Meet the 2026 Teacher of the Year awardees

Dr. Padrnos always makes you feel comfortable with asking questions, and she maintains a very friendly learning environment. She makes time during busy clinic weeks to teach every day. This is hugely helpful in learning for all levels. Her lectures are just outstanding. She has allowed learners to grow holistically into better physicians. She is kind and
compassionate toward patients and trainees and leads by example. She gives her trainees room to make mistakes and corrects them with kindness and respect.

Dr. Fletcher consistently goes above and beyond in regard to teaching. He shares interesting learning cases and emails
interesting cases he sees. He approaches radiology with such humility. Dr. Fletcher is Mayo Clinic. He is intelligent and humble. Dr. Fletcher consistently goes out of his way to teach residents. He offers timely, focused feedback that strengthens clinical judgment and confidence. He is a fantastic teacher and takes the time to explain imaging findings. Dr. Fletcher goes above and beyond when it comes to teaching neuroradiology and ensuring an excellent educational environment. He is always sharing pearls and makes learning fun and low stress.

Dr. Lal is the epitome of academic medicine. From her residents to the scrub techs, everyone knows of Dr. Lal’s passion for education. It is second to none. She is truly motivated to teach and share her knowledge with others. She lays out learning goals and aligns her teaching style with what is most appropriate on an individual level. She has numerous
publications and ongoing research projects. She goes above and beyond to teach in a thoughtful and intentional manner.

Her feedback is clear, direct and drives growth. She invests in trainees, pushes them past their comfort zone, and
models professionalism and purpose. She focuses on making education the forefront of her work with residents, bringing in evidence-based educational methodologies. Dr Lal is a role model and a passionate teacher who places the progress of her mentees above everything else. Her systematic approach makes sense for even the most difficult-to-tackle topics.

Dr. Lal is deeply committed to resident and medical student education. She literally wrote the book on endoscopic sinus
surgery. Her chapter on endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the most frequently visited chapters for ENT residents when
learning rhinology. She spends time in both the clinic and the operating room, making sure to deepen understanding
of anatomic, physiologic and pathological pearls for learners. She established a rhinology education hour, which is done weekly to present interesting cases and review the highlights of clinical decision making.

What makes her an incredible educator is her ability to celebrate learners’ successes and help with shortcomings. She
is quick to give public praise to residents who work diligently behind the scenes. She takes the few extra minutes at the end of a long day to let learners know that she sees the progress they are making.

Dr. Zulfiqar is an outstanding research mentor whose commitment to academic excellence has transformed the research experience for countless trainees. Dr. Zulfiqar is one of the most prolific researchers in the department. Each year, she leads multiple projects and consistently produces high quality manuscripts, presentations and abstracts for national and international meetings. Her academic productivity alone is remarkable but what truly distinguishes her is her dedication to bringing trainees along with her. She actively recruits residents and fellows to participate in her projects, giving them meaningful roles and ensuring they grow as investigators. Her feedback is exceptional. It is detailed, rigorous and delivered with a genuine desire to elevate trainees to their highest potential. Working with her is demanding, in the best way. She sets the bar high, but she always provides the tools, structure and mentorship needed to meet that bar. Under her guidance, projects become polished; publications become stronger; and
trainees gain confidence in their ability to produce scholarly work at a national level.

Dr. Zulfiqar brings a rare combination of kindness, clarity and high standards. She pushes her mentees to think critically, write effectively and approach research with discipline and curiosity. Her investment in the development is evident in every edit, every coaching session, and every late-night round of revisions. The results speak for themselves. Her mentees consistently generate impressive deliverables and grow into more capable, confident researchers.

Dr. Zulfiqar is an exceptional research mentor whose energy, productivity and inclusivity have transformed resident
scholarly engagement. She manages an impressive portfolio of concurrent projects while intentionally recruiting residents at all levels, ensuring that anyone with an interest in research has the opportunity to participate and grow. Her mentorship extends beyond project completion. She teaches residents how to ask meaningful questions, navigate the research process, and produce work of the highest quality that advances the field. Under her guidance, resident projects consistently earn awards and culminate in publications in high-impact radiology journals.

Dr. Lal has excelled for years from a productivity and utility perspective regarding her research. Not only has she been
successful personally, but she is also in listed and empowered by the next generation to become surgeon scientists. Dr. Lal is a dedicated resident educator. She started weekly rhinology teaching sessions to formally discuss topics within rhinology. She also makes sure that learners have goals and plans to achieve them.

Moore is endlessly supportive of residents, helping them through bereavement, coordinating wellness initiatives, keeping on top of residents’ travel, trips, work hours and compliance. She has endless patience, meets residents’
needs and makes their lives more organized.

From the outset of training, Dr. Mecham has exemplified the core values of Mayo Clinic, including teamwork, integrity,
excellence and compassion, demonstrating exceptional performance across the three shields of Practice, Education
and Research. He stands among the most accomplished and impactful residents in the history of the program. Dr. Mecham approaches every interaction with integrity and respect, recognizing the profound privilege of caring for patients. His humility is striking. His clinical performance is exceptional, and he combines technical skill with a deep sense of responsibility for his patients.

Dr. Mecham was selected for the Mayo Clinic Clinical Educator Pathway, a competitive program admitting only
40 trainees across the enterprise, where he is completing a capstone project to enhance intern education. Nationally,
he has advanced otolaryngology education through his leadership with Headmirror, a resource for residents and
medial students throughout the country. With Headmirror, he has hosted and produced widely accessed podcasts that
connect learners with experts across the country.

Dr. Mecham has an extraordinary record of scholarly productivity with more than 15 peer-reviewed publications,
numerous presentations and poster sessions at national meetings. He continues to lead research projects. His work
reflects rigor, innovation and a commitment to advancing patient care.

Dr. Forst has established herself as a stellar example of everything good at Mayo Clinic. Clinically, she will go the
extra mile for each and every patient and do it with a smile. Even with the most complex patients, she will find a way and
time to connect with ease. Numerous staff have commented on her bedside manner, with the type of effortless compassion that puts every patient at ease. This quality is long-standing, as Dr. Forst was “Intern of the Year” and was
recently nominated by Women in Medicine this year for Top Scottsdale Cardiology Fellow.

Dr. Forst is frequently described as a teaching role model, as she always makes the extra effort to direct learners to fill in
knowledge gaps in an inspirational way. She has mentored medical students clinically and on the research front, leading
to the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Forst’s own research revolves around heart failure and global health initiatives, social disparities of health, cardiac
complications of pregnancy, and cardiac rehabilitation in heart transplant patients.

Dr. Forst also works out in the field, as she feels a deep calling to help those that need it most. She went overseas to do a Mayo International Health Program elective in Kenya. She frequently works at the Maricopa County Hospital at the
high-risk Cardiac Obstetrics clinic. Dr. Forst is the paragon of trainees who are dedicated to changing people lives for the better. She has found joy and purpose in serving others, and she truly is a star who models what an aspirational clinician should be.

Dr. Gruenbaum is recognized as an exceptional educator who consistently elevates both clinical performance and clinical thinking. Learners highlight his ability to challenge residents while maintaining a calm, supportive teaching style. Whether in or outside the operating room, he creates an environment where trainees feel encouraged, supported and motivated to think at a higher level. His thoughtful questions, dedication to mentorship and commitment to resident growth make him an outstanding role model in anesthesiology education.

Dr. Ali is widely regarded as a transformative clinician educator whose influence on residents and fellows is profound
and lasting. She approaches every learning environment with clarity and intention, establishing clear goals and ensuring
that each trainee leaves the day having learned something meaningful. Her teaching emphasizes bedside examination,
clinical reasoning, and patient-centered care. Learners consistently describe her teams as psychologically safe, intellectually stimulating and empowering.

Dr. Walker is recognized as an outstanding leader, mentor and educator within Family Medicine. She prioritizes resident
education and provides thoughtful, timely feedback essential to professional growth. Her contributions include curriculum development, professionalism training and hands-on clinical teaching. Residents describe her as highly approachable and deeply invested in their success, making her an invaluable mentor and role model.

As Fellowship Program Director, Dr. Lacy exemplifies excellence in academic medicine. He is praised for his approachable mentorship, clear and clinically relevant teaching, and ability to translate complex concepts into
practical learning. His leadership has had a lasting impact on trainee development.

Dr. Alhaj Moustafa is recognized as an exceptional mentor and teacher dedicated to trainee education. Learners
highlight his commitment to bedside teaching, formal didactics and consistent support of fellows and residents

Dr. Butt is celebrated for his learner-centered teaching approach, allowing residents to develop independent
assessments and plans before offering guidance. His teaching fosters autonomy, confidence and critical thinking.

Dr. Panda is recognized for his commitment to teaching, particularly in ultrasound education. Learners value
his clarity, attentiveness and dedication to ensuring understanding.

Dr. Peel is recognized as an excellent clinician-educator who encourages trainees to remain current with evolving medical knowledge. He is praised for his calm demeanor, clinical expertise, and supportive learning environment.

Dr. Bhatt is consistently well prepared for didactics and intentionally protects teaching time. His passion for
education and high standards leave a lasting impression on trainees.

Dr. Patel fosters an exceptional learning environment characterized by autonomy, curiosity and thoughtful mentorship. His balanced approach to independence and support has had a lasting impact on fellows.

Dr. Mohammadi is widely recognized for his exceptional dedication to resident education. His organized, evidence-based teaching and commitment to protected educational time have significantly strengthened trainee confidence and
clinical reasoning.

Dr. Butendieck is celebrated for his passion for teaching and extensive fount of knowledge. He excels at incorporating clinical pearls into case-based learning with enthusiasm and approachability.

Dr. Menapace is recognized for excellence in teaching, mentorship and leadership. Her relatability and commitment to resident development make her a respected educator and mentor.

Dr. Baird is honored for his exceptional mentorship in both the clinic and operating room. He provides residents with meaningful autonomy while offering thoughtful guidance and outstanding patient care.

Griffis is the organizational backbone of the team. She consistently ensures that everyone stays informed, and nothing falls through the cracks. Through clear communication and thoughtful reminders, she keeps the trainee body aligned and moving forward. She is always approachable, quick to help with questions, and generous with her time, making even complex logistics feel manageable. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by everyone. Her reliability, organization and dedication play a critical role in the success and effectiveness of the team.

Dr. Kia Lor consistently exemplifies excellence in education through her unwavering commitment to teaching, mentorship, and resident and fellow development in pain medicine and anesthesiology. She goes above and beyond in her daily clinical work to incorporate meaningful, high-quality teaching, ensuring that every patient encounter becomes a valuable learning opportunity.

Dr. Lor takes the time to clearly explain clinical reasoning, procedural techniques, and evidence-based management strategies, tailoring her approach to each learner’s level and career goals. She embodies the Mayo Clinic’s three shields of Practice, Education, and Research by seamlessly integrating compassionate, high-quality care with rigorous teaching and scholarly inquiry. Her dedication to fostering critical thinking, clinical confidence, and professionalism has had a profound impact on trainees, and her genuine investment in their success creates a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Dr. Lor’s passion for education and her consistent excellence make her truly deserving of recognition as Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Lor is an excellent role model in anesthesia and one of the most welcoming/friendly consultants in the department.

Dr. Lor has consistently poured her efforts into making the inpatient pain service rotation meaningful and educational.  She is easy to talk to and provides excellent teaching consistently. She also has developed an OSCE curriculum, difficult conversation patient simulation, anesthesia emergency simulation for the Pain Fellowship. Detailed and takes extra time to always make sure something important is taught. 

Dr. VanderWielen is such an amazing and passionate educator. Every time we have worked together, she has provided guidance, actionable feedback and reassurance in an enthusiastic and supportive manner. She truly cares about our learning and goes beyond the expectations to guarantee an excellent educational experience.

Dr. VanderWielen is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond in her commitment to resident learning, mentorship and professional development. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where trainees feel empowered to ask questions, think critically and grow with confidence. Her teaching is thoughtful, evidence-based, and tailored to each learner’s needs, ensuring that every clinical encounter becomes a meaningful educational experience.

Through her dedication to excellence in patient care, education and mentorship, Dr. VanderWielen exemplifies the highest standards of our specialty and embodies the values of Mayo Clinic. She is truly deserving of Teacher of the Year recognition.

Dr. VanderWielen is passionate about her work with ultrasound and works hard to share that excitement with those she works with! Every time I work with her I learn something new. She’s a phenomenal educator, dedicated clinician, and wonderful colleague.                                                                                             

Dr. Best is an excellent educator and mentor. She has worked tirelessly to make the Cath Lab an environment that fosters growth and development of skills for the fellows. She is a one-of-a-kind role model and inspires us to continue to provide the best care for our patients.

Dr. Best is one of my favorite CV consultants to work with. She is a great teacher for residents and fellows; and she is very patient and kind. In addition, she has a good sense of humor and it’s fun to work with her. I always look forward to working with her in the CICU and the cath lab. She is very well known for letting general cardiology fellows participate in the procedures with the perfect amount of autonomy and supervision.

Dr. Best really goes above and beyond to provide a phenomenal procedural education for trainees.

Dr. Best is an exceptional educator. She has worked tirelessly to make the cardiac catheterization laboratory into an excellent learning environment for fellows. She teaches procedural skills in a patient and thoughtful manner. She takes into account the needs of the learners and adapts appropriately. She is a role model and an excellent mentor.

I worked with Dr. Rosenbaum in HF clinic. He spent time teaching me the concepts of HF, cardiomyopathy and treatment without any delays in patient care. It was such a great time working with him.

Dr. Andrew Rosenbaum exemplifies excellence in education through deliberate, individualized mentorship that consistently elevates trainees intellectually, clinically and professionally. He teaches fellows how to think, not just what to do, walking us through complex hemodynamic reasoning, advanced physiology and clinical decision-making in real time. His teaching is rigorous yet supportive, pushing learners to operate at a higher level while fostering confidence and independence.

Beyond bedside teaching, he is deeply invested in career development. He actively sponsors trainees, connects them with aligned faculty, and guides projects from concept to completion. Under his mentorship, I launched multiple research initiatives that have resulted in submitted manuscripts and accepted national abstracts. As Program Director, he has also transformed the fellowship experience through thoughtful curriculum design, transparent recruitment and genuine incorporation of trainee feedback.

Dr. Rosenbaum’s impact extends beyond education into role modeling professionalism, advocacy and balance. He is consistently present, fair and principled, setting a standard that shapes the culture of training. He does not simply teach fellows, he builds them. His commitment to education represents the very best of what the Teacher of the Year award is meant to honor.

Dr. Rosenbaum represents the highest ideal of physician-educator, and his influence will be reflected in the care, scholarship, and leadership of his trainees for decades to come.

Throughout my fellowship, Dr. Rosenbaum was a dedicated and exceptional mentor who consistently supported my professional growth in every aspect. He played a central role in my clinical development, encouraged and guided my research efforts, and was deeply committed to my overall progression as a physician. Importantly, Dr. Rosenbaum also provided meaningful personal and mental support during challenging periods, demonstrating genuine care for my well-being in addition to my education.

Dr. Rosenbaum’s comprehensive mentorship, availability and commitment to trainees make him an outstanding educator and a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.

Dr. Rosenbaum is highly approachable and passionate about trainee education. He is an engaged mentor who is very responsive and supportive and invests greatly with his time and effort into resident and fellow development.

He is an absolutely dedicated, responsive and approachable educator. We are so lucky to get to learn from him!

Dr. Greason is a world-class educator who devotes significant time and energy to the training of cardiothoracic surgery
residents. He always teaches new residents the basics of cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac surgery and cardiac pathophysiology. He is the most patient professor. He gives time for learners to progress, often staying late to allow trainees the opportunity to participate in cases. He provides concrete feedback for improvement. He is always respectful and professional. He is always available and educating residents and fellows. He has had an indelible impact on a generation of cardiothoracic surgeons from Mayo Clinic.

He is always available and educating residents and fellows. For a cardiac surgeon, that is a lot of his time spent on education, and I respect that. He is super nice to work with, too. He was the best first rotation and was very patient and taught me the basics of cardiac surgery. He is very methodical, patient and gives equal opportunity and autonomy to trainees.                                                                                                                        

Dr. Vidal is passionate as a mentor, teacher, researcher, and physician. She has supported so many through residency and fellowship, and has been recognized in her field as the “iron surgeon” competition winner at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery conference among many other awards. She makes learning fun for new first-years up through advanced surgical fellows and models excellence in all she does. Dr. Vidal could honestly win Teacher of the Year every year.

I am so thankful to her for all she has done for me throughout the years from the time I was an intern and hope she gets the chance to be recognized for all she does as Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Vidal has been a monumental figure in my training. She is an excellent educator who is committed to mentoring and training the next generation of dermatologists and Mohs surgeons. She is unwavering in her support of resident research, always approachable and returning emails with feedback at any minute of the day (or night). She exemplifies what it means to be a public advocate for patients, promoting the highest quality of evidence and care for patients with skin cancer. In surgery, she is an absolute pleasure to work with and takes the time to teach residents ergonomic and efficient form and techniques to elevate their surgical skills. She is known for telling residents that no mistake will change how she views them as a person, and any feedback she provides is honest and comes from a wish to see her trainees succeed.

I attribute much of my growth and development in residency to Dr. Vidal.

Dr. Vidal is an outstanding teacher on procedure clinic. She provides excellent one-on-one instruction. After one day of working together, I saw great improvement in not only my surgical technique, but also my thought process when determining proper management of skin cancers. My only complaint with Dr. Vidal is that I don’t get to work with her more. She is truly an outstanding person, doctor and educator. I have learned so much from her and hope she knows that immense impact she makes on every learner who gets the opportunity to learn from her.                                                                                                                        

Dr. Kummer is always happy to teach, even if it means staying late, taking extra time to do procedures, or answering additional questions! Respectful, kind, patient, and very knowledgeable teacher of all aspects of ultrasonography! Thank you!

Always willing to teach, especially procedures. Goes out of his way to ensure residents get trained in cutting edge procedures. He’s willing to stay way beyond his shift to accomplish this. He’s been known to also come from home to help residents. 

Truly an exceptional teacher, he goes above and beyond to involve residents in learning opportunities while making sure that patient care always comes first. He creates a safe learning environment despite high stakes procedures in critically ill patients.

Dr. Kummer is always seeking opportunities for us residents to grow our skills in ultrasound. As a part of the ultrasound faculty, teaching us as PGY1 and PGY2s on our formal ultrasound weeks, he is an eager yet simultaneously patient teacher. He provides helpful communication in terms of coaching ultrasound technique while also communicating in such a way that promotes perseverance in this education process. His easy going personality makes him very approachable as a learner. He is brilliant yet is notably humble.  He is always trying to be on the leading edge of ultrasound driven advancement in the emergency department that provides meaningful clinical data for patient decision making instead of just doing things for academic exercise.  In this way, he demonstrates awareness of practical integration of ultrasound into busy emergency department workflow and that many of us graduates will work in a setting that has lesser resources. Ultimately, this teaching extends to those not on their ultrasound weeks, whether with PGY3s or just on shift.  He is a favorite for residents to work with on shift.

Dr. Kummer has repeatedly communicated and followed through on his offer to come into campus extra, outside of his scheduled shifts, to do advanced ultrasound procedures. This particularly relates to regional anesthesia/nerve blocks. It benefits patient care immensely because it offers patients opioid-sparing pain control, but is a newer intervention that some of our more seasoned consultants have never been trained on and do not feel comfortable supervising. It is an extremely useful career skill for everyone of us and for our current and future patients, as well as for job security in a time where financial budgets in emergency departments around the country are tight.

Dr. Kummer has made exceptional contributions to excellence in education through his dedication to teaching, approachability and passion for resident growth. He is an outstanding educator in point-of-care ultrasound and procedural skills, consistently going out of his way to teach on shift — often turning routine clinical moments into high-yield learning opportunities. Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Kummer’s attitude truly sets him apart. He is enthusiastic, patient, and deeply supportive, creating an environment where residents feel comfortable asking questions and pushing themselves to improve. He is enjoyable to work with, leads by example, and embodies the intangibles that define an exceptional emergency medicine educator: humility, generosity with his time, and a genuine investment in resident development.

Dr. Tobias Kummer is an enthusiastic teacher, even willing to come in from home on his days off to help out for the sake of resident opportunities in the department.  He is also very approachable, extremely smart, and well read, regularly relaying the evidence for the “why” and “how”.  Lastly, he is frequently working on small projects or pursuing curiosities in medicine to help move the specialty and patient care forward.

Fantastic teacher and mentor, goes above and beyond to instill a positive learning environment and to encourage excellence in the practice of ultrasound in emergency medicine.

A truly great human being and friend.   

An excellent teacher, he is very enthusiastic about ultrasound and always provides opportunity to increase our proficiency as residents He is highly skilled in the area of ultrasound and has tirelessly worked with residents (both on- and off-shift) to improve their diagnostic and procedural skills with ultrasound. He is kind, patient and passionate about helping others learn. He goes above and beyond the expectation of a consultant and has made a tremendous positive impact on resident learning. 

A true GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

The only consultant I’ve ever known to openly invite learners to reach out to him on his off-hours to come into the hospital to help teach procedures. If there’s a procedure that no one else working is comfortable doing, he will leave home to come in and help.                                                                                                                       

What Dr. Stygar teaches in the clinic or hospital in a day can help learners for years in residency. She puts efforts and energy every day for patients and for learners. She is funny as well.

Dr. Stygar consistently advocates for the residents in the program, ensuring their voices are heard and that their training experience remains meaningful and worthwhile. Her unwavering support, transparency and dedication have had a significant impact on learners’ development as physicians. Her refreshingly direct and honest perspectives are greatly valued.

Dr. Morcomb is incredibly motivated, humble and caring. She is an excellent teacher and mentor who is always positive, going above and beyond to help learners become better doctors. She has a strong passion for teaching and is always available to answer questions from fellows despite being very busy herself.

She is a wonderful educator who brings patience, encouragement and a truly supportive environment for learning
and growth. She embodies the very best of what Mayo Clinic represents.

Dr. Stelter is an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching is matched by his deep commitment to serving the minorities and underserved communities through the St. Peter’s free clinic. He is a dedicated mentor who invests in the growth and resident’s wellbeing.

Creates a supportive learning environment for residents growth. Always up to date with new studies and thoughtfully integrating current evidence in teaching.

Dr. Stelter not only teaches the topic at hand but always makes an effort to teach related clinical pearls. He also shares useful resources during precepting which is quite helpful. He makes residents feel very relaxed and comfortable when precepting, and offers feedback.

Dr. Stelter is an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching is matched by his deep commitment to serving the minorities and underserved communities through the St. Peter’s free clinic. He is a dedicated mentor who invests in the growth and residents’ well-being. which is actionable and helpful.

Dr. Stelter is a physician who goes above and beyond for our community and in teaching residents and advocating for our patients. His dedication to humanity and the art of medicine is inspiring. We are so fortunate to have him!  He exemplifies patient centered care, community improvement and excitement for lifelong learning.

He strives to meet residents where they are and provides timely, pertinent feedback. His passion for community service is inspiring to all residents, and he is a role model to learn from both in
the clinic and in the community.

He models lifelong learning and stays up-to-date on research and guidelines.                                                                    

Dr. Miller is always enthusiastically ready to teach. He goes above and beyond to ensure the topics are clinically relevant and up to date for residents. His dedication to our learning sets an expectation amongst other teachers and even residents who hope to become teachers like him. He always has a handy handout for residents that contains detailed medical literature and funny memes ensuring that we are always having fun while learning!

He not only teaches us medicine, but what it means to be a great doctor that cares for others including patients, residents, coworkers, family and friends.

He has dedicated his life to Mayo Clinic since moving away from the Pacific Northwest many years ago. We are very thankful he did so that we could have the opportunity to learn from him and experience the taste of his one-of-a-kind pizza and chocolate chip cookies! Thank you, Dr. Miller!

Dr. Miller has been a highlight of my intern year. He holds me to a high standard because he knows I can achieve it. His passion for medicine and for teaching is evident every single day. His quiet demeanor hides an incredible wit, a natural curiosity, and a great taste in literature. I find myself wanting to be a better physician because to be anything less would be a disservice to his guidance. I am honored to have the opportunity to learn from him and hope to be as great of a physician as he is some day.

Excellent teacher, kind and patient.  Dr. Miller cares about my learning and growth as a physician and always teaches in a way that encourages growth and is uplifting. The patients who see him and the residents who work with him are lucky to know him.

Dr. Silbert does an excellent job of balancing being a consultant and mentor but also making residents feel like colleagues. He helps us to realize our full potential.

Dr. Silbert is a consistent support to residents in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, including going above and beyond for his work with the medicine consults teams. His commitment to resident education and patient care are so appreciated!  Dr. Silbert is awesome. He cares for his patients and teams with his whole heart and absolutely loves teaching and being around residents. 

Super teacher.

Deliberate in seeking out learners to make sure everyone is up to speed, and anticipates questions we don’t know to ask. Fantastic at communicating practical knowledge to trainees.

He is an excellent educator with specific pearls for every patient in a very busy rotation. He is also very easy to work with and is a role model.

Dr. Hafdahl is one of the finest educators at Mayo Clinic and truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding internist. On rounds, he consistently brought us back to the central question: Have we addressed the primary reason the patient came in? If not, we didn’t stop until we found an answer or had thoroughly exhausted our workup. It was the essence of true internal medicine.

His passion for teaching was evident every day. He sent personalized emails after rounds with feedback and clinical pearls directly tied to our patients. This level of dedication is extraordinary. He is a remarkable fount of knowledge and always accessible to his team.

As the senior medical resident, I especially appreciated how intentionally he supported my growth as a team leader. He provided guidance but ensured I was the one driving decision-making. I’ve since modeled parts of my own leadership-such as “attending-less” rounds after his approach to foster autonomy among interns.

I’ve long looked up to Dr. Hafdahl as a mentor, and this rotation reaffirmed why. His patients and trainees are truly fortunate to have him. His time, expertise, and mentorship are invaluable assets to Mayo Clinic. Thanks for everything you do for us, Dr. Hafdahl!

Dr. Hafdahl is a master clinician and educator who cares deeply about resident education. He allows residents to take ownership of our patients while at the same time being an exceptional team lead. He finds educational pearls to teach for each patient and creates patient-specific pearls/lessons for our patients that he emails to the team after each shift. He has many different teaching methods for medically complex patients, and he has an abundance of ideas for how to meet patients where they are. He also takes time to teach patients about their conditions which undoubtedly improves the physician-patient relationship and improves patient buy-in and commitment to their care. He also excels in patient care and centers his whole practice around educating all of those around him.

A phenomenal clinician and master educator.

Dr. Hafdahl is a joy to work with, and he is so incredibly knowledgeable and has an excellent rapport with patients. 

Dr. Hafdahl not only goes above and beyond for his patients, but he also does so for his trainees. In one instance, I felt comfortable contacting Dr. Hafdahl about a difficult situation on the hospital wards. He was not working inpatient that week or even that month, and he took the time to adequately and with empathy address racism. It was a difficult topic, and he was a safe space.

Affable colleague in the inpatient setting who allows residents to find autonomy in making decisions, yet is always available to lend a helping hand with pointers along the way. 

A supportive clinician who shows us how to meet patients where they are and offer care that suits their needs, especially those with adverse social determinants of health.  Attentive to resident presentations, supportive of plans but also asks questions to lead you to alternate management strategies without just feeding it to you. Very mindful in how he teaches and that’s apparent. Also clearly cares about the residents he works with. 

Enthusiastic teacher, proactive in sharing his immense knowledge and resources, very clearly cares a lot about patients and residents. Role model for all residents in how he cares for his own patients, too.

No one in the world is like Dr. Hafdahl. He cares so deeply for each of his patients and treats each of them like his family.                                                                                                                      

Dr. Colbenson is an amazing educator and human being. She balances education, efficiency and autonomy effortlessly and has a natural way to her leadership style. She is detailed oriented and on top of everything, without making you feel like you missed anything. She builds up her teams and is such a role model. I hope to be like her one day as a consultant.   

Excellent at developing residents, giving feedback, incorporating learning instead of sidelining it on busy days.

Excellent compassionate considerate care, able to give great feedback. Finds ways to make patient care easier for residents, including tackling difficult patient visits, and in-basket problems. Fluid technology user & warm welcoming presence to all.

She is a superb teacher who is deliberate in seeking out learners to make sure everyone is up to speed. She anticipates questions that learners may not know to ask.

Dr. Colbenson is fantastic at communicating practical knowledge to trainees.                                            

Dr. Hartz is always eager to teach, provide autonomy, and find ways to engage with learners. I appreciate Dr. Hartz’s focus on allowing an appropriate amount of autonomy in patient care. I feel like this accommodates my learning well. She is a lovely person, and I very much enjoy working with her!

Great teacher in allergic diseases. Provides appropriate level of responsibility to learners based on comfort level. Provides good feedback on strength and weaknesses. Excellent role model in allergy.

Dr. Hartz is an excellent educator in so many ways! She is extremely thorough, kind, and approachable, creating an ideal and safe learning environment. No question ever feels too inconsequential for her to share her wisdom with us on! She regularly gives helpful feedback on patient interactions, notes and our plans. She also ensures that we get to practice graduated autonomy in an appropriate level that helps build our confidence as allergists. I also really appreciate how she makes it a point to get to know us on a personal level outside of medicine. Thank you for everything, Dr. Hartz!!  

She is a lovely person. Dr. Hartz is always eager to teach and find ways to engage with learners. She is a role
model for a world-class educator and clinician. She strikes an excellent balance between autonomy and oversight.

Dr. Hallanger Johnson has a strong passion for teaching and is always available to answer questions from fellows.

Dr. JHJ is an outstanding teacher and is always willing to help with challenging patient cases. Creates a safe space where we feel comfortable admitting uncertainty. Gives us her full attention, is a great teacher and a role model with how she interacts with patients and how much she cares about them. She consistently supports trainee learning by being available for questions, helping with difficult cases, and using each case as a teaching opportunity by listening to trainees’ plans and offering constructive feedback.

Dr. Hallanger Johnson is an excellent clinician educator. In clinics with residents and fellows, she takes time to teach, share articles and truly brings the subject to life. During fellow conference presentations, she pays attention and asks insightful questions. Above all, she is always kind and approachable, and her door is always open for us to ask her questions on our own cases. She takes the time to review each case with imaging in detail and provides detailed advice and management plans. She leads by example, demonstrating kind and compassionate care for patients. Despite being sub-specialized in thyroid/oncology, she has excellent knowledge spanning the breadth and depth of endocrinology and evaluates the patient as a whole. She exudes the Mayo values and is always willing to go above and beyond for her patients, students and colleagues. 

Dr. JHJ is always available to help and answer questions. Her expertise in thyroid in impressive, and she is happy to share it with the fellows.

Dr. Chedid is an amazing educator. He takes the time to teach and tailors to all trainee levels. Not only does he focus on GI topics but also focuses on general medicine topics as they are also relevant in our patients!

Dr. Chedid is a true advocate for both learners and patients. He is always available and the helps us thrive as fellows as well as humans. He is genuine, caring, and very smart. He is also a great teacher and provides opportunities for us to grow, as well. 

He is an awesome teacher; skilled, compassionate and a great human being.

Dr. Chedid is an exemplary educator who takes the time to individualize teaching and provide feedback regularly. He ensures trainees are heard and valued in the workplace even in busy or fast-paced environments.

Dr. Chedid is a wonderful educator.  He always takesthe time during clinics and consult service to teach residents and fellows. While he is a GI consultant, he also does teaching about other nongastroenterology topics which are very important and often contribute to patient’s presentation.  “Teacher of the Year” almost feels like an understatement when describing how incredible Dr. Chedid is.

He represents the very best of what academic medicine should be — collaborative, thoughtful, forward-thinking, and deeply invested in trainees. He is not just shaping learners; he is shaping the future of Mayo.

Dr. Abeykoon is an outstanding educator in tenuously goes above and beyond to help learners understand cases and feel involved in the management of patients. He is constantly excited for new educational opportunities and opportunities to care for patients. He is always available to answer both clinical and research questions. Take time out of his busy schedule to explain concepts.

Dr. Abeykoon goes above and beyond for fellows and trainees. 

A wonderful teacher and mentor.         

Dr. Abeykoon is an excellent and dedicated teacher who never shies away from discussion and debate and has a striking enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Dr. Abeykoon is a true role model for young clinical investigators in showing them how to be successful researchers as well as excellent clinicians.

Dr. Abeykoon is an exceptional clinician–educator who always finds time despite an incredibly demanding schedule to teach, support trainees and prioritize patient safety. He has guided learners through complex cases of Erdheim Chester Disease with treatment-related hyponatremia, and he offers thoughtful and practical next steps that exemplify the kind of mentor every trainee hopes to learn from.

Dr. Childs goes out of his way to provide education. He is always willing to sit down and walk through any case and
explains complicated topics in GU oncology in a very easy to grasp manner.

Dr. Childs is an exceptional educator in the Medical Oncology department. He consistently takes the time to sit down with trainees, explain his clinical reasoning, and walk through imaging and data in detail to ensure a solid plan for each patient. Beyond his deep knowledge and clinical expertise, he is incredibly friendly, approachable and supportive. Discussing complex cases with him is always a truly positive and enriching experience.

He goes out of his way to provide education. 

Dr. Thoendel has been especially helpful with delivering programmed lectures to the fellows. He demonstrates a strong commitment to learner education, delivering robust didactics during rounds and consistently sharing resources and opportunities for research. I have learned a great deal about how to be an excellent Infectious Diseases clinician while working with him in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Dr. Thoendel is an excellent teacher in our division, because of his ability to simplify complex topics and provide real-world examples in an environment that is actually quite fun (we love his Star Wars trivia), and engaging.

Dr. Thoendel is an excellent teacher because of how he approaches topics. He makes them relatable, simple and fun. I really enjoyed his last lecture on cutaneous manifestations of infectious diseases.

Dr. Thoendel is an excellent teacher! I have been fortunate to work more closely with Dr Thoendel this year, and was truly impressed by his knowledge depth astute clinical deductive skills and excellent teaching style.                   

Dr. Thoendel is an excellent teacher because of his ability to simplify complex topics and provide real-world examples in an environment that is fun and engaging. He is a great educator who uses a combination of case pictures to effectively teach infectious diseases pathologies in immunocompromised hosts. He approaches topics by making them relatable, simple and fun.

On rotations, he asks the learners what topics they wish to focus on, and he tailors the teaching points accordingly. His enthusiasm for teaching about infectious diseases is unmatched.

Dr. Thoendel has a great depth of knowledge and astounding clinical acumen. His lectures have an adequate amount of depth and material, and he imparts them skillfully.

Dr. Cheungpasitporn consistently demonstrates excellence in education through outstanding teaching and a strong commitment to trainee development. In addition to his regular clinical and teaching responsibilities, he routinely shares practical tips, evidence-based updates, and key insights in nephrology to help both current and former fellows stay current. He also actively encourages the appropriate use of AI tools to support learning.

The most approachable and humble nephrologist who always loves to help everyone.

Excellent educator, clinician and person. I go to work happy knowing that he is my consultant.                                    

Dr. Cheungpasitporn is an amazing teacher whose passion, patience and commitment to fellows make a lasting impact. He inspires confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning. He is humble, easy-going, and a fantastic human
being.

Dr. Lanzino has been an extraordinary mentor to the residents at large. He dedicates a significant amount of his time to teaching conferences, and he’s been a motivational force in our residency program. His teaching is extremely thoughtful and the trainees have greatly benefited from his generosity.  Continuously expresses personal interest in resident education, career development, and well-being. Acts as a mentor-at-large for the entire resident cohort.                  

A classic motivational mini speech from Dr. Lanzino usually goes like this: “Who do you want to be? We are under attack. Stay tense.”

Working with Dr. Lanzino is a constant quest to match his dedication to his patients — an example that fosters the development of the truest clinician. He exhibits a magnificent mysticism that is matched by his unwavering commitment to trainees, not only as learners but also as colleagues.

Dr. Santilli continuously demonstrates the qualities of an amazing teach and physician. Her educator skills span from high-yield chalk talks and formal teaching sessions to honing bedside exam skills and exemplifying what it means to put the needs of our patients first.

Everyone knows that Dr. Santilli is more than happy to chat and answer questions about various topics, but her passion for neuromuscular cases is inspiring. She has a calm, confident, and compassionate demeanor with both trainees and patients that shows her clear commitment to providing the best neurologic education and care that she can.

I have looked to Dr. Santilli as an example for several years and have loved watching her succeed over her transition to a staff role, leader, and cherished educator in our department. We are so lucky to have her on our teaching services!

She is very didactic and always ensures a great learning environment.

Dr. Torbenson is our residency program director and an incredible gift to our program. She genuinely prioritizes resident well-being and is a steadfast advocate for us, while also holding us to high standards that foster growth and excellence. She challenges us in exactly the right ways, helping us become stronger clinicians and more thoughtful physicians.

On behalf of all the OB-GYN residents, we truly believe she is the best program director we could ask for.

Never failed to bring a smile to my face, well also teaching me all the important obstetric skills.

Dr. Torbenson is the best program director. She truly cares about her residents and their well-being. She is an advocate for us and at the same time pushes each of us individually to challenge ourselves and become better physicians. I can honestly say I’m not sure I would have made through this challenging residency with a different program director. Also, she is hilarious, and it is rare to see her without a smile on her face.

Our calm, competent leader who brings a sense of levity to any challenge we may face!

Dr. Torbenson is a wonderful physician and role model.  She is a great listener in her role as program director and educator and always makes trainees feel seen and heard. She also models for residents what it looks like to be calm and collected during emergencies. We appreciate her sense of humor, her kindness, and the support and respect she shows her patients and trainees.      

She always makes trainees feel seen and heard. She also models what it looks like to be calm and collected during emergencies. Her sense of humor, kindness and the support and respect she shows her patients and trainees is greatly appreciated.

It is rare to see her without a smile on her face. She is a gift to our program and Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Mansukhani possesses an exceptional depth of knowledge and exemplary teaching skills.

Dr. Mansukhani exemplifies what great medical teaching should be. She is knowledgeable, approachable and deeply committed to trainee development. Learning from her has been both inspiring and invaluable.

Dr. Abdel is among the most dedicated mentors and teachers any resident can have. He inspires excellence under pressure and will go to bat for his mentees when it comes to interviews, fellowship matches, job searches, and career advancement. There is nobody better to have in your corner.

Dr. Abdel is an excellent educator both in and out of the operating room. Not only does he teach the residents world class arthroplasty practice, but he also advocates on our behalf. He is an incredible mentor and goes above and beyond to contribute to our success at Mayo Clinic and in our future endeavors 

Dr. Abdel goes above and beyond in taking young surgeons under his wing and serving as a lifelong mentor. He takes pride in his ability to cultivate a young surgeon’s career and truly wants the success of his residents and fellows.

Dr. Abdel is a phenomenal educator, mentor and surgeon. He pushes trainees to achieve their absolute best both in the operating room and in the clinic, teaching important lessons in efficiency, managing a team, and counseling patients. He is also the ultimate mentor, somebody who will go out of their way to set his mentees up for interviews, fellowship matches, job searches, and career advancement. There is nobody who cares more about his trainees, and he is the paradigm for what a “Teacher of the Year” should be. 

Dr. Abdel is one of the most renown orthopedic surgeon scientists in the world and yet, he still finds time to mentor trainees from pre-meds to medical students to residents to fellows and beyond. His guidance and mentorship from medical school through residency have shaped my orthopedic education. 

Dr. Abdel is a true three-shields physician. He demonstrates excellence in research, education and clinical care. He goes above and beyond for both his patients, as well as those he mentors.

Dr. Abdel takes mentorship to a level most do not. He is willing to go to great things to help you be successful as a resident, fellow, and in the post-graduate setting. I would not be where I am without Dr. Abdel.

He has made exceptional contributions to excellence in surgical education through his consistent commitment to
thoughtful mentorship, technical excellence and academic development. He approaches teaching with intention, creating an environment that emphasizes clinical judgement, mastery of reconstruction techniques, and a deep understanding of outcomes that drive patient care. Outside of the operating room, his engagement in scholarly discussion, critical appraisal of the literature, and emphasis on unlocking academic potential has reinforced the principles of lifelong learning and academic leadership. His dedication to education reflects the highest traditions of Mayo Clinic training.

Dr. Courtney Carlson Strother has made an extraordinary contribution to excellence in education through her unwavering commitment to teaching, mentorship and patient-centered surgical care. This was clear when she was an orthopedic surgery resident here at Mayo Clinic, and continues after returning on staff as one of the orthopedic Hand Surgery consultants.

Despite only being in her second year of practice, she consistently goes above and beyond her clinical responsibilities to ensure that residents and fellows feel supported, challenged and inspired. In the operating room, she is an exceptional teacher — patient, calm and deliberate — creating a learning environment where trainees are encouraged to ask questions, refine their skills, and grow in confidence. Her ability to translate complex hand surgery principles into clear, practical teaching moments has had a profound impact on the development of countless learners.

Beyond her technical excellence, Dr. Carlson Strother leads by example as a surgeon, educator and professional. She models thoughtful decision-making, humility, and respect for every member of the care team, demonstrating what it truly means to be a leader in and out of the operating room. She takes time to understand each learner’s goals and tailors her teaching accordingly, offering constructive feedback that is both honest and deeply supportive. Many trainees look to her as a trusted mentor and role model, not only for surgical excellence but also for integrity, compassion, and patient-centered care amidst a busy surgical practice.

Dr. Carlson Strother’s dedication to education is felt long after a case or rotation ends. She invests in the long-term growth of her trainees, encouraging academic curiosity and professional development. Her enthusiasm for teaching, combined with her exceptional surgical skill and genuine care for learners, elevates the educational mission of our program. She exemplifies the very best qualities of a Teacher of the Year and has made a lasting, meaningful impact on the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Carlson-Strother embodies all that Mayo Clinic preaches regarding a relentless commitment to patient-centered surgical practice, education of residents, and mentorship in a demanding specialty.

Very patient and committed to resident education. Also very compassionate with patients.

Dr. Carlson-Strother is thought of by my peers, my chief residents and my consultants as a leader, a friend and an all-around dedicated educator who capitalizes on every opportunity to learn and grow. I am so grateful to have faculty like her on staff to work with and learn from throughout my time in residency. She is proof that exceptional skill, intellect and compassion are not mutually exclusive entities in a surgeon-educator. The Orthopedic Surgery residency program at the Mayo Clinic is better because of her. It is my hope that as I develop as a surgeon, I may also embody the enthusiasm for learning and growth that Dr. Carlson-Strother demonstrates every day. 

Dr. Carlson Strother has been an exceptional teacher and mentor even predating her time as a consultant, as someone who benefitted from her dedication to teaching and hands on learning is only a medical student at the time.  This enthusiasm and dedication to teaching has only grown just two years into practice with respect to clinical care and surgical skills.

Dr. Michael D. Olson deserves Teacher of the Year in the ENT department.  He is a facial plastic and sleep surgeon who spends 10 weeks with our PGY3 class. Across that period of time, it is abundantly clear that Dr. Olson feels a measure of his own success witnessing his resident’s development, acquiring operative skills and clinical knowledge. He widely expands your autonomy but stays approachable enough to never make you question calling him for supervision. His style of medicine is distinctly patient-centered, his tagline to patients being “I care about what you care about.”  He keeps work focused and lighthearted at the same time.

Dr. Olson is a good person first, and a great surgeon second, and he generously imparts these traits onto myself and all the residents who he trains.   

Fantastic clinical and surgical educator, approachable.

Extremely patient with residents and truly cares about resident education.

Dr. Olson is one of the rare attendings who treats residency as a true apprenticeship — he prioritizes teaching in clinic, gives graduated autonomy in the OR, and creates an environment where residents are trusted to grow, learn from mistakes, and develop real surgical confidence. His passion for sleep and airway surgery, combined with his humor, kindness, and genuine investment in trainees, makes him not only an exceptional educator but a mentor everyone gravitates toward. The universal respect and affection he has from residents speaks for itself.

He is very patient with learners and really go at coaching and teaching his residents. He is love by both his residents, patients, and staff alike. 

Dr. Olson is a committed teacher for the ENT program. As our only sleep surgeon and one of three facial plastic surgeons, he has a very important role in educating our residents on two important domains of ENT.

Dr. Bois has continuously made education the forefront of her practice as a pathologist, and is continuously working to uplift, train, and instill excellence the trainees she works with. Dr. Bois orchestrated a Jeopardy-style educational conference that was a huge success, and very well received by the residents. We would very much like to see more of those.

Always willing to go over cases with you. Takes them apart and helps you understand each of the individual pieces before she puts them back together to give you a diagnosis. Additionally, she is always excited and interested in the teaching itself. It helps you become more interested and remember it even better. If you don’t understand something, she does her best to continue describing the histological and associated clinical findings in different ways until they click and are explained in a way that works for you.  She is a kind and encouraging consultant. No matter how busy she is, she always makes times to teach!

She provides excellent education on a variety of services, including autopsy, the cardiovascular pathology service, the pulmonary/thoracic service, and cytology. She is also incredibly kind and approachable and very knowledgeable!

Dr. Bois is amazing! Super kind and always ready to help. She seems to have an endless fount of knowledge regarding pathology, and she consistently provides trainees with excellent teaching. Thank you, Dr. Bois!        

Dr. Bois is always welcoming and generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise. She brings positive energy to every interaction, creating an encouraging and engaging learning environment. It is truly a pleasure to learn from her.

Dr. Collie is a wonderful educator, physician, and is generally a very kind person Whenever I see that Dr. Collie is on service, I know it’s going to be an awesome day! Thank you, Dr. Collie!

Dr. Collie is a joy to work with and clearly dedicated to our education. Her expertise in both dermatopathology and hematopathology provides us with a unique perspective on cases bridging the two fields, and is exceedingly valuable for learning.

Dr. Collie is a very compassionate, approachable educator. She takes time and adjusts schedule as per trainee needs. It’s a privilege learning from her.

Dr. Collie is an outstanding educator who is very approachable. She enjoys teaching and always involves residents throughout the workup of cases.

Dr. Bratt has been an instrumental part in my learning and growing confidence as a new physician. She is a wealth of knowledge with a genuine desire to teach the next generation.

Dr Bratt is my top choice for this award. She is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable and supportive of residents. Working with her is always very fun!    

She is an exceptional educator with a rare ability to quickly gauge a learner’s baseline knowledge and tailor her teaching so that complex concepts become clear, practical and approachable.

She is deeply invested in the growth and success of those she mentors, and she follows through with thoughtful guidance and ongoing support. She is an excellent teacher who is knowledgeable and supportive of residents.

Dr. Meiling is so passionate about EMG that it’s infectious. He makes learners feel comfortable asking questions and exploring topics. He is also a great research mentor for basically every resident in the program.

He consistently takes time to educate residents, showing them further research and topics based on cases and resident interest. He also is a phenomenal research mentor. 

It is clear Dr Meiling is enthusiastically dedicated to teaching. He always prioritizes hands on learning as well as supports learners in research support.

Dr. Meiling is a fantastic teacher. He goes out of his way to help residents understand concepts but also as a research mentor. 

Working with Dr. Meiling is an absolutely fantastic experience. Not only does he deliver excellent patient care, he has excellent chalk talks on a wide range of subjects related to the patients we happen to be seeing that day. Dr. Meiling is extremely dedicated to teaching during our clinical rotations together, and his sessions strike a nice balance between breadth and depth, outlining the high-yield teaching points about a given topic (e.g., GBS, ALS) in a time efficient manner.

Outstanding clinical educator and research a mentor.

Dr. Meiling takes time to break down complex topics to ensure that we truly understand the medical concepts that we’re working with. He’s also a great hands-on procedural and diagnostic ultrasound teacher.

Makes residents feel very comfortable and supported while doing procedures with him, while also allowing us some autonomy to get our practice in.

He is one of my favorite consultants to do procedures with and I feel I do my best with him because of the supportive uncomfortable atmosphere he creates. Finally, he has helped support numerous residence in research projects. He helps us along the way and really teaches us how create projects from the start to finish and then guides us through the publication process. His help in research makes research seem much more manageable and exciting, and I believe will encourage many more residents to continue with research throughout their careers.

Dr. Meiling has an unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship. He is involved in research activities with virtually every resident in the PM&R department. He is a great educator, giving great didactics on neuromuscular topics and developing the advanced neuromuscular ultrasound course which was implemented this year. He is enthusiastic and so supportive of elevating us all in rehab and neuromuscular medicine.                                          

His sessions strike a balance between breadth and depth, outlining the high-yield teaching points about a given topic in a time-efficient manner. He consistently takes the time to educate residents, showing them further research and topics based on cases and resident interest. He takes the time to break down complex topics. He’s also a great hands-on procedural and diagnostic ultrasound teacher.

Dr. Meiling makes residents feel comfortable and supported while doing procedures with him, while also allowing them some autonomy to get practice. He has helped support numerous residents in research projects. He teaches how to create projects from start to finish and guides residents through the publication process.

This is a collective nomination from 5 different residents in our program, that I’m submitting on their behalf as chief resident. Here are some comments from them:

“I am in full support of nominating Dr. Kristen Somers for the Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) teacher of the year award. Dr. Somers is an exemplary clinician. I have had the privilege of learning from Dr. Somers in a variety of different formats, but perhaps most meaningfully, Dr. Somers and I worked together last year during my adult outpatient experience. Her ability to conceptualize a patient is truly awe inspiring. She provided a perfect blend of autonomy and supervision and has a natural ability to provide meaningful and impactful feedback in a way that makes you feel valued and motivated rather than ashamed or embarrassed.

I can also provide dozens of examples of patient experiences in which Dr. Somers demonstrated her love for the biopsychosocial model. She frequently thought about the social determinants of health that impacted our shared patients and often goes above and beyond to ensure that the needs of her patient are being prioritized.

Dr. Somers is someone who embodies Mayo Clinic’s three shields. She truly strives to find balance in her work life and is able to navigate a multitude of roles and yet somehow still make you feel valued and appreciated during your time together. Dr. Somers, ultimately, embodies a vulnerability and authenticity in her interactions with others that I find truly inspiring. Dr. Somers is truly deserving of this award and, for all of these reasons, I feel privileged to lend my support for her nomination this year.”

“I would strongly support any efforts to nominate Dr. Somers for this award. I worked with her throughout my PGY-2 clinic experience, and she has been my main supervisor in PGY-3 clinic.

It’s been my experience that Dr. Somers is a thoughtful, detail-oriented psychiatrist who has both excellent theoretical knowledge and hard-earned practical wisdom that applies to taking care of patients with severe and persistent mental illness. She truly formulates cases using a biopsychosocial model and readily acknowledges when biological treatments alone are likely insufficient to support a patient’s recovery. She never shies away from a challenge and frequently encourages residents to work through difficult encounters in a compassionate way. During my PGY-3 year, I also feel like she has gradually supported the development of my own practice style and supported my independent decision-making.”

“Dr. Somers has been an outstanding teacher and clinician, with consistent dedication to her mission as a physician educator. She has been also very kind and supportive to residents during their time in the clinic, and is always available to answer questions and provide guidance whenever needed. She exemplifies the values of Mayo Clinic on a daily basis.”

Has consistently set the standard for how to best advocate for our patients while also advocating for ourselves. Her kindness, support, and warm guidance is so inspiring always!

Dr. Somers has been an outstanding teacher and clinician, with consistent dedication to her mission as a physician educator. She has been also very kind and supportive to residents during their time in the clinic, and is always available to answer questions and provide guidance whenever needed. She exemplifies the values of Mayo Clinic on a daily basis.

Empathetic, kind, and thoughtful in her interactions with patients as well as residents. Extremely knowledgeable in psychopathology, resources, treatments, and clearly genuinely enjoys teaching. She is always available for questions and discussions. I feel extremely lucky that I get to work with her and learn from her.

Dr. Somers is an inspiring psychiatrist and educator! Our program is lucky to have her!!!

Dr. Somers is my outpatient supervisor, she has been such a supportive figure and has been there when I needed support even in non-clinic days. She is very down to earth and really gives me hope that even as I grow older in my career, I will continue to genuinely care for my patients. She is an amazing teacher, she has a lot of clinical experience and is very well-read to give a comprehensive teaching experience. 

I never doubt that my education truly matters to her, and her constant validation and support have made me a more confident and reflective psychiatrist. I cannot imagine a more deserving nominee for Teacher of the Year. Warm, approachable, incredibly knowledgeable  Dr. Somers is a thoughtful, detail-oriented psychiatrist who has both excellent theoretical knowledge and hard-earned practical wisdom that applies to taking care of patients with severe and persistent mental illness. She truly formulates cases using a biopsychosocial model and readily acknowledges when biological treatments alone are likely insufficient to support a patient’s recovery. She never shies away from a challenge and frequently encourages residents to work through difficult encounters in a compassionate way. During my PGY-3 year, she also gradually supported the development of my own practice style and supported my independent decision-making. Dr. Somers is an incredible advocate for residents. She goes above and beyond to be supportive.

Dr. Hilliker is an incredibly thoughtful supervisor, and he consistently supports the fellows within our program. Dr. Hilliker truly leads by example by demonstrating immense kindness and care towards co-workers, trainees and patients. He has stood out in his support to all of the Medical Psychology fellows this year as many of us faced unexpected personal stressors. We are so grateful for the positive, supportive fellowship environment he helps create. 

She is a fantastic educator who clearly loves to teach. She provides an excellent blend of autonomy and advice. She makes every patient case a worthwhile learning experience. 

Dr. Anderson is a great teacher and mentor. I was very nervous when starting fellowship and her calm presence, patience, and explanation helped me better understand the anatomy while doing bronchoscopies and various types of pleural diseases. She is able to offer a thorough explanation but at the same time can show you the technical skills as well.  She is incredibly passionate about interventional Pulmonology and took the time to teach the basics with great patience. Enthusiastic and passionate about teaching.

Dr. Anderson is an extremely caring, patient, and dedicated teacher. She made all of the available teaching resources available to us in the pleural workroom and spent extra time making sure we understood the indications and rationale behind doing each and every procedure we did. 

Dr. Garda is a wonderful, dedicated and engaging teacher and mentor. She consistently goes above and beyond to teach residents and fellows and is committed to training extremely capable and well rounded radiation oncologists.

Amazing procedural educator and joy to work with.

Dr. Garda has made significant contributions to the learning and development of our residents. She invests a great deal of time and effort into teaching us through didactics, hands on sessions and in clinic. She is a wonderful educator, mentor and advocate for our residency program.

Dr. Garda is an exceptional educator who fosters a learning environment that encourages residents to build confidence
and develop autonomy, while always providing thoughtful guidance and supervision when needed. Her calm and steady presence during brachytherapy procedures turns what could be one of the most stressful and intimidating parts of residency into an experience that residents genuinely enjoy. They leave the rotation with greater confidence in their
procedural skills.

Dr. Mark Pepin has put in considerable efforts into improving both the didactic and the clinical aspects of various rotations in radiation oncology physics and continues to uphold the excellence of our department. he is a fantastic mentor and always has the residents’ best interests at heart!

Dr. Pepin has been wonderfully supportive of physics residents during our education, and has put immense work into shaping rotations to better suit the needs of residents. He is always available to help us when we need, and goes out of his way to ensure we are given the necessary resources and support to succeed. Thank you, Mark!

Mark has done an excellent job going above and beyond revamping the rotations in our program!

Reorganized and streamlined three rotations with overlapping tasks into a single rotation and maintained pedagogical excellence.

Dr. Pepin has been an exceptional teacher throughout my residency rotations.

As a former Mayo Clinic resident, he has a deep understanding of the different learning styles and needs of trainees from diverse backgrounds. I greatly appreciate his constant availability and willingness to help prepare me for my oral credentialing examinations. His detailed notes and presentation slides have been invaluable in helping me develop high-quality study guides and organize my own learning more effectively. He consistently goesabove and beyond in dedicating time, energy and thoughtful effort to teaching, mentoring and curriculum development.

In particular, he has created an extensive and enduring collection of educational resources — including guides, tools and reference materials — that are widely used and continue to benefit learners at multiple levels. These resources not only enhance understanding and efficiency but also reflect a deep investment in making complex concepts accessible and practical. Their sustained contributions have had a lasting impact on our educational environment and exemplify the highest standards of mentorship.

Kind, patient and never judgmental! It is freeing to be able to learn from someone in this way.

Dedicated teacher. Makes resident education and clinical teaching a priority. 

The teacher who is most willing to put his mistakes on display so that we can all learn from them.

Dr. Olson is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. I aspire to be as dedicated to continuing education as much as he is. He has become an invaluable asset to the department and a teacher who can make learning engaging and effective. I use what he has taught me every week of residency. Thank you for your dedication, Dr. Olson. 

Dr. Olson consistently takes time to teach at the workstation, providing thoughtful, case-based instruction that is practical, supportive, and impactful for trainees at all levels.

He goes above and beyond by collecting his own missed cases and presenting them at conference. Residents not only look forward to his conferences but also value the openness and humility he brings to teaching. He shares hard-earned wisdom about missed diagnoses and creates a learning environment where trainees understand that it is okay to miss findings—as long as we learn from our own mistakes and those of others to continually improve.

I really like how Dr. Sungur always goes out of the way to help us. So thankful for all his efforts in leading the Immunology Club and Journal Club!

Dr. Sungur is a fantastic educator. He played a key role in implementing a new immunology curriculum for us and also leads our general journal club. He is always available to answer our questions and provide guidance.

Dr. Sungur has made outstanding contributions to excellence in education through his sustained commitment to trainee development and scholarly engagement. He founded an immunology basic science club that has strengthened fellows’ foundational understanding and fostered curiosity-driven discussion across levels of training. He also revitalized the journal club, transforming it into a rigorous, interactive forum that promotes critical appraisal and thoughtful application to clinical practice. Beyond formal teaching, Dr. Sungur is consistently available for research career guidance and is always willing to step in to help staff challenging patients, modeling professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to learners.

Dr. Sungur consistently demonstrates a depth of knowledge and passion for rheumatology and teaching. In the short time that he’s been here, he has lead our journal club, taught us about basic immunology, and staffed so, so many additional patients. On top of that, he supports us through challenging clinical and career scenarios, handling all issues passed his way calmly and with good humor.

Dr. Sungur has made personal sacrifices for the good of fellow education including starting a journal club and immunology club which have both been enormously successful due to the time that he has committed to these endeavors. We are so thankful for everything Dr. Sungur has done for our education!

Dr. Ramar is an excellent educator. He speaks about difficult physiologic topics so clearly and makes topics understandable. His joy for teaching speaks towards his passion and commitment for medical education. He is a beloved consultant in the sleep department and an inspiration to all who interacts with him. 

Dr. Ramar is an excellent teacher and clinician. He is very knowledgeable and patient when teaching trainees. We recently shared an interesting patient with neuromuscular disease on NIV and appreciated the time that he spent teaching important clinical points. Thank you for all you do!

Provides very detailed explanations at the pathophysiology level to help you understand patient conditions and thereafter decide on management. Very patient. 

Dr. Ramar is a charismatic and brilliant educator. His understanding of pulmonary physiology is outstanding and he teaches it very clearly. He is passionate for education and goes above and beyond to make sure our understanding is met. I aim to attain his passion for teaching in my future career. 

Excellent education of complex pathophysiology and very supportive of learners.

Excellent teacher and always helpful in integrating pathophysiology into the clinical practice.

Dr. Grotz is an aspirational surgeon, teacher, mentor, and researcher. He dedicates 100% of himself in all these endeavors and exemplifies an inquisitive approach to battling cancer to all trainees. He provides one-on-one education to residents throughout his rotation and tailors his talks to residents’ individual academic interests. This was my favorite opportunity as an intern, one that made me take a step back and realize, “Wow, I’m really learning from a leading expert in gastric cancer at the Mayo Clinic, 6 months into residency.” He makes taking care of patients with refractory cancers an enjoyable experience with unwavering positivity.

He spends time every day teaching learners about the complexities of caring for his patients and creates a welcoming environment where learners felt included in the team. He inspired many learners to pursue surgical oncology.

Dr. Grotz has an exceptional understanding of the current literature landscape regarding gastric and appendiceal cancer. He consistently incorporates findings from clinical trials into his teaching and adapts his instruction to both junior and senior residents, which really sets him apart as a surgical educator.

Dr. Starlinger is uniquely dedicated to education of medical students, resident and fellows of all levels. He takes every opportunity to discuss relevant pathology and topics pertinent to his Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary subspecialty. His teaching style is question orientated. His passion for the topic of liver surgery and liver regeneration is infectious. He has been honored in previous years as Teacher of the Year, and this final year would allow him to ascend to the Hall of Fame which he is most deserving of.

Fully engaged in trainee education and never wastes a minute that could be used for teaching. Often uses the white boards outside of the operating room to review a topic with whatever trainees are around. Recently stepped into the APD role and has taken over building and maintaining the simulation curriculum for upper-level trainees. In this role, he has brought numerous new and creative educational opportunities to the program. 

Incredible teacher both in the OR, in clinic and a tremendous academic presence also benefitting countless trainees of all levels.

An excellent teacher, guide and support. Knows exactly what a learner needs and wants and provides the best learning experience. Made me love Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary even more. 

Fantastic graded autonomy.

Really invested in teaching. Excellent educator and physician.

He really cares about the learning of the residents and involve us in rounds and OR. 

Dr. Starlinger is most deserving to receive the Teacher of the Year award for the fourth time and to be established in the Hall of Fame alongside other exceptional educators, dedicated to teaching and imparting their knowledge.

Dr. Starlinger is relentless in his mission to educate trainees of all levels, from medical students to fellows. I have been fortunate to learn from Dr. Starlinger for the past 6 years of my surgical training, and he with his ceaseless mission to push the boundaries of my knowledge, for which I will always be grateful. 

Dr. Starlinger is a great teacher in the OR. He makes sure every team member understands what is happening and has a chance to progress in their learning, adapted to their level.            

*denotes induction into Hall of Fame

Dr. Vijayasekaran is a deserving recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award. She consistently fosters learners’ growth by granting meaningful autonomy in the operating room while maintaining a supportive and educational environment. Beyond the operating room, she actively encourages and supports learners’ involvement in research and professional development.

Vijay is the best. Amazing education and autonomy.

She has been at our institution for 10 years now and she has been a great teacher for us. Her education methods and practice have also grown and evolved that is now optimized for residents while providing a very high level of patient care.  She is an outstanding teacher who provides thoughtful feedback and appropriate surgical autonomy, allowing her residents to flourish. She is an amazing educator and surgeon who provides excellent autonomy for residents during complex breast reconstructive cases.

She deserves this award so much! Excellent surgeon and educator.

Dr. Vijayasekaran is an outstanding teacher. Dr. V always very patient in walking me through procedures. She is an amazing teacher. Excellent operative experience for residents; great graduated autonomy, understands the inherent challenges of residency and works actively to assist learners reach the desired and needed level of care; incredibly friendly and kind, easy going, and enjoys a good time on top of all of this.  Unparalleled autonomy and knowledge.  She has been a great coach and role model for her trainees. Provides an excellent learning and training environment for us. 

Dr. Vijayasekaran is approachable, encourages questions, and provides appropriate autonomy in the operating room while ensuring patient safety. Her teaching style supports trainee development while maintaining a safe and structured learning environment. She is an outstanding educator!

Dr. Vijayasekaran is an incredible educator and a model for excellence in surgical education. She is a master of graded autonomy and has been a mentor to residents in the PRS program at all levels of training. As an intern, I am thrilled to have five more years with her as an educator in our department.  She always provides insight and teaching into how to improve aesthetic outcome, efficiency of workflow, and technical skills while maintaining an environment in stressful situations that allow learners to ask questions.

Excellent teacher in showing residents how to operate and then letting them operate as independent surgeons. True graduated autonomy. 

Grants excellent OR autonomy.

Guides residents through difficult cases while never taking away autonomy.

Constantly advocating for our education and our opportunities.

Dr. Mynderse has dedicated his career to teaching urology trainees and exemplifying what excellent patient care looks like. He is one of the most kind, genuine people that I have had the honor to work with. We will dearly miss him after his retirement.

Dr. Mynderse is with us from Day 1 of residency! He makes the operating room an enjoyable place to learn and he has been an impactful teacher in every urology resident’s career. He is always approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping trainees grow and succeed.

Nice teacher, genuinely enjoys teaching, congrats on retirement

Dr. Mynderse is an exceptional educator whose influence spans the full spectrum of our urology training. Starting right away intern year, many residents acquire the core and nuanced endoscopic skills of the specialty directly under his guidance. He has a rare ability to demonstrate technique in a way that is intuitive and durable, allowing trainees to master procedures with confidence. His patient, steady presence in the operating room fosters learning and growth, and his commitment to technical excellence has shaped the operative skill set of an entire generation of residents, making him very deserving of Teacher of the Year recognition. Every urology resident has gained a memorable and life lasting skill from Dr. Mynderse. 

I would like to nominate Dr. Mynderse for Teacher of the Year in recognition of his exceptional dedication to education and his profound impact on generations of trainees. Throughout his long and distinguished career, he has exemplified excellence in teaching, combining deep clinical expertise with patience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to mentorship. His ability to make complex concepts clear, foster critical thinking, and inspire confidence has shaped not only skilled physicians but thoughtful leaders in our field.

Dr. Mynderse is the calm and directing voice that guides residents when they feel lost in a case. There is no bladder tumor too hairy he can’t lead you out of. As he retires this year, it is especially fitting to recognize the lasting influence he has had on our institution and on the countless learners who carry with them his guiding voice standards, and values he instilled. Excellent teacher. Very patient. Always willing to go the extra mile for his patients.

Domonoske has been an unwavering advocate for fellows and residents, consistently going well beyond the expectations of her role in supporting trainees through both routine and challenging circumstances. She approaches scheduling with remarkable thoughtfulness and flexibility, recognizing that trainees are balancing demanding clinical responsibilities alongside personal and family obligations. When unexpected personal or professional issues arise, Domonoske manages them with compassion, discretion and professionalism, ensuring fellows feel supported without added stress or visibility.

Domonoske serves as a trusted advocate for trainees at the departmental level. She consistently works behind the scenes to protect fellows’ time, well-being, and educational experience, often anticipating challenges before they become problems. Her commitment reflects a deep understanding of the pressures of medical training and a genuine investment in trainee success.

This summer will mark Domoske’s retirement after 28 years of service to Mayo Clinic, including 12 years as education program coordinator for Infectious Diseases. Over that time, she has shaped the training experience of countless fellows through her quiet leadership, institutional knowledge, and sustained dedication to trainee well-being. She fully embodies the spirit of the Fellows’ Fellow Award and is deserving of this recognition.

Domonoske has become a reliable anchor for every fellow who has the privilege of crossing paths with her. What sets her apart is her humility and her genuine care for people. She greets everyone with a smile, checks in during the busiest rotations, and gives the best hugs to people who need it. She is a pillar of support and belonging that is rare in such a demanding environment. Her dedication extends to ensuring that the fellows’ training aligns with their career goals and personal interests. She is attentive to the fellows’ basic needs, reminding them to eat, rest and care for their mental health. Perhaps the most clear symbol of her care and dedication is the large poster board she has curated by her desk, filled with photos of fellows at conferences, in the hospital, and even during casual gatherings outside of work. She is always happy to receive emails with photos of learners, and the photo is up on her board. It is a testament to her investment in learners’ lives, both professional and personal. She is an extraordinary human being, and the learners are all better people because of her.

Dr. Cottrell exemplifies the spirit of the Humanitarian Award through her extraordinary commitment to education, advocacy and direct service to the Mayo Clinic community, particularly in fertility preservation.

As an REI fellow, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that residents and trainees are informed about fertility preservation options, a topic that is rarely emphasized during medical training despite its profound personal and professional implications. She has delivered numerous dedicated lectures for the Mayo Fellows Association, consistently volunteering her time to provide comprehensive education and create space for thoughtful discussion about why fertility preservation matters for physicians in training.

Beyond her formal teaching, what truly sets Dr. Cottrell apart is the deeply personal and tangible way she supports residents. She actively adds trainees onto her clinical schedule as patients, ensuring that those who are interested in pursuing fertility preservation have timely access to counseling, evaluation and care. Amid demanding clinical schedules, long hours and limited flexibility, she makes herself available and prioritizes learners’ needs, recognizing the unique time pressures residents face. Many had little prior education about fertility preservation and did not fully understand that it was even an option, let alone something they should consider during training. Through her sustained efforts, she has transformed awareness within the community, while modeling compassionate, patient-centered care and empowering residents to make informed decisions about their futures. Her dedication represents a meaningful and enduring contribution to humanity within the Mayo Clinic community, as she is not only educating future physicians but directly supporting their long-term well-being in a way that will have lasting ripple effects for generations to come.