Get to know your 2026 matching med students!

“Enjoy the journey! The days are long, and the years are short. Lean on your classmates and faculty, and be kind to yourself. Your patients are your best teachers. You can do this.“

Sumedha Attanti

Match: Anesthesiology; Tulane University School of Medicine

New Orleans, LA

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Graduate education: M.S. in Management, Northeastern University

Undergraduate education: B.A. in Health and the Human Sciences, University of Southern California

Hometown: Oak Park, CA

Why you chose MCASOM: I was very drawn to the smaller class size at MCASOM, as I was hoping to find a close-knit community during medical school. Everyone I had met during the interview process, from staff to students to faculty, were so kind and welcoming. Four years later, I am grateful to say that I have the most wonderful classmates that I have had the privilege of learning alongside.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors throughout my medical school journey. I would like to thank Dr. Adam Milam, Dr. Monica Harbell, and Dr. Brad Smith in the Anesthesiology department, as well as Dr. Jillian Maloney and Dr. Natalie Strand in the Pain Medicine department for their invaluable guidance over the last few years. I would also like to recognize Dr. Amit Shah in Community Internal Medicine and Dr. Michelle Winscott in Family Medicine for their mentorship.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient really do come first. I learned to walk into every patient room with a warm blanket and a desire to serve.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I recently used a running sub-Q stitch to mend my wedding reception dress.

Dream Job: Pediatric Anesthesiologist

“Embrace the “candy store” that is Mayo Clinic. The ability to explore nearly any interest and learn from world-class teams across disciplines is a rare and defining part of training here. Stay curious, seek out opportunities boldly, and take full advantage of the incredible breadth Mayo offers.”

Rebecca Boothe

Match: Anesthesiology; Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of Wyoming

Hometown: Brookwood, AL

Why you chose MCASOM: I grew up in a very rural part of Alabama and had never heard of Mayo Clinic until years later while working in Wyoming as a mouse colony technician. There, I became close with an animal caretaker undergoing cancer treatment here, who shared both his struggles and the remarkable care he received. He credited the team and system at Mayo Clinic with saving his life, and hearing his story shaped my view of what medicine should be. I saw the impact of truly patient-centered care and the difference compassionate physicians can make. From that moment on, I knew this was where I wanted to train. My experience here has been everything I hoped for, and becoming part of so many patients’ stories has been incredibly meaningful.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am so incredibly grateful for my mentors, and couldn’t have done it without them! My deepest gratitude to Dr. Emily Sharpe, Dr. James Gregoire, Dr. Phillipe Bauer, Dr. K Drew Baker, Dr. Elizabeth Vogel, Dr. Ognjen Gajic and so many more faculty members, residents, and fellows that shaped my time here at Mayo Clinic.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The most valuable lesson I learned at Mayo Clinic is the profound impact compassionate, patient-centered care can have on a person’s life.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Prior to medical school, I was a ski patroller at a tiny ski area in the Medicine Bow mountains of Wyoming, and despite training at one of the most well-resourced hospitals in the country, I hope to spend the majority of my career working in a more rural area, taking care of rural populations as I did before, this time as an anesthesiologist.

Dream Job: Rural/suburban anesthesia (maybe critical care and/or OB) in the Rockies, and a medical director for a ski patrol.

“Acquiring an MD is a marathon, not a sprint. Find a routine that prioritizes consistency, efficiency, and wellness.”

Benjamin Braunecker

Match: Neurology; Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Phoenix, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Harvard University

Hometown: Ferdinand, IN

Why you chose MCASOM: MCASOM was an ideal fit for me seeking excellence in clinical education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and proximity to esteemed physicians serving a wide and diverse patient population.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Todd Schwedt and Dr. Charles Adler

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I played football professionally for the Chicago Bears.

Dream Job: Chief Medical Officer of the NFL

“Approach every rotation with curiosity, even in specialties you do not see yourself pursuing. It may be the only time in your career that you place a certain line, assist in a particular procedure, or encounter a specific patient presentation. When you treat each experience as a unique opportunity to learn, the work becomes far more engaging and meaningful. That genuine interest is noticeable to the people around you, and it often opens the door to more teaching and involvement.“

Xindi (Cece) Chen

Match: General Surgery; Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: University of Pennsylvania

Hometown: Mason, OH

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose to attend Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine because of the strong sense of community and the meaningful relationships between students and mentors that support both personal and professional development. From my interview experience, it was clear that the school fosters a culture where students are genuinely supported and encouraged to grow. The collaborative atmosphere and small class size also created an environment where faculty are highly accessible and invested in student success. Throughout my time at Mayo, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors who not only guided my clinical and academic training but also modeled the importance of collaboration, professionalism, humility, and continuous learning. Just as meaningful has been the opportunity to train alongside an extraordinary group of classmates who quickly became close friends and constant sources of support. Together, these experiences have shaped the physician I hope to become as I pursue a career in general surgery.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am forever grateful for the mentors I’ve had at Mayo Clinic. Although it would be impossible to name all of them, a few individuals include: Dr. Chad Ruoff, Dr. Natalie Langley, Dr. Young Erben, Dr. Mathew Thomas, Dr. Aakriti Carrubba, Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, Dr. Emmanuel Gabriel, Dr. Chris Fox, Dr. Michelle DeLeon, Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Ryan Chadha, Dr. Eric Zuberi, Dr. Quintin Quinones, Allyssa Hernandez, Patti Bourbeau, and Venessa Huston. An additional huge thank you to the entirety of the Mayo FL general surgery residents and faculty for all they have taught me!

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This idea reflects one of the core reasons Mayo Clinic is able to truly live out its guiding principle that the needs of the patient come first. The culture places a genuine emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect across every role in the healthcare system. The highest quality patient care emerges when physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff each bring their expertise and perspectives to the table and work together toward a shared goal.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I used to be a competitive figure skater!

Dream Job: If not a doctor, I’d love to be a professional food blogger/vlogger and visit lots of different restaurants!

“Never be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling! There are so many people willing to support and guide you, sometimes you just need to make the brave first move. Also, take the time to get close to your peers, go out, have fun as much as possible during the pre-clerkship phase. Those relationships and memories are ones you’ll lean on and reflect on when medical school gets really challenging.”

Stephanie Hernandez

Match: Internal Medicine; Olive View UCLA Medical Center

Sylmar, CA

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Graduate education: Chatham University

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

Hometown: Palm Desert, CA

Why you chose MCASOM: The small class size and faculty created an environment of incredible support. I never felt like I was lost, and anytime I needed help, there were multiple individuals ready to support me and help get me to the finish line of graduation. I also loved how MCASOM focused on accepting students of diverse backgrounds and experiences, because it made my experience much richer and I have learned so much from my peers and their unique perspectives. Lastly, the culture of teaching and approach to students from the classroom, to clinic, to the OR, is something that makes learning enjoyable and less stressful experience than I expected. Everyone is approachable and willing to answer questions/teach and it is something I deeply appreciate.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Elizabeth Valencia, Dr. Nathan Delafield, Dr. Ana Zamora, Dr. Rosie Frazier, Dr. Amit Shah, and Maria Molina. However, there are so so many incredible individuals (attendings, fellows, residents, and staff) at Mayo that have shaped my experience and the type of physician I want to be in the future.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Always be the person to strive for excellence in whatever field or lane you choose. Perfection may not exist, but trying to continuously improve is something that will benefit your patients, students that learn from you, and yourself!

What would people be surprised to know about you: I am a formerly trained dancer and spent many years as a teacher, on competitive teams, and would love to re-incorporate dance into my life after medical school.

Dream Job: Reducing health disparities through my work, and having a patient panel that is mostly made up of individuals from vulnerable populations.

“Take full advantage of all the unique opportunities and resources MCASOM offers you. Not every school has these, and they can set you up for success in your residency application and future residency.”

Andy Ho

Match: Medicine- preliminary; HonorHealth

Scottsdale, AZ

Dermatology; HonorHealth

Scottsdale, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Why you chose MCASOM: I was drawn to MCASOM for its collaborative culture and community. I felt like I was supported by not only the faculty, but by the current class and my future classmates.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Collin Costello, Dr. Stella Chen, Dr. David DiCaudo, and everyone else in the Department of Dermatology have been instrumental in helping me in my career.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Remembering that “the needs of the patient come first” will always guide you to the correct decision.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Although I have lived in a desert my entire life, I love to go snowboarding!

Dream Job: Dermatologist

“Hit the ground running if you can. Take advantage of every single opportunity. Be a try-hard! Do not let people try to shame you into “effortlessness“. Being great requires effort.”

Vivian (Veev) Iloabuchi

Match: Transitional; WellStar Health System

Marietta, GA

Dermatology; Boston University Medical Center

Boston, MA

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Fisk University

Hometown: Aba, Nigeria

Why you chose MCASOM: A meeting with Liz Valencia, MD, JD. I am eternally thankful for her.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Liz Valencia – I will forever remain in awe of your kindness.
Dr. Stella X. Chen – Thank you for being steadfast, kind and honest. I am incredibly appreciative of all you did to support me.
Dr. Leila Tolaymat – Thank you for welcoming me and guiding me during an uncertain time. Thank you for regular check-ins. Thank you for being you.
Dr. Olayemi Sokumbi – Thank you for your honesty, guidance and support. Having your counsel changed the trajectory of my life.
Dr. Molly Youssef – Thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity to explore my interests.
Dr. Ashley Garrett – Thank you for a wonderful time as pulmonology TA and for your support thereafter.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first!

What would people be surprised to know about you: Spelling Bee Champion of my elementary school in the second grade. My winning word: competition.

Dream Job: Tea shop owner (specifically tea not coffee!) which also doubles as a flower shop and has a community-run library.

“Medical school is hard, but it can also be the best 4 years of your life. Be grateful for how far you’ve come and take time to enjoy yourself.”

Mariah L. Schroeder

Match: Pathology; UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Metropolitan State University of Denver

Hometown: Caledonia, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM because of its renowned education, personalized curriculum, career support, and friendly feel.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I have had wonderful mentors at Mayo Clinic who have guided me since very early in my career towards pathology. A huge thanks to Dr. Zach Thompson, Dr. Jordan Reynolds, Dr. Yasmeen Butt, Dr. Leslie Padrnos, and Dr. Theresa Kinard for their incredible mentorship.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: No one can know or do everything. Strive to be the best you can be in your role but never be afraid to come back to your team for help.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I come from a family of crop and cattle farmers in Minnesota. I also was a 3-sport athlete in high school and played college basketball.

Dream Job: I hope to become a molecular genetic pathologist.

“Do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Try new things, even if it means failing along the way. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from those moments of challenge and uncertainty. Embracing these experiences will help shape you into a resilient physician who values continuous learning and personal growth.”

Emma Terwilliger

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

Scottsdale, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: B.S. from Purdue University

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN

Why you chose MCASOM: From my first interaction with Mayo Clinic on interview day to my final day on clinical rotations, I was consistently met with kindness, respect, and a genuine sense of support. It quickly became clear that the culture at Mayo Clinic fosters growth by encouraging trainees to step outside their comfort zones while providing the mentorship and support needed to succeed. In addition, the diverse and medically complex patient population continually challenged me and enriched my training, allowing me to develop the clinical skills and curiosity necessary to care for patients with the most complex diseases.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Bartels, Dr. Ellis, Dr. Dangerfield, Dr. Shah

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: One of the most valuable lessons I learned at Mayo Clinic is that kindness is contagious. When kindness is consistently modeled by physicians, staff, and trainees, it creates an environment where patients feel supported and team members feel valued. This culture fosters trust, collaboration, and growth, allowing everyone involved in patient care to learn from one another and continuously improve. Experiencing this firsthand showed me how powerful a simple act of kindness can be in shaping both patient care and the workplace environment.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Something people might be surprised to know about me is that I played Division I college volleyball and continued competing professionally during medical school in the Volleyball League of America. As a third-year medical student, my team and I even won the USA Adult National Championship.

Dream Job: My dream job is to become a gastroenterologist who focuses on inflammatory bowel disease. I am drawn to gastroenterology because it combines both procedural and clinical medicine while allowing physicians to build long-term relationships with patients across many stages of life. The opportunity to care for patients with complex chronic diseases and support them over time is what makes the field especially meaningful to me.