Get to know 2025 matching med students!

Isra Abdulwadood

Match: Plastic Surgery; University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals

Seattle, Washington

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: The University of Texas

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Why you chose MCASOM: I found a community of like-minded professionals who care about providing wholistic, patient-centered care.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: So many people served as mentors in different ways! I want to send a big thank you to:
Dr. Reece, Dr. Rebecca, Dr. Noland, Dr. Casey, Dr. Rhee, Dr. Pflibsen, and Dr. Movtchan in plastic surgery.
Dr. Shah and Dr. Bright at MCASOM.
Dr. Valencia, Lydia Wheeler, and Dr. Atunah-Jay through ODEI.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Sitting in silence with your patients can be equally as powerful as a comforting word or phrase.

What would people be surprised to know about you:
I love to collect and send postcards! Postcards are my favorite reason to pop into a souvenir or gift shop.

Kelly Ahern

Match: Psychiatry; Barnes-Jewish Hospital

St. Louis, Missouri

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Saint Louis University

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Why you chose MCASOM: I was first drawn to MCASOM’s incredible research and clinical opportunities, but I think what really sealed it for me was my experience on interview day. I was truly taken aback by how kind my interviewers were. Coming to Mayo would also allow me to spend time with my family in the Twin Cities area, which has really helped to make Minnesota feel like home.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Paul Croarkin, DO, MS, Hannah Betcher, MD, Simon Kung, MD, Jennifer Vande Voort, MD, Tyler Oesterle, MD, MPH, Nick Bormann, MD, Susan Kok, MD, and J. Michael Bostwick, MD and so many more than I can list here. I’m so grateful for the incredible clinical and research mentorship I’ve received here at Mayo.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: It sounds cliché, but that “the needs of the patient come first.” This is not only our primary value, but also a practice I’ve seen reflected time and time again in the care of our patients. I intend to bring this value with me wherever I end up for residency by going above and beyond for my patients.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I used to do competitive Irish dancing. While I had to hang up my competitive shoes a while back, I remain passionate about dancing and am fortunate to have been able to find outlets to pursue that passion here in Rochester.

Nick Allen

Match: Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Scottsdale, Arizona

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of California

Hometown: Oakland, California

Why you chose MCASOM: While considering various options for medical school, Mayo Clinic stood out for their determination to support the individual interests of each student. Additionally, Mayo’s focus on health systems and the ability for me to earn a Master’s degree in this field were particularly appealing.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: While everyone at Mayo has been outstanding and clearly committed to mentorship, a few in the primary care departments have made a special impact on me. These individuals include Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, Dr. Michael Underhill, and Dr. Augustine Chavez in Family Medicine, as well as Dr. Swarna Chaliki, Dr. Tina Byun, and Dr. Sneha Mishra in Community Internal Medicine.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Mayo Clinic is that while direct patient care is our top priority, it has limitations. The impact of health systems, health policy, public health, and more cannot be emphasized enough.

What would people be surprised to know about you: My favorite subject in school was always math, and I love games (like poker) that involve statistics. This knowledge is helpful in the medical field as well, and a key focus of mine is calculating and reducing health risks.

Megan Bauman

Match: Neurological Surgery; Barnes-Jewish Hospital

St. Louis, Missouri

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Saskatchewan

Hometown: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM because of the opportunity to learn from world renowned physicians and leaders in medicine, the emphasis on “The needs of the patient come first,” and the ability to receive individualized mentorship no matter which specialty I would come to pursue. I knew that a medical education at Mayo Clinic would allow me to achieve all of my future goals and help shape me into a future leader in medicine.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am greatly thankful for the mentorship and support from Dr. Maria Peris Celda, Dr. Ian Parney, Dr. Jamie Van Gompel, amongst others in the Department of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I have learned that regardless of my stage in training, there is always an opportunity to enhance the patient experience by prioritizing their needs. Simple acts, such as learnign about a patient’s interests and hobbies, ensuring their comfort, or offering a compassionate ear, can have a profound impact on their care and well-being.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I was a music major before medical school. I completed a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in saxophone performance. During my music career, I had the opportunity to perform all over the world, including in Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall in London (UK), and Cortona, Italy.

Mylan Blomquist

Match: Internal Medicine- Physician Scientist; University of California

San Francisco, California

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Arizona State University

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Why you chose MCASOM: After interviewing at MCASOM, it was immediately clear to me that Mayo Clinic is a unique place that seeks a diversity of perspectives for the sake of improving patient care. The kindness and support extended to me as a brand new MD/PhD student never wavered, and this amazing community felt like home right away.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Nhan Tran, Dr. Shannon Fortin Ensign, Dr. Scott Kaufmann, Dr. Lisa Schimmenti, Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Krystal Renszel, Dr. Natalie Langley. There are too many to list out, but huge thank you to the AZ Internal Medicine residents and IM subspecialty fellows for all they have taught me.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: “The needs of the patient come first” should always guide your decisions.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Growing up, I always wanted to be a wildlife biologist, and didn’t change my mind until more than halfway through college!

Sayi Boddu

Match: Orthopedic Surgery; University of California San Diego Medical Center

San Diego, California

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of California

Hometown: Cupertino, California

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose to attend the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine for top-tier medical training and also the opportunity to cultivate other passions and interests – my education here has cultivated me into not only a budding doctor but also a confident leader, a productive researcher, and a patient advocate knowledgeable about health systems on a broader scale.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Josh Bingham, Dr. Anikar Chhabra, Dr. Joe Brinkman, and Dr. Lane Moore have been instrumental in my growth and development. I hope to make them proud as I continue my career.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is constantly evolving. Life long learning and development is essential to continually deliver the best patient care, research, and education.

Taema Brinjikji

Match: Transitional; Trinity Health Livonia Hospital

Livonia, Michigan

Radiation Oncology; University of California

San Francisco, California

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Michigan

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Why you chose MCASOM: Mayo Clinic’s mission of putting the needs of patients first really resonated with me, and I felt that MCASOM would prepare me to become the best physician I could be.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Thank you to Dr. Shumway for inspiring me to pursue radiation oncology!

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The importance of finding meaning and purpose in the work we do to help patients to the best of our ability.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Taylor Swift for getting me through med school!

Steven Callori

Match: Internal Medicine; University of Minnesota Medical School

Minneapolis, Minnesota

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Boston University

Hometown: Belleville, New Jersey

Why you chose MCASOM: I was really impressed by the commitment to humanism in medicine. Mayo is, of course, an outstanding medical institution but it was the way care is delivered and learners are supported that convinced me this was the right fit for me.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: There are too many to list but some are Drs. Robert McBane, Ryan Giddings-Connolly, and Luke Hafdahl

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is hard and the most important thing you can be is kind

Claire Cassianni

Match: Emergency Medicine; Stanford Health Care

Stanford, California

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Southern California

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Why you chose MCASOM: Since childhood, it has been a dream to be apart of such an amazing medical program and community. My father was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer when I was very young. Mayo Clinic was a huge source of support and guidance to my family during his treatments and re-diagnoses as I remember books and articles from Mayo being present throughout every room of my childhood home. Alongside my personal reasons for choosing Mayo Clinic, the incredible faculty, opportunities, and mentorship were/are unparalleled.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Robert Hyde, Dr. Luke Hafdahl, Dr. Patricia Pellikka, Dr. Robert McBane, Dr. Kathryn Van Abel

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Be grateful and gracious during every moment, even in the most challenging times.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I was captain of the marathon team in college and played center/right wing for the USC women’s ice hockey club team!

Luqman M. Ellythy

Match: Internal Medicine; Baylor University Medical Center

Dallas, Texas

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Illinois

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Why you chose MCASOM: When you get the chance to learn from the people who write the guidelines, it’s really hard to give up.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Robert Hyde
Dr. Matt Ziegelmann
Dr. Zubin Master
Dr. Rochelle Torgerson

What would people be surprised to know about you: Keep an open mind and a curious attitude. Medicine is by no means set in stone and things that seem like common sense can be completely wrong.

Elizabeth Farkouh

Match: Medicine-Primary/DGM; MGB- Brigham and Womens Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Cornell University

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM for so many reasons. First and foremost, I was drawn to the Mayo Clinic culture. Even on my zoom interview, I could tell that the way Mayo Clinic provided care to patients was different – “the needs of the patients come first” is more than just a motto but is built into the fabric of the institution. I was also drawn to MCASOM’s small class size, incredible research, and unique enrichment opportunities such as Humanities in Medicine programming.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Drs. Michael Bostwick, Richard Elias, Ryan Giddings-Connolly, Dionne Hart, Robert Hyde, Aparna Kaur, Mark Liebow, Brian Lynch, Dawn Mussallem, Amirala Pasha, Ashok Patel, Sandhya Pruthi, Adam Sawatsky, and Katie Van Buren

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Mayo Clinic is the importance of understanding that a diagnosis is an ever-evolving hypothesis—something to be trusted but continually reassessed considering any new information.

What would people be surprised to know about you: In my spare time I work as a movie extra, and I recently had a speaking role in a feature film shot in Minnesota!

Laura Faubion

Match: Obstetrics and Gynecology; Marion Regional Medical Center

Santa Maria, California

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Notre Dame

Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota

Why you chose MCASOM: The unparalleled culture of the school along with the ability to work with faculty who are compassionate, collaborative and eager to be involved in teaching

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Annetta Madsen gave me wonderful guidance in choosing a career path and acted as an example of the type of physician I’d like to be. Dr. Kejal Kantarci was a fantastic research mentor and gave me amazing opportunities to take on projects in a supported way. Drs. Rassier, Khan, Ainsworth, Green and Breitkopf were all wonderful mentors and teachers during rotations.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Collaboration and teamwork; being open to learning from colleagues results in amazing patient care.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I (kind of) know how to play the organ!

Max Giesken

Match: Emergency Medicine; Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: North Central Missouri College & Northwest Missouri State University

Hometown: Parnell, Missouri

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM for medical school for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, because I knew that I would have the opportunity to train alongside and learn from world-renowned experts, but also because I knew that training at the Mayo Clinic would leave all the “doors” open for me in terms of career opportunities.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Luke Wood, an emergency physician who always offered sound and unbiased advice when I was going through the residency application process.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: It is a true privilege to care for those who are ill. At times it may be challenging, but I can’t imagine anything more rewarding.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I grew up in a very rural area of Missouri. The nearest town to my house growing up was 5 miles away and had a population of 100 people!

Jeffrey Graves

Match: Otolaryngology; Barnes-Jewish Hospital

St. Louis, Missouri

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Georgia State University

Hometown: Lula, Georgia

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine because of its unique combination of renowned faculty across all fields of medicine and the benefits of a small class size. The opportunity to learn from experts who are leaders in their specialties was incredibly appealing.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Mayo Clinic is the importance of a truly patient-centered approach to medicine. Mayo’s culture of prioritizing the needs of the patient above all else has shaped how I approach clinical care and decision-making.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I worked as a cook at Red Lobster for five years prior to starting medical school.

Giovanna Grigsby-Rocca

Match: General Surgery; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebonon, New Hampshire

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Virginia

Hometown: Napa, California

Why you chose MCASOM: Ultimately, I chose MCASOM because of its small size and what I perceived to be a warm, collaborative atmosphere. Fortunately, my educated guess landed me at a program with peers that became best friends and where collaboration is the norm.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Arman Arghami; Dr. John Stulak; Dr. Travis McKenzie

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Kindness goes so far. Medical knowledge will often help your patients or your team, but kindness always will. On the hardest or busiest days, being kind might feel harder but will always pay dividends.

What would people be surprised to know about you: My retirement plan is to open “Gigi’s Goats and Veggies,” a vegetable, cut flower, and goat farm.

D. Jeremiah Harrison

Match: Neurological Surgery; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, Minnesota

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Radford University

Hometown: Galax, Virginia

Why you chose MCASOM: The opportunity to train at what many consider the best hospital in the world by physicians who are leaders in their field, and a culture of truly putting the needs of the patient first.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Fredric B. Meyer, M.D., Mohamad Bydon, M.D., David J. Daniels, M.D., Ph.D., Jamie J. Van Gompel, M.D., Ryan Naylor, M.D., Ph.D., and J. Michael Bostwick, M.D., MFA

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Hard work pays off.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I don’t like beans.

Kiyan Heybati

Match: Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: McMaster Univeristy (Health Sciences)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Why you chose MCASOM: I was initially drawn to the three shields and the values of the Mayo Clinic. The opportunity to train at different campuses across the US reinforced this interest in pursuing my education at MCASOM. I also loved my personalized interview day experience and after 3.5 years, I am proud to call Mayo my second home.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am forever grateful to all the mentors I met at Mayo and while listing everyone would be almost as long as the staff directory, individuals include:
Dr. Gerardo Colon-Otero
Dr. Barbara McComb
Dr. Brian Shapiro
Dr. Bryan Taylor
Dr. Hemang Yadav
Dr. Ognjen Gajic
Dr. Harish Ramakrishna
Dr. Chris Fox
Dr. Dana Herrigel
Dr. Ryan Chadha
Dr. Edson Mwakyanjala
Dr. Eric Zuberi
Dr. Krista Grennan
Dr. Victoria Kalinoski-Dubose
Debbie Dixon
Patti Bourbeau
Venessa Huston
Allyssa Hernandez

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: To always place the needs of the patient first, no matter what. To achieve this, you do not need to be the smartest in the room. Instead, you should know your limitations, and empower and trust the rest of your team.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I have visited 21 countries and lived in 4 of them.

Alyssa Ishimoto

Match: Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Scottsdale, Arizona

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Why you chose MCASOM: I was interested in choosing a medical school with a collaborative culture, where everyone was focused on the same goal of prioritizing the patients’ health and values. MCASOM offered a wonderful culture, excellent clinical training, and a supportive environment.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am very grateful for the mentorship and support I have received from Drs. Lewis Wesselius, Qiuyu Cynthia Jin, Khalid Benkhadra, Ashley Garrett, Philip Lyng, Cyril Varghese, Annie Rusk, Krystal Renszel, Amit Shah, Krista Goulding, and Cara Lai. I am also thankful for all the guidance and support that the MCASOM education administration has provided to me during these past 4 years.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The most valuable lesson I learned at Mayo Clinic is that you can always learn something from those around you. Whether I am inspired by the stories that patients and colleagues share with me or listen to a new perspective on a topic I am unfamiliar with, the field of medicine offers many opportunities to learn from one another and expand our own viewpoints.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I have a twin brother! We went to rival colleges (he went to USC and I went to UCLA) so USC-UCLA football and basketball games were always very exciting.

Anders Jenson

Match: Pediatrics; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: University of Minnesota, College of Science and Engineering

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Why you chose MCASOM: The core value of the needs of the patient come first resonates strongly with me, and is a core tenant I want to practice during my career. Additional, the opportunity to learn from a large variety of experts in many fields is a unique privilege.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Michael Penfold
Dr. Scott Anjewierden
Dr. Alexa Jensen
Dr. Tyler Benning
Dr. Nathaniel Taggart
Dr. Megan Thorvilson
Dr. Erin Knoebel
Dr. Brendan Mulhern
Dr. Luke Hafdahl

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: There are many ways we can positively impact a patient’s life, including and expanding beyond medicine itself.

What would people be surprised to know about you: As someone who underwent 2 open heart surgeries at Mayo Clinic, I have experienced the commitment to excellent patient care first hand and consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to start my medical training here.

Jacqueline Kunzelman Anderson

Match: Radiology- Diagnostic; University of Utah Health

Salt Lake City, Utah

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Brigham Young University

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

Why you chose MCASOM: I attended high school right across the street from Mayo Clinic. I used to sit in class and look out at the Mayo building, daydreaming about one day becoming a Mayo Clinic physician. MCASOM was my dream, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to train here!

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Keith Cannon was my bishop in Primary, my stake president on my mission, my attending on IM shifts throughout my undergraduate, M3, and M4 years, and is now a dean at MCASOM. He inspires me to be kinder, to work harder, and to be more grateful in all areas of life.
Dr. Alvin Silva was a voice of calm and unwavering encouragement throughout the challenges of medical school. He introduced me to the radiological societies, where I now feel at home, and helped me develop a passion for education through the development of medical student programming for their annual meetings.
Dr. Cooky Menias taught my mother during her training and now teaches me in mine. She is the matriarch of radiology and a staunch advocate for trainees. She has given me remarkable opportunities throughout my early career to develop trainee resources with Radiographics. I count my lucky stars every day that we both ended up at the Mayo Clinic!

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: To change my focus from being “smart” to being “resilient.” Resilience allows for continuous improvement, encourages seeking help, and views failures as benchmarks for future growth without rattling our self-perceived identity.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I grew up with pet bobcats, was featured on the news for my maternity photoshoot, have an advanced scuba certification, speak Latvian, worked as an au pair in Madrid, and recently held a leading role in an independent film!

Connor Lentz

Match: Transitional; Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside

New York, New York

Opthalmology; New York Eye & Ear Infirmary

New York, New York

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: University of Florida

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Why you chose MCASOM: I was lucky to have the opportunity to do a gap year in basic science at Mayo Clinic Florida prior to medical school. From the moment I began working at Mayo Clinic I knew I wanted to stay there for medical school. To me, the incredible culture and commitment to excellence is what sets it above other institutions. The students and faculty are all supportive and the opportunities are endless. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to train here.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I first have to thank Dr. Syril Dorairaj for being a committed mentor and guide throughout my medical school journey. Several other ophthalmology faculty who were also amazing teachers and mentors include Dr. Lauren Dalvin, Dr. Odette Houghton, Dr. Daniel Lattin, and Dr. Karen Shimshak. I would also be amiss if I didn’t mention Dr. Takahisa Kanekiyo, my first research mentor who introduced me to Mayo Clinic and what it offers.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Treat your patients like family. The patient-physician relationship is special, and I hope to be able to treat my future patients as Mayo Clinic physicians do no matter where I end up working.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I spent two years living in Japan after high-school and learned to speak Japanese. I continue to use it frequently with my wife, who is Japanese, and our baby girl.

Ning McKenzie

Match: Transitional; Sutter Health

Roseville, California

Dermatology; University of Washington Affiliated Hospital

Seattle, Washington

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of California

Hometown: Berkeley, California

Why you chose MCASOM: I met the happiest medical students during my interview day, and was drawn to the proximity to nature that the Arizona campus provides. I was excited to have a small class size that leads to a closeknit, collaborative environment. I also loved having clinicians as our professors to share their clinical pearls starting as soon as M1 year!

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Yul Yang – From fueling my research year with fun intellectual challenges, to being available for 5 years of neurotic phone calls, I could not have done this without your reassurance and support.
Dr. James Yiannias, Dr. David DiCaudo, Dr. Elika Hoss, Dr. Shari Ochoa, Dr. Stella Chen, Dr. Leila Tolaymat, Dr. Matthew Hall, Dr. Abigail Degesys – I aspire to be a kind, curious, and compassionate dermatologist as you all have demonstrated in your practices!
Dr. Yuan (Tony) Feng, Dr. Krystal Renszel – You make me excited for intern year, despite my desire to stay as far away from code alarms as possible.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: To stay open-minded, curious, humble, and always reach out to your colleagues for help!

What would people be surprised to know about you: I like to sew my own clothing

Brandon Nguyen

Match: Neurological Surgery; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Phoenix, Arizona

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Harvard University

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Why you chose MCASOM: I was definitely drawn to the prioritization of compassion and education that is core to our school’s values, as well as the chance to meet similarly-minded classmates. I also had an interest in neurosurgery before starting medical school, and felt that coming to MCASOM would give me the opportunity to learn from some of the best mentors in the field!

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I definitely had the right idea thinking that I’d meet fantastic mentors if I came to learn at the Mayo Clinic, and I’ve had too many incredible mentors to fit them all in this question. Dr. Kalani has been a guiding light for me ever since I started medical school. Dr. Bendok has exemplified being an incredible educator, clinician, and leader and has imparted more wisdom and clinical knowledge than I could find in any textbook or library. Dr. Krishna and Dr. Zimmerman set a standard for clinical and surgical excellence and have always extended opportunities for me to grow and learn. and have molded my image of what I want my career to be. Dr. Parker and Dr. Di Nome were invaluable advisors as I was applying for the Match and I always felt that they were just as invested in my future as I was. Being at Mayo truly fostered these relationships—so many of my classmates and the residents here at Mayo Clinic Arizona have supported and raised me up throughout my preclinical and clinical years in and out of the neurosurgery department.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Maybe it’s cliché, but I’ve learned that no amount of knowledge or technical skill can substitute for compassion and empathy for our patients and our colleagues. Prioritizing patient safety and wellness, and recognizing that motivation in others is what facilitates excellent teamwork and outcomes.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Every year when I was a kid, I would ask for cheesecake for my birthday. When I started medical school, I learned about the Birthday Baking Committee and decided that I’d learn how to make them myself to give to my fellow Mayo Arizona cheesecake enthusiasts on their birthdays. I think that throughout the past few years, cheesecake baking has really become a significant part of my personality—maybe too much!

Keshav Poudel

Match: Internal Medicine; Ohio State University Medical Center

Columbus, Ohio

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: The Ohio State University

Hometown: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Why you chose MCASOM: Mayo Clinic offered unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional development. Everyone on interview day was so kind and immediately made me feel like I was a part of the family and wanted me to succeed. I knew right then that they’d be my #1 choice for medical school, and I was so excited to receive the good news on acceptance day.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Colon, Dr. Shapiro, Dr. Herrigel, Dr. Smerina, Dr. Mwakyanjala, and Dr. Sandin

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Healthcare is not and will never be a one person endeavor. It’s a team effort to ensure the needs of the patient comes first.

What would people be surprised to know about you: My classmates know me as one who only meal preps pounds of chicken, but I am a decent cook when it comes to other foods as well.

Timothy Rengers

Match: General Surgery; Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Oakland University

Hometown: Royal Oak, Michigan

Why you chose MCASOM: Interactions with the current medical students were more personable and engaging than in other programs. A non-RVU-based compensation model suggested to me that Mayo Clinic would be a better environment for learning how to care for patients without competitive fiscal interests. Given the size of the hospital, a small class size felt like it would enhance the quality of mentorship and learning experiences.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Susanne Warner (Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery) has been my primary mentor throughout medical school. A strong argument can be made that every academic success I’ve had throughout my time here has been a direct result of her sponsorship, advocacy, and mentorship. Dr. Todd Rasmussen (Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery) was a faculty mentor for the Vascular Surgery Interest Group. He met with me in my first year of medical school and offered mentorship and guidance in navigating a career in general surgery. Dr. Travis McKenzie (Division of Endocrine Surgery) served as faculty advisor for the Surgery Interest Group and allowed me to shadow early in my medical school career. Time in Dr. McKenzie’s OR was my first experience with hands-on surgical education and included my first skin incision! Dr. Cornelius Thiels (Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery) provided research opportunities that gave me new ways to think about problems and seek answers. Dr. Katie Van Abel (Department of Otolaryngology) for creating the chance to work in the ENT Research Newsletter and providing mentorship even though my career interests deviated from otolaryngology. Dr. Sami Bayan (Department of Otolaryngology) for mentoring and advocating for me even after my clinical interested changed. Dr. Diem Vu (Department of Trauma Critical Care and General Surgery) for helping me navigate the logistics of the application process and offering reassurance during times of my highest anxiety.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Always prioritize patient care. The best learning happens as a result of investment in your patients.

What would people be surprised to know about you: My first career was drumming for the band Fireworks.

Jordan Richardson

Match: Emergency Medicine; HealthPartners Institute-Regions Hospital

Saint Paul, Minnesota

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Duke University

Hometown: Platte City, Missouri

Why you chose MCASOM: I already had loving and supportive friendships in Rochester from a previous job and was looking forward to continuing my career at Mayo Clinic in a place I had come to love! It is such a unique and special place to learn medicine and I have loved the access to faculty and resources Mayo has provided.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Luke Wood has been my residency advisor and has been incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process of choosing my specialty and navigating the match process. I am also incredible thankful for the mentors I have found throughout the Rochester community who have challenged me to be a better and more engaged leader.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I have learned the value of investing in my community and relationships and how these are the things that make a life rich and meaningful.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I love to knit, sew, and crochet! Most of my outfits have at least one handmade item.

Matthew Rode

Match: Neurology; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, Minnesota

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: The Ohio State University

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Why you chose MCASOM: The endless opportunities to pursue subspecialty exposure, research, and quality improvement.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Marco Rizzo, Dr. Steven Moran, and Dr. Jeremy Cutsforth-Gregory

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Consistent practice every day produces results beyond our imagination.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I am the proud 9th place mixed doubles finisher in the 2024 Rochester Beat the Heat Pickleball Classic.

Clayton Siminski

Match: Transitional; Gundersen Luthern Medical Foundation

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Radiology-Diagnostic; St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Campus

Easton, Pennsylvania

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Rice University

Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania

Why you chose MCASOM: Clinical excellence, strong values, and a wonderful community of people.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Tara Henrichsen, Dr. Carrie Carr, Dr. David Kallmes, Dr. Michael Oien, Dr. John Benson

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: How to put others first, with integrity and humility.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a classically trained pianist and love to write music!

Andrés Somoza

Match: Emergency Medicine; New York-Presbyterian/Queens

Flushing, New York

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Virginia Commonwealth University

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine because of its unparalleled sense of camaraderie and the remarkable mentor-mentee dynamic that fosters both personal and professional growth. From the moment I interviewed, I felt the warmth of a community dedicated not only to excellence in medicine but also to the development of each individual student. The close-knit environment, coupled with an exceptional faculty-to-student ratio, ensured that I was consistently supported, challenged, and inspired throughout my journey. At Mayo, I found mentors who not only shaped my medical knowledge but also exemplified the values of teamwork, integrity, and lifelong learning—qualities that I will carry forward into my career in Emergency Medicine.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support and guidance of numerous mentors who have shaped my journey in medicine. Dr. Gerardo Colon-Otero, who first interviewed me for medical school, has been a steadfast source of encouragement and wisdom throughout my time at Mayo. Dr. Michael Mohseni and Dr. Courtney James played pivotal roles in guiding me through my career decision, helping me navigate the complexities of choosing Emergency Medicine and offering invaluable advice along the way. Dr. William Rule, through the Diversity Mentorship Program, provided not only mentorship but also reassurance during moments of doubt, helping me work through imposter syndrome and grow into the human that I am today. Additionally, Dr. Elliot Dimberg and Dr. Amit Shah were instrumental in supporting me through the challenges I encountered during medical school, offering both guidance and perspective when I needed it most. Last, but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful for the countless staff members in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs across all three Mayo sites. Their unwavering support helped me get back on my feet during difficult times, reminding me that resilience is built not alone, but with a strong community behind you.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: One of the most profound lessons I have learned at Mayo Clinic is that you are only as good as the team you’re a part of. Medicine is not an individual pursuit—it thrives on collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. Whether in the emergency department or any other setting, patient care is a collective effort, requiring the seamless integration of diverse expertise and perspectives. Watching exceptional physicians work alongside nurses, technicians, and staff to deliver the highest standard of care has reinforced for me that true excellence in medicine is not about individual achievement but about uplifting those around you to create the best possible outcomes for patients.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Over the last few years I have grown to love open-water swimming. There’s something exhilarating about the vastness of the ocean—the way it both humbles and energizes you at the same time. Whether it’s the early morning swims as the sun rises over the Atlantic or the challenge of navigating the waves, open-water swimming has reinforced qualities of endurance, adaptability, and the importance of staying calm even in unpredictable conditions. In the end, swimming has always been my way of resetting and finding peace, a reminder that no matter how demanding life gets, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being in the water, carried by the rhythm of the tide.

Matthew Van Ligten

Match: Emergency Medicine; University of California; San Diego Medical Center

San Diego, California

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Graduate education: University of California

Undergraduate education: Orange, California

Hometown: Pasadena, California

Why you chose MCASOM: The research and opportunity to grow.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Douglas Rappaport and Dr. Wayne Martini. Both have helped me along my path and are exemplary people as well as doctors.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: That team work is crucial to good patient outcomes.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I did Music and Theatre for years in the past.

Jay Vasilev

Match: Psychiatry; University of Arizona College of Medicine

Phoenix, Arizona

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Saint Louis University

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Why you chose MCASOM: From day one, MCASOM has felt like an incredibly collaborative environment. I loved being part of a small, tight-knit class where we could support and learn from one another. I was drawn to the abundance of opportunities and the flexibility to shape my own curriculum and pathway throughout medical school. The ability to explore my passions across all three sites further enriched my experience.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Jewel Kling
Dr. Cynthia Stonnington
Dr. Robert Bright
Dr. Shaun Daidone
Dr. Amit Shah
Dr. Megan Wasson
Dr. Aqsa Khan
Dr. Augustine Chavez
Kristin Klarkowski

I am deeply grateful to all the mentors who have guided and supported me throughout medical school and beyond, shaping my growth both personally and professionally.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: “The idea is not to live forever, it is to create something that will.”

What would people be surprised to know about you: During my first year of medical school, I managed to miss my anatomy dissection—not because of illness or oversleeping, but because I got trapped in my own bathroom. It took a full rescue squad of classmates and nearly two hours of heroic door demolition to set me free. Ironically, while my peers were dissecting cadavers, I was contemplating my own survival strategy in a windowless bathroom.

Charis Wang

Match: Medicine-Preliminary; University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine

Reno, Nevada

Radiology-Diagnostic; Mount Auburn Hospital

Cambridge, Massachusetts

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Rice University

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Why you chose MCASOM: Having been a patient of Mayo Clinic in the past, I knew the culture at Mayo maintained a high standard of patient-focused professionalism. As a patient, I could see the exemplary collaboration, collegiality, stewardship, and alliance with which Mayo physicians practiced, and I knew that this was the environment in which I wanted to train.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Alvin Silva, Dr. Cameron Adler

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I never fail to be amazed by the humility and kindness of many of the physicians at Mayo Clinic. Several times, I could be rounding with a world-renowned leader in addiction medicine research or national committee president and not even know it. Because of such role models, training at Mayo has taught me that accolades, accomplishments, and personal pride are inferior to simply being present in the physician-patient relationship and serving those who just need someone to care about them and for them.

What would people be surprised to know about you:
I have had more than ten addresses in the last ten years!

Katherine Wang

Match: Dermatology; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Jacksonville, Florida

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Marshall University

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Why you chose MCASOM: I was drawn to Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine because of its core values, supportive learning environment, and abundance of opportunities available to medical students.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: There are honestly too many to list! I want to thank each and every one of my clinical and research mentors – I would not be here without their outstanding and consistent guidance, teaching, and support. I want to thank all of the administrative staff I’ve worked with over the years. Finally, I want to thank my scholarship benefactors for their generous gift that eased the financial burden of medical school.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: No one is big enough to be independent of others.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I once won first place in an archery competition.

Kenny Wang

Match: Ophthalmology; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, Minnesota

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Hometown: Whippany, New Jersey

Why you chose MCASOM: The culture at Mayo makes it a special place and makes it enjoyable to work and learn from others. Having a small class at Mayo also meant there were many opportunities available for medical students.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Timothy Xu, Dr. Lauren Dalvin, Dr. John Chen, Dr. Andrea Tooley, Dr. Matthew Starr, Dr. Andrew Barkmeier, Dr. Amir Khan

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The patient doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I enjoy salsa dancing.

Guozhen (Gordon) Xie

Match: Anesthesiology; University of Michigan Hospitals

Ann Arbor, Michigan

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Ohio State University

Hometown: Dublin, Ohio

Why you chose MCASOM: I came to Mayo for the opportunity to train at a foremost academic institution and to learn from experts in clinical medicine.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Ryan Chadha
Brian Shapiro
Amit Shah
Eric Zuberi

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Having a good team is more important than having a star player at any position.

What would people be surprised to know about you: In 2013, I was briefly the highest ranked player in the world in NOVA2, a first-person shooter for iPad that blatantly plagiarized Halo and was pulled from the App Store shortly after.

Rachel Ziebart

Match: Pediatrics-Preliminary; MGB Massachussetts General Hospital

Moston, Massachussetts

Dermatology; Geisinger Health System

Danville, Pennsylvania

MCASOM campus: Rochester

Undergraduate education: Liberty University School of Nursing

Hometown: Limington, Maine

Why you chose MCASOM: The warmth I experienced on interview day showed me that Mayo Clinic is more than a world-class institution — it’s a community where learners are truly valued and supported, creating an environment essential for growth. Additionally, as a former nurse, I sought a place where patients receive not only exceptional medical care but also genuine compassion. Mayo Clinic felt like the perfect embodiment of this.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Saranya P. Wyles, MD, PhD
Dr. Julio Sartori-Valinotti, MD
Dr. Nessa Aghazadeh Mohandesi, MD
Dr. Dawn Davis, MD
Dr. Afsaneh Alavi, MD
Dr. Rochelle Torgerson, MD, PhD
Dr. Mark Davis, MD
Dr. Laura Wangensteen, MD
Dr. Justin Kreuter, MD
Dr. Sebastian Cotofana, MD, PhD

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The toughest challenges in medical school are rarely the ones you expect, but there’s always more support around you than you might realize. In the end, the friendships you build along the way become the most profound and cherished gift.

What would people be surprised to know about you: If I did not apply into Dermatology, my second choice would have been Psychiatry. Two halves of the ectoderm, the skin and the mind are both wonderful facets of medicine!