Mayo Clinic Alumni Association – Know Your Board – Krishna Vyas, M.D., Ph.D.

Provides leadership | Makes policy decisions | Decides strategic direction and vision

Krishna Vyas, M.D., Ph.D. (PLSI ’22)

Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education representative

President, Mayo Fellows’ Association

Resident, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota

Residency: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota

Graduate: Ph.D., Clinical and Translational Science, University of Kentucky Graduate School, Lexington; Master of Health Science, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

Medical school: M.D., University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington

Undergraduate: University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences, Lexington

Native of: Forest Hills, Kentucky

 

Why medicine

My father is a urologist from India who now practices in rural Appalachia. He found great satisfaction in serving others, and I understood from a young age the impact that physicians could have on people and communities. I knew I wanted to spend my life in service for the well-being of others.

After college, I pursued a master’s in molecular microbiology, immunology and international health with a focus on mechanisms of immunologic tolerance. I then did a M.D. and Ph.D. focusing on stem cell biology and clinical-translational science.

I chose to pursue plastic surgery because it is a problem-solving specialty that translates creativity and critical thinking into surgical outcomes.  I also enjoy collaboration with other specialties on complex cases, which inspires decision-making based on principles and anatomy.

Why Mayo Clinic

I admired Mayo’s outstanding team-based commitment to the three shields of patient care, education and research. During my interview at Mayo, I was immediately impressed with the tireless educators who inspire trainees to integrate Mayo Clinic Values (RICH TIES) into daily practice.

“Plastic” is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shape.” My residency program helps to shape and mold trainees to achieve their full potential —  both professionally and personally —  and inspires us to critically analyze problems, to innovate and to be relentless advocates for our patients.

In my residency program, we have a unique mentorship model of training that allows trainees to engage in the holistic and longitudinal care of patients. I continue to be inspired by the comprehensive, seamless and integrated care and efficiency at Mayo.

Your work

I plan to pursue a career focusing on patient care, education and research, My research interests include plastic and reconstructive surgery, translational and regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, fat grafting, breast reconstruction, technology, and patient-centered outcomes.

Alumni Association

The relationship between the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association and Mayo Fellows’ Association is vital. The Alumni Association has a vested interest in residents and fellows. This year, we have continued virtual events and experiences to maintain social distancing; encouraged engagement with local businesses; and are working on a new and improved interactive and integrated MFA website within the Alumni Association website to centralize information and allow even more engagement of our members with alumni. It is great to feel like part of a larger Mayo Clinic family.

Off duty

I like to mentor, write, travel, hike, visit museums, watch movies, try new foods, play tennis and explore escape rooms.