is still an invaluable learning experience. In addition to being a natural clinician educator, Dr. Reichard is a staunch advocate for trainee well-being, a joy to work with, and truly an inspiration to pathology trainees. Thank you, Dr. Reichard!

She’s very dedicated to trainee education, and always encourages trainees to prioritize their learning and wellness!! Not to mention she’s an amazingly talented hematopathologist. I hope to be at least half the pathologist she is someday.

Dr. Reichard is always a warm presence who will welcome you into her office with a smile on her face. Her commitment to improving the trainee experience is overwhelmingly apparent and reflected throughout the hematopathology rotations.

Dr. Mulhern consistently prioritizes resident education and mastery during a busy and demanding pediatric hospitalist service. He expertly tailors teaching to multiple learners, including medical students, pediatric residents, family medicine residents and hospitalist fellows. He regularly provides actionable feedback and helps residents reach their educational and professional goals.

Dr. Mulhern teaches in a way that captures your attention. He identifies and closes knowledge gaps in a way that motivates learners to improve. His ability to teach extends to patient relationships where, as the leader of our team, he helps families understand difficult diagnoses and unfamiliar concepts. Dr. Mulhern’s teams also benefit from watching the way he thoughtfully interacts with consulting services and allied health staff. In his role as a hospitalist at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Mulhern is an expert in all trades and a jack of none.

Enthusiastic, engaging and invested teacher.

Dr. Mulhern always brings a calm presence with him. He always encourages an atmosphere of shared learning.

Dr. Rabatin is dedicated to supporting all learners and their goals. She actively elicits feedback to improve educational/didactic sessions. Dr. Rabatin encourages active learner reflection and provides exceptional teaching at the bedside. She is a wonderful example of a Mayo physician and inspires all learners.

Dr. Rabatin is an incredible advocate for resident education and career advancement. She generously gives her time to mentor and advise residents. She empowers trainees to pursue their passions and helps facilitate progress in areas of interest. She is a fantastic teacher in both didactic and clinical settings. She is a very caring clinician with a bedside manner worthy of emulation. She provides a fantastic example of Mayo Clinic values every day.

Dr. Rabatin is a shining example of a Mayo Clinic physician. She is second to none with the exceptional quality of care that she provides to patients and pours into those that she mentors. I have no doubt that I am a better physician and human being because of the impact that she has made in my life.

Dr. Rabatin is committed to all learners’ education, including residents, fellows, students and therapists. She engages the multidisciplinary teams in the outpatient and inpatient settings to ensure the best care is provided for patients. She goes above and beyond to support resident and fellow learning and projects. She exemplifies Mayo Clinic values and is researching ways to help treat patients. She plays a crucial role in the Clinician Educator track within our residency program as a co-founder and regular teacher. Dr. Rabatin has also brought the residency lifestyle medicine curriculum to life and sponsored the creation of the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Rabatin is the epitome of a mentor, educator, and sponsor for everyone around her. She is an active listener and can support innumerable learners through her reach. Dr. Rabatin is incredibly well deserving of the PM&R Teacher of the Year Award.

Dr. Miller is the best teacher I’ve had in residency so far. I’ve learned so much from him both on the board and observing him interviewing patients. His feedback was invaluable, and he had a way of making me more comfortable and confident in my skills and practice.

Immediate productive feedback and interactive relevant lectures that facilitated learning and helped with patient care.

Dr. Miller is an early-career faculty but has already shown significant dedication to teaching residents and fellows. He developed a new curriculum series for our CAP fellowship didactics focused on anxiety. He is helpful during clinic staffing, always willing to teach about pertinent topics.

Dr. Miller cares for patients and trainees. He takes time out of his day to teach and is also supportive when trainees are in a challenging situation or struggling with life outside of work. I admire him because he teaches by example.

Dr. Miller has developed very helpful didactics on anxiety. He has always dedicated time to our individual interests and career development. He is approachable and kind.

Re-vamped the fellow didactic curriculum on anxiety disorders. Very engaged and effective teacher — I learn something new every time I staff with him.

Lectures and teaches for child psychiatry fellows, psychiatry residents and medical students. He recently increased his role in the anxiety sub-specialty clinic, and quickly composed some of the most helpful didactics. As a fellow, he provided excellent instruction and supervision on how to supervise and provide trainee feedback for residents.

Excellent communication style, approachable and natural in the clinical setting, and clear passion for the field and education.

What makes Dr. Miller an exceptional teacher is his focus on key decision points and thoughtful exploration of options. When I staff a patient with him, he’s thoroughly familiar with the case, which allows us to focus on the nuances that influence my conceptualization and plan. Even when we agree fully on a plan, we still discuss potential alternatives and the factors that guided our decisions.

Fantastic teacher and able to synthesize a ton of information down into simple understandable bites.

Dr. Miller always makes time for education and teaching. He distills challenging topics into tangible meaning.

He builds the learner up as a colleague and makes them feel valued while enriching their knowledge and experience.

Dr. Hilliker is passionate about education and goes out of his way to provide additional educational experiences for both psychology and psychiatry fellows. He is also a deeply caring individual who looks out for the well-being of fellows. He models emotional vulnerability in a way important for psychology while drawing on evidence-based practices to train us in high-quality care.

He has patience, understanding, reflective listening and humor.

Dr. Jethwa has an amazing ability to distill his vast wealth of knowledge into bite-sized pieces, allowing residents of any level to understand key information about a variety of topics. He is an expert in his field but is humble and approaches interesting cases with a spirit of curiosity. Dr. Jethwa never hesitates to take time to help a resident with a difficult clinical scenario and eagerly shares the evidence behind each of his decisions.

Dr. Jethwa has consistently invested in the education, career advancement, and well-being of residents all while serving as a role model for Mayo’s missions. Dr. Jethwa served as an irreplaceable sponsor, helping my career in the academic space.

Dr. Jethwa is the best educator. He is a walking talking encyclopedia.

Jed Johnson has been an invaluable mentor, consistently encouraging physics residents and guiding us through complex clinical rotations and challenging cases. He always finds time to assist with my rotations, often diving into intricate details to illustrate the significance of clinical procedures and their direct impact on patient safety in treatment. Jed Johnson has significantly enhanced my understanding of the critical role ion chambers and various dosimeters play in ensuring the quality and accuracy of radiation delivery in a clinical setting. His dedicated one-on-one guidance has been invaluable in helping me prepare for annual exams, particularly in mastering the complexities of dosimetry systems. Jed’s open-door policy creates a welcoming environment where I feel comfortable seeking his advice, whether it’s about rotations or proton treatment planning. Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your time, patience and unwavering support!

Jed is truly the nicest guy. He is one of the few consultants that will see us at a table at lunch and come sit and chat. He has remarkable stories (e.g., getting interviewed by the FBI!) and is always happy to help. Multiple times I have knocked on his door for him to promptly open and invite me in, despite him being in the middle of something, he always drops everything to help in any way. A great physicist and an even better person.

Dr. Johnson shows outstanding commitment to our education. After rigorous discussions on difficult topics, he ensures to follow up to confirm our understanding, which shows that he deeply cares about our training.

Dr. Johnson regularly goes above and beyond both in the classroom and the clinic to get residents engaged. He is generous with his time and consistently shows genuine concern for the learners with whom he works.

Jed has been a great mentor for all of us.

Dr. Bold is a fantastic educator. He is approachable and always willing to help residents and staff. He is very practical in his application of medicine and provides great insight into what the clinicians want to know from an imaging standpoint and what is most important for patient care. I walk away from every interaction with Dr. Bold with better diagnostic skills and improved clinical practice.

Takes the time in a busy emergency radiology practice to review every scan with junior residents and helps develop search pattern, reasoning and report generation.

I always know I will have an efficient day with high yield learning points when I’m scheduled with Dr. Bold.

Practical and efficient. Focuses on what’s useful for residents to know and the most high-yield situations for call, etc. Has a very clear and direct teaching style that makes learning easy and enjoyable. Congenial to be with in the read room. Not afraid to point out his mistakes and show them to residents as a way to reinforce teaching points.

Dr. Farnsworth always tries to review important teaching points after each case we perform. I really appreciate his openness to questions and dedication to resident education. It’s always a pleasure working with him whether it be during clinical or call shifts.

Approaches all teaching as a colleague, asking questions, ensuring mutual understanding while being completely open. Excellent clinical knowledge. Generally, a sweet person to spend the day or a call shift working alongside!

Dr. Farnsworth is very engaging, and he consistently shows an interest in and commitment to teaching.

Relatable with residents. Creates a great learning environment in the reading room when going over cases. Reinforces and encourages residents while also teaching and providing excellent feedback.

Dr. Farnsworth is incredibly kind and enjoyable to work with. He demonstrates a great fund of knowledge and is eager to impart his wisdom and knowledge to residents. He creates such an encouraging learning environment, and it is always a pleasure to work with him on call and in the clinic. 

Consistent dedication to educating residents! Always a fantastic learning experience being on his team.

Dr. Grotz always takes time to teach both senior and junior residents in and out of the OR. He is excellent at providing proper levels of autonomy in the OR.

Dr. Grotz very clearly enjoys teaching. He is passionate about his subject matter, and it makes learning from him enjoyable.

The nicest man and individual in our division; he is kind, calm, composed, compassionate and provides learners with the best opportunities to learn possible. He is absolutely the best surgeon I have worked with during my time at Mayo Clinic, and I would love for him to care for me and my family members. I strive to have his level of composure and kindness as a future surgeon and leader.

Amazing coach and educator. Makes you a much better surgeon and allows you to grow when you are with him. Always has a very positive attitude and serves as a great role model for professionalism and Mayo culture.

Dr. Martinez is an excellent teacher and allows for excellent autonomy.

Dr. Martinez is truly the epitome of an exceptional teacher. I’ve learned so much from him—not just in the operating room, but also through the invaluable life lessons he shared. His guidance has shaped me profoundly, both as a professional and as a person. Dr. Martinez has taught me the most, always leading by example with kindness, patienceand a deep commitment to excellence. I am endlessly grateful for everything he has done, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition as the best teacher.

He has been the most supportive mentor I have had in this past year of training, not only regarding surgery but also about life. I am comfortable approaching him with any problems or concerns, and he is always so understanding and willing to work with me through them.

He has been a wonderful hands-on teacher throughout my rotations and has been patient with the entire team.

Consistent history of leading residents through tough cases, exemplary teaching presentations, and always available to teach and help.

Dr. Martinez is an excellent educator who is kind, patient and thoughtful with every interaction he has. He wants the best for both trainees and patients, always putting others first. He is approachable and an excellent mentor.

Dr. Starlinger’s rotation is consistently highly sought-after because of his teaching both in the operating room and on the floor. He engages the trainees of all levels consistently throughout the operations and has them participate as much as their skill allows rather than being rigid in which parts of the operation he shares. Teaches regularly on rounds and hosted an excellent cadaver dissection.

Incredibly patient with the learning curve, with no judgement. Establishes a safe environment to foster growth and independence at the fellow level.

He’s a fantastic surgical instructor.

Dr. Cooper has been such a tremendous addition to our department. She has transformed the education in our outpatient procedure center practice and is a joy to work with in the OR and clinic.

Dr. Cooper has been a phenomenal teacher and mentor and an integral member of the OPC team. She greatly improved my surgical skills, including both technical skills and efficiency, and has helped grow my self-confidence and autonomy. She was very intentional about helping me reach the goals we discussed at the beginning of our rotation. She provides a great perspective on different approaches to cases (i.e., stent placement and sizing, en bloc resection of bladder tumors, etc.) based on her wealth of experience prior to joining the Mayo team. Additionally, she takes the time to attend all urology and residency social events, which shows a clear effort to get to know residents on a personal level.

At the beginning of Dr. Cooper’s rotation, she has you reflect on goals. Throughout rotation she focuses on how to drive home those skills. At the end she reflects with you, and you suddenly realize how lucky you are to have such a wonderful consultant.

Dr. Cooper has brought a new sense of energy to the Gonda 7 OPC practice, with a passion for showing residents new surgical techniques and ensuring they gain confidence and appropriate competency with endoscopic skills early in their training. She has inspired many residents to consider general urology practice and has been an exceptional mentor. She is also thoughtful in organizing end-of-rotation events for the trainees and faculty on the OPC service and in helping facilitate a resident wellness retreat.

Teaching residents and students seems to be a priority for Dr. Cooper every time she walks into the room. She helps guide and support us in all facets of life. She is a highlight of this urology program and deserves recognition for the effort she puts into educating her residents.

Outstanding teacher in the operating room: patient, supportive, committed to resident learning no matter the time of day, encourages resident autonomy, deals with complications with equanimity, and models excellence, confidence and leadership.

Dr. Cooper has transformed one of our rotations by teaching new skills, offering the right balance of autonomy in the operating room, and always encouraging us to think critically. Her fresh ideas and surgical techniques have reinvigorated our program, and her mentorship goes beyond just teaching — she inspires us with her strength and resilience as a female surgeon and mother. She is a true role model, showing us what it means to balance professional excellence with personal grace.

Dr. Cooper has revolutionized our department’s commitment to education, wellness and surgical training in her short time here at Mayo. Through her wellness initiatives and leadership with the resident affairs committee, she has recurrently demonstrated her ability to advocate for trainees. Working with her clinically, I can only describe Dr. Cooper selfless, compassionate and brilliant.

She organizes skills-based workshops that are accessible to residents of any level including hands-on simulations of new surgical techniques.

She is the faculty advisor for the resident wellness committee which involves meetings after hours to chat about changes we can make to enhance everyone’s well-being. Sometimes this involves buy-in from other faculty and Dr. Cooper does an amazing job as an advocate for the interests of the residents.

She has personally re-vamped our outpatient procedure center to be more educational and fruitful for residents. This involves not only increasing our surgical volume but also the variety of cases we see. Although she is present to provide real-time coaching, she walks through each case with us prior to the start and has us create a plan for ourselves instead of telling us exactly what to do. I think this has helped me tremendously in not only gaining competence, but also confidence as a surgeon, which has been invaluable.

Dr. Cooper was the first faculty member that I talked to about my pregnancy. The loving support that she provided for me throughout my journey to motherhood is something that I will cherish and hope to replicate when I am a consultant. Personally, and professionally, she has always exuded kindness and affability. In the operating room, Dr. Cooper is an excellent operative coach who has directly positively impacted my surgical skillset. I am extremely fortunate to have been taught by Dr. Cooper and hope that I can carry with me some of her expertise as a future surgical educator myself.

All members of the PGY-3 psychiatry class available for comment unanimously agree that Daniel has showcased exceptional work ethic, volunteerism and an infectiously positive attitude for the past three years. When residents are privileged to work with him on the consult-liaison or emergency psychiatry services, Daniel’s extremely accommodating and positive regard for residents makes these generally challenging rotations significantly more enjoyable. Daniel has an outsized impact on the psychiatry staff community at Mayo Clinic and equally his patients. Any one of us would be fortunate to have Daniel as a provider lending his clinical acumen while advocating for us and our wellbeing. I would undoubtedly recommend his care to any loved one in need. Daniel is most deserving of this award, although it is impossible to describe his impact on the resident community in so few words.

Shane is an outstanding Internal Medicine resident who always goes above and beyond to devote time and energy to the human aspects of medical care.  Be it the extra time that he spends with his patients or his earnest efforts towards checking in with colleagues. 

It only takes having one conversation with Shane to appreciate how genuine and dedicated he is to care for everyone around him.  He is an exceptional human being and is truly gifted when it comes to uplifting people around him.

Additionally, he created Crossovers & Conversations, a nonprofit that provides free, high-quality basketball camps for middle and high school students in Rochester, New York, and Rochester, Minnesota. The camps not only focus on athletic development but also promote health literacy by engaging participants in discussions about health topics such as mental health, substance use, community safety and more. 

Dr. Fuentes consistently demonstrates exceptional humanism, including going above and beyond to ensure patients feel heard, respected and supported. His empathy and dedication stand out in his professional endeavors, including his approach to learning and collaborating with the team. Personally, I remember a moment when I was feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation and he immediately stepped in and supported me, reflecting his integrity and commitment to the values of humanism in medicine.

Dr. Fuentes is an exceptional person and would be a very worthy recipient of the Humanitarian Award. He has a unique ability to uplift those around him and make them feel seen and heard. He is never too busy to mentor or teach medical students, and his passion for medicine is truly infectious. It is his human-to-human interactions that make him excel in his chosen field of internal medicine.