Get to know 2022 matching med students

“I think Rochester gets a bad rap because it’s a smaller town than many other academic medical centers and the winters can be brutal. Both of those things are true, but I grew to love Rochester during my 4 years of medical school. This community is wonderful – really lean in and get involved, even if you have all intentions of leaving after graduation.”

Grayson Ashby

Match: Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Furman University

Hometown: Columbus, OH

Why you chose MCASOM: I got the sense on interview day that Mayo not only had the resources to allow me to explore any career path under the, but that the medical school would also support me in whatever path was right for me when I decided. This has absolutely come true during my 4 years at Mayo!

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Oh where to begin! Dr. Phil Fischer, Dr. Mark Nyman, Dr. Diego Suarez, Dr. Brian Mohney, Dr. Erick Bothun, and Dr. Amir Khan to name a few! I would also be remiss without mentioning the tremendous support from Debbie Dixon and Shelby Strain.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is a team-based sport

What would people be surprised to know about you: I met (and married) my wife while in medical school. Scheduling the wedding took some effort, but I’m grateful Mayo gives us plenty of flexibility whenever possible.

Dream job: Kids eye doctor & hobby farmer!

“1) You will start to consciously or unconsciously adopt the clinical habits of your preceptors, so strive to work with people who are the type of physician you want to become

2) The relationships that you’ll build during research projects are more important than the research output itself. Developing a relationship with a mentor is more important than publishing an article.”

Tyler Benning

Match: Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: St. Olaf College

Why you chose MCASOM: The amazing people, the opportunities to take a systems-level view of healthcare, the chance to stay close to family, and the opportunity to train at one of the best health care institutions in the world

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I have many mentors to thank including: Dr. Kirk Wyatt for being a helpful, encouraging, enthusiastic research mentor and for providing valuable career guidance; Dr. Jason Homme for guiding me through the residency application process, serving as a research mentor, and helping me feel at home in the Pediatrics department; Dr. Luke Hafdahl for helping me to grow in confidence and skill during my Internal Medicine rotation; and Dr. Phil Fischer for being a wonderful clinician and research mentor and for demonstrating how to integrate a life of faith with a career in medicine

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Kindness leaves an impression that intelligence, skill, and reputation alone cannot

What would people be surprised to know about you: I majored in political science and like to listen to podcasts about constitutional law and the Supreme Court

Dream job: Pediatric sub-specialist

“There are incredible opportunities here, including benchtop and clinical research, and the ability to learn and build relationships with a variety of world experts. Don’t be afraid to seek out these opportunities and pursue your interests.”

Jake Besch-Stokes

Match: Dermatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Scottsdale, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Arizona State University

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Why you chose MCASOM: During college, I had the opportunity to do clinical research with the Mayo Clinic. I was impressed with the organization’s patient-focused values and by how friendly everyone was. I knew that I wanted to receive my training in this type of welcoming environment. Being from Phoenix and having support close by made it an even easier choice.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I truly believe that I owe any and all successes that I’ve had to the amazing physician and student mentors that I’ve had from day one. There are too many to list, but in particular, I’m thankful for the guidance and support that I’ve received from Dr. Aaron Mangold, Dr. David DiCaudo, and Dr. Mark Pittelkow, as well as all of the Mayo AZ dermatology residents, including Dr. Collin Costello and Dr. Jamison Harvey.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The human connection – the ability to translate knowledge into high-value care through
understanding and effective communication – is what differentiates good doctors from great doctors.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I used to be a competitive archer and archery instructor.

Dream job: Complex medical dermatologist.

“Medical school is difficult, but so very worth it. Surround yourself with a great support network, don’t be timid to ask for help, and celebrate the small victories and accomplishments in the biggest of ways.”

Hannah Case

Match: Otolaryngology, Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Why you chose MCASOM: During my interview day it was clear that MCASOM endeavored to help its students grow not only as physicians, but people. Current students and faculty shared that at Mayo the needs of the patient come first and that everything is done in the pursuit of quiet excellence. This humble, steward leadership resonated with me and the type of doctor I hope to be in the future.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I’ve had so many awesome mentors over the years — the whole department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery has been an invaluable source of guidance and support, and I am deeply grateful to them all! Dr. Jeffrey Janus (ENT ’13, ENTH ’14, chair, Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Audiology, Mayo Clinic in Florida) was my first mentor that ignited my interest in otolaryngology by showing me the breath of the field and connecting me with likeminded colleagues. Dr. Angela Donaldson (ENT ’13, Rhinology ’14, Department of Otorhinolaryngology) has provided me endless opportunities to improve my research and clinical skills as I refine my goals as a future otolaryngologist. She is a wonderful advocate and I would not be where I am today without her guidance and support.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first and medicine is a team sport. Having this servant and team-based mindset has enhanced my training by serving as a constant reminder of why I went into medicine initially. It has also been instrumental in reminding me that we are never alone, and every team member is an integral part of providing exceptional patient care.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Before medical school I worked as a legal assistant.

Dream job: Pediatric Otolaryngologist

“Journal. It doesn’t have to be much, but just do it. Medical school at Mayo is full of diagnostic dilemmas, constructive feedback, and encouragements, and to me, much of medical school has felt fulfilling and purposeful. But some days are going to feel overwhelming, some depressing, and some pointless. I’d encourage you to jot down a couple thoughts on the fulfilling days, save encouraging notes/quotes from patients, journal about interesting diagnostic dilemmas, and open that journal on your darker days when you might be feeling disillusioned. You’re going to be an amazing physician one day soon, and having bad days isn’t going to change that. Let your past self and the loved ones you confide in remind you of that..”

Joshua Daum

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

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Colorado State University

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Why you chose MCASOM: While many institutions provided a broad set of opportunities and solid training for an aspiring physician, MCASOM felt like they cared about me as a person, not just an applicant. The interviewers, current students, and other faculty I met were warm, welcoming, and genuinely interested in who I was, even outside of medicine. That personal touch gave me confidence that at Mayo I would get individualized training to help me achieve both my career and life goals with social support and mentoring along the way.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: In my preclinical education, faculty such as Dr. William Freeman and Dr. Mira Keddis sparked my love for the physiology of medicine and inspired me to further pursue internal medicine subspecialties. As I entered clinical medicine, Dr. Preston Seaberg helped shape my diagnostic and personal approach to patients, and inspired me to further pursue my passion for medical education. Dr. Brittane Parker was a vital mentor who walked me through clinical complexities including reconciling and discussing end-of-life care, while not dismissing the important non-clinical aspects of maintaining work-life balance as a future physician.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Taking the extra few moments to acknowledge the thoughts, pain, and suffering of a patient before further questioning and workup. Entering clinical rotations after classroom learning, I thought that asking the right questions and getting the right diagnoses were the most important parts of medicine. However, one of my mentors, Dr. Preston Seaberg, challenged me one day to take a few moments before diving into further questions to make a statement about how the patient is feeling such as: “you have been in pain for a while and discouraged with the lack of answers you’ve received” or “you are concerned that this could be something more sinister.” Since then, I have noticed a marked change in my patient interactions, where taking a moment to acknowledge this has brought some patients to tears, expressing they hadn’t felt heard by many in the medical community in the past. I hope to always be a physician that has at least a few moments to truly listen and step into the patient’s shoes to serve them emotionally before targeting my diagnostic and treatment plan to serve them medically.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a borderline extreme couponer…and have actually been paid to take home cereal from the store.

Dream job: Aerospace Med Consultant/Educator

“Reach out for help! To former students, teachers, mental health counselors, etc. Med school is hard. You deserve good support but it helps to ask for it.”

Patrick Duggan

Match: Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals

Chapel Hill, NC

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of Pennsylvania

Hometown: Jackson, NJ

Why you chose MCASOM: They chose me! Plus its excellence in oncology and overall excellent reputation

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career:

Dr. Margaret Gill
Dr. Quirindongo-Cedeno

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: We’re stronger together than the sum of our parts

What would people be surprised to know about you:

Dream job: PCP/Pt advocate/Dad

“Make an effort to spend time rotating through or conducting research with departments outside your comfort zone. This will allow you to take advantage of the abundance of opportunities and expertise here at Mayo Clinic.”

Jordan Dutcher

Match: Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Jacksonville, FL

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: The University of Alabama

Hometown: Naples, Florida

Why you chose MCASOM: During my interview day at Mayo Clinic Florida, one of the physicians shared with me that “every day our patients give us the privilege of taking care of them.” I knew instantly that I wanted to learn from and model myself after the type of physicians that approached medicine and life with such a servant leadership mindset. Ultimately, this is why I chose to attend MCASOM and I will forever be grateful that I made that choice.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I feel blessed to have the support of so many on my journey in medicine, both personally and professionally. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Eduardo Rodrigues, Dr. Ryan Chadha, Dr. Martin Abel, and Dr. Adaobi Ibe for introducing me to anesthesiology and guiding me ever since. Dr. Young Erben for acting as a mentor and role model for what it looks like to be a leader in medicine as a woman. Dr. Leon Mead and Dr. Michael Vickers for supporting me like family since the age of twelve to get to where I am today. Dr. Herrigel, Daniel Held, and Conrad Dove for inspiring my passion for simulation medicine and medical education. And last, but certainly not least, Dr. Mary Hedges, for every minute she has spent with me in her office helping me figure out not only what my dreams are, but how to reach them.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first. These are words that are said by many, exemplified by few, and those few are at Mayo Clinic.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I was the proud owner of a specialty sugar cookie business for five years prior to starting medical school.

Dream job: Anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic!

“Check out the Florida campus, it is an awesome place to train.”

Nickolas Goranov

Match: Transitional, Naples Community Hospital

Naples, FL

Radiology-Diagnostic, University of Miami – Jackson Health System

Miami, FL

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: University of Florida

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

Why you chose MCASOM: I had a really pleasant interview experience. There is outstanding support for students and scholarships are often available. The curriculum is great and there is probably unmatched flexibility for any sort of career goal.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Lauren Alexander and Dr. Daniel Wessel are outstanding mentors in Radiology. I truly appreciate the help of Dr. Michele Lewis and Dr. Houssam Farres throughout my clinical years. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Hedges and Dr. Dana Herrigel for making the Florida program such an excellent experience.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medical training can be a lot of fun and lead to many lifelong friendships.

What would people be surprised to know about you:

Dream job: Radiologist, Community Volunteer

“Don’t doubt how special you are—you are truly poised to become the world’s leaders in your specialties and in medicine as a whole. There is nothing stopping you from rising to the very top of healthcare and positively impacting the lives of innumerable patients.”

Eric Grewal

Match: Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, MA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of California, Berkeley

Hometown: Fremont, CA, and Snohomish, WA

Why you chose MCASOM: During my interview day, I was particularly impressed by the humility and kindness of Dr. Gerardo Colón-Otero and Dr. J. Michael Bostwick, who immediately struck me as physicians I could aspire to emulate. Coupled with the small class size and emphasis on humanism and professionalism, I had no doubt that Mayo would be the right place for me.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: First and foremost, I’d like to thank my research mentor, Dr. Matthew Block, and collaborator, Ms. Courtney Erskine, for supporting my development as a scientist alongside my education as a physician. I had incredible opportunities to perform both basic laboratory and clinical studies during medical school that would not have been possible without their help. I’m also very grateful for Dr. Joseph Grande, a master educator who empowered me to become a teacher myself. In my journey towards a career in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, I was very lucky to have the expert guidance of Dr. Joaquín García, Dr. Justin Kreuter, and Dr. Ariela Marshall.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The road to success is paved with laughs, smiles, and high-fives.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I have an encyclopedic knowledge of cars. I can identify any car produced in the last several decades (including make, model, and trim level) just by glancing at the front or rear end. My favorite cars include classic Lamborghinis, contemporary Ferraris, and the occasional Aston Martin.

Dream job: Head of R&D for new immunotherapies

“Trust yourself. Medical school can get tough but you have got this..”

Katharine Henry

Match: Neurology, University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Emory University

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: The people! It felt like the most welcoming program and that has held true. I have felt so supported throughout medical school
Plus, I love the outdoors and Arizona has been great for hiking

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Too numerous to count them all!

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: How to communicate in a team

What would people be surprised to know about you: This may actually not be a surprise at all but I have managed to include photos of my pets in every presentation for medical school from 3rd year on. My personal favorite was having my curled up hedgehog make a guest appearance as a kidney in a diagram on one of my slides.

Dream job: Neurology faculty w/ MedEd focus

“Live a conscious life. Your identity is comprised of the “whys” behind each of your choices; to act without awareness of your own motivations is to efface your selfhood.. Your happiness is not tied to where you are, it is tied to why you choose to be there.”

Adam Howard

Match: Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center

Durham, NC

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: AA & BS Collin College & UT Dallas

Hometown: Plano, TX

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM for the paramount role its institutional values play in the daily lives of students and faculty. Training here has helped me develop the character traits of integrity, servant leadership, compassion, and consciousness which I hope to espouse as a physician.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career:

Dr. Terence C. Burns, who showed me the worth of kind speech and warm leadership
Dr. Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, who taught me to thrive as I am rather than toiling to become someone else
Dr. Joseph Grande, who helped keep my fiery passion for teaching alight despite bitter winds
Dr. Ashley Stantz, who reminded me of my worth at a time when I had forgotten it
Dr. Robert Wilfahrt, for modeling unapologetic authenticity

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Dying is inevitable, but living is a choice.

What would people be surprised to know about you: From age 13 on I was raised in a Taekwondo dojang. My master and students were my inspiration to better understand the human condition; that fascination that drove me to study medicine.

Dream job: Doctor/Taekwondo instructor

“In the words of the late composer Stephen Sondheim: “scary is exciting, but nice is different than good!” If the way someone is treating you feels hurtful, it probably is, even if they’re very polite about it. Don’t assume that everyone around you cares about your wellbeing! You won’t survive in medicine unless you learn to advocate effectively for your own needs and embrace the attitude that that advocacy is a core part of your patient care responsibilities because you won’t be able to provide safe, high-quality care if your own physical and emotional needs are not being met.”

Timothy Lee

Match: Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia

Augusta, GA

MCASOM campus: Florida

Undergraduate education: Eckerd College ’18

Hometown:

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose to attend medical school at Mayo because I believed I would receive a world-class education that would set me up to do a good job caring for my patients and advancing medical science. As a trainee from a family of limited means, I also would not have been able to afford medical school, even with maximal loans, without the scholarship I received from Mayo!

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I don’t think I would have made it through medical school without Dr. Michael Bostwick, a Mayo psychiatrist who taught a longitudinal course over our first two years that used group exercises and intimate case studies of real patients to help us understand how health problems and medical care may impact our patients as people over the course of their lives. Not only did he challenge me to consider a career in psychiatry and support me through some of my own personal and professional challenges in medical school, including the death of a dear friend and classmate by suicide, but his course provided most of our limited curricular exposure to patients and physicians who were disabled or part of the LGBTQ community, and that made me feel less alone.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Succeeding as a healthcare professional requires us to be willing to advocate for our own needs and our own wellbeing, even when it’s embarrassing or inconvenient, especially when those needs are invisible or unusual, as is often the case with disabilities and chronic illnesses. My patients need me to show up as a whole person, bringing not just my clinical expertise but also my wisdom, my experience, my empathy, my humanity, my humor, and my broad knowledge about life outside of medicine. I can’t do that if I’m not taking care of myself or receiving the support I need from my supervisors, my team, and the institution as a whole.

What would people be surprised to know about you: This I can rap Angelica Schuyler’s part from the musical Hamilton as it is written, including the high notes!

Dream job: Professional Vocalist/Voice Actor

“Enjoy and learn from everyone, it’s a team effort.”

Mark Li

Match: Anesthesiology, University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals

Seattle, WA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Bachelor in Engineering Science

Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Why you chose MCASOM: Mayo clinic value of patients’ interest come first and collaborative environment. Great place for translational biomedical research

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: From research: Atta Behfar, Andre Terzic, Scott Kaufmann, Timothy Olson, Leigh Griffiths, Liewei Wang, Grazia Isaya, Lisa Schimmenti, Raman Singh
From clinical: Neel Shah, Rochelle Torgerson, Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, Niki Dietz, Sandra Kopp

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Patients needs come first. Be humble and compassionate.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a Hufflepuff.

Dream job: Anesthesiologist

“There are more opportunities and resources before you at this school then you can ever even discover, pick a few and focus on them. If there are not fulfilling your mission, kept exploring until they do.”

Justin Maroun

Match: General Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Texas A&M University

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Why you chose MCASOM: The opportunity to learn how to take basic bench research discoveries and directly translate it to the patient, particularly oncolytic viruses (using viruses as anticancer agents). Mayo has the most extensive oncolytic virus research programs, spanning basic virology/cancer biology to numerous early and mid-phase clinical trials. Mayo is unique as it is one of the few places that has the resources to have an inhouse clinical grade viral production facility, toxicology labs and numerous basic and clinical investigators. I wanted to apply my background in basic virology to viral based clinical trials, while also learning how to take excellent care of patients.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career:

Dr. Stephen Russell was my PhD mentor, who constantly pushed me to be better scientifically and professionally. He allowed me the freedom and resources to push the boundaries of science, in a very supported environment. Dr. Autumn Schulze was a truly phenomenal scientist and supportive mentor, and I strive to be as solid of a scientist as her one day.

Dr. Omar Ghanem exposed me to clinical research and all aspects of what it means to be a general surgeon. He inspired me to pursue excellence on the wards, in the OR and in clinical research. Dr. Susanne Warner is a surgeon scientist, who is developing novel applications of oncolytic viruses as perioperative cancer therapies, and I thank her for giving me an example of how to be both a renowned surgeon while establishing a translational science lab.

Dr. Scott Kauffman, Dr. Lisa Schimmenti and Dr. Kendal Lee are leaders of MD/PhD program during my tenure here at Mayo, and truly set up a program focused on developing caring physicians and astute scientists. They go above and beyond always taking time for the students, even on top of busy clinical and research schedules. Dr. Wolanskyj-Spinner and Dr. Torgerson are excellent student advocates and truly make the medical school feel like a safe home to base the rest of our careers in medicine.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Focus on the patient in front of you, think of the patient you will be treating 10 yrs from now, and figure out how to do your best to help each of them today.

What would people be surprised to know about you:

Dream job: Surgical Oncologist and Scientist

“Take advantage of the amazing opportunities that this place has to offer!”

Cordelia McGehee

Match: Internal Medicine/CI Research, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of Minnesota

Hometown: Roseville, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: I decided to apply to Mayo Clinic after I watched the care that my mother received as a patient at Mayo. I was impressed by the kindness and compassion demonstrated by the physicians, nurses, and staff. As a family member, I felt comforted knowing that she was in good hands. When it came time to apply for MD/PhD programs, I knew that Mayo was my dream school. I wanted an institution where I could become a translational scientist and learn how to treat every patient how the doctors at Mayo treated my family.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Scott Kaufmann has served as my clinical and research mentor since my second year in the program. I took a course with him on how to critically read journal articles and knew that I wanted to learn bench science under his mentorship. He has not only taught me laboratory techniques, but he has modeled what it is to be a physician scientist. He brings the value of patient interactions to the laboratory where he tackles unmet needs in oncology research.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I learned in my clinical time the value of presence. Spending time with patients and learning what is important to them is invaluable to delivering patient centered care. This relationship and trust then form the foundation for navigating shared decision making.

What would people be surprised to know about you: People are usually surprised to find out that I unicycle.

Dream job: Physician Scientist

“Lean in to each other. Celebrate each other. Believe in each other. Humility, laughter, introspection, and sincere listening can help carry you through the harder days. Remember your roots and your “why”. Don’t be afraid to carve out your own goals for your medical training, even if it’s different from those surrounding you or what the system tells you to value.”

Valeria Melo

Match: Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

Hometown: Lisle, IL

Why you chose MCASOM: The people! I saw choosing MCASOM as choosing a family.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I can’t do this justice. Countless classmates, MCASOM faculty members and administration, residents, consultants, patients, and supporting staff have helped me grow into the aspiring OBGYN I am today.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The importance of value-centered leadership and humility.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I have a mighty sweet tooth and am guilty of dabbling with cake for breakfast..

Dream job: Obstetrics and Gynecology

“These four years go by fast. Enjoy the opportunity you have been given to
study and learn from your patients, enjoy
the time you have with your fellow
classmates, and take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather to get outside
and explore everything this
state has to offer.”

Benjamin A. Nelson

Match: Orthopedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of North Dakota

Hometown: Rose Barracks, Germany

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM primarily because of the values at the core identity of the school. The Mayo Clinic’s mission is that “the needs of the patient come first”. Although this is a commonly professed phrase in medicine, the Mayo Clinic truly embodies this value, as I learned firsthand when my father received treatment for prostate cancer in Rochester nearly eight years ago. MCASOM offered all of the resources necessary to become an excellent physician, but above all else I wanted to be a compassionate caregiver, and compared to other schools I felt that the Mayo Clinic community provided the best education in this regard.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I’d like to especially thank Drs. Rizzo, Wolanskyj-Spinner, and Agerter for their support during my time in school. I’d also like to thank Debbie Dixon, who is the foundation of our school and truly cares about each and every one of us students. I couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and compassionate group of individuals within our faculty and administration.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: There’s probably too many to whittle down to a single lesson, but I would say our school’s focus on the concept of high value care is an especially important one. Not just with a focus on the medical efficacy of our treatment, but with a compassionate consideration of the physical, financial, and emotional costs incurred on our patients and their families.

What would people be surprised to know about you: My identical twin brother and I were born in Honolulu, HI on different days.

Dream job: Hand Surgeon at Mayo Clinic

“Lean on your classmates, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling, and know that you are not the only one struggling.”

Kafayat Oyemade

Match: Medicine-Preliminary, Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, GA

Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, GA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Spelman College

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM because I felt like I had found a home and family here. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive and this started right from my interview day. I felt like everyone was invested in my success both personally and professionally, and this has continued to be the theme throughout my time here.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: There are so many but to name a few Dr. Diva R. Salomao, Dr. Lauren A. Dalvin, Dr. John J. Chen, Dr. Michael J. Bostwick, and the incomparable Lydia Wheeler.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Always keep the patient’s best interests at the forefront of your medical decision making and treat your patient as an equal partner in the process with the utmost respect.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Most people who know me would probably describe me as an extrovert but I am actually a closet introvert whose idea of a good time is chilling at home alone with a good book or movie.

Dream job: Ophthalmologist

“My advice would be to focus on your journey and forget what everybody else around you is doing. Make sure to pursue opportunities that excite you regardless of how it may look on a resume. If you do that, I think you will find that everything will fall into place around you.”

Emily G. Reynolds

Match: Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Scottsdale, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Colorado State University

Hometown: Elizabeth, CO

Why you chose MCASOM: The faculty I met on my interview day were extremely welcoming, kind, and humble despite their extreme levels of expertise in their respective fields. I could tell that I would have the opportunity to identify and work with many amazing mentors here, which proved to be correct.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Megan Wasson introduced me to my first research project and provided the best advice as I worked to identify my career interests and specialty preferences. Dr. Molly Kraus was another fantastic research mentor and ultimately anesthesia mentor, as I decided to pursue anesthesiology. Dr. Monica Harbell and Dr. Andrew Gorlin also helped encourage me in my pursuit of anesthesiology. The entire AMWA team; Dr. Kraus, Dr. Lopa Misra, Dr. Bhavika Patel, and Dr. Jewel Kling, were instrumental in my development as a female physician. Dr. Amit Shah has been a fantastic dean with an open door policy that I utilized more times than I can count. Additionally, the entire academic and student affairs teams deserve recognition for the tireless hours they work behind the scenes to make our education possible.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I will never forget the lessons I have learned about how to deliver truly patient centered care. I will carry the Mayo Clinic mantra, “The needs of the patient come first”, with me through the rest of my career no matter where I end up practicing.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I am a Colorado native but never set foot on the ski slopes until I was 23 years old and had moved to Arizona! I grew up learning how to wakeboard and water ski on Lake Powell and never quite made it to snow skiing. To this day, I much prefer water sports and warm weather activities.

“Don’t just chase after stats or checklists- find what you are most passionate about and pursue it wholeheartedly, even if it takes you on unproven paths!.”

Tori Riccelli

Match: Neurological Surgery, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital

Providence, RI

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Cornell University

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Why you chose MCASOM: Amazing opportunities in the clinical neurosciences, a culture of teamwork and excellence, and strong student support

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: There are too many to count- every faculty member has taught me something valuable, and I will hold on to these lessons going into residency and my future career. But more specifically, a special thank you to Dr. Meyer, our Dean and the first person to wholeheartedly welcome me to the neurosurgery department at Mayo, Dr. Lee who inspired me with the power of translational neuroscience and his enthusiasm for functional neurosurgery, and Dr. Link, my career advisor who has given me advice through all four years and without whose help this would not be possible! A special thank you to my research mentor at Janelia, Dr. Joshua Dudman, who gave me the freedom to shoot for the stars, and develop skills I will carry with me the rest of my life. And finally, I am so grateful to all of the residents who have been my primary teachers and who have taken time out of their (very busy!) days to help me grow and learn as a student.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Big accomplishments are made from the small choices you make every day, including your interactions with others. Go into every day with the goal of making someone’s day better through your interaction with them.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I know how to windsurf!

Dream job: Academic neurosurgery

“Be patient. You think you may know nothing early on, but I promise that things will fall into place gracefully.”

Daniel Rodriguez

Match: Surgery-General, Stony Brook Teaching Hospitals

Stony Brook, NY

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: St. Joseph’s College Patchogue

Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, NY

Why you chose MCASOM: As an applicant, I was really impressed with the abundance of opportunities available. Everyone seemed very interested and devoted to our success.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Mishra and Dr. D’Cunha we’re key mentors that guided me through my 4 years of medical school.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Never underestimate the value of hard work.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m married to my middle school sweetheart whom I met in 6th grade.

Dream job: Cardiothoracic Surgery

“Work hard, take advantage of the resources available to you, and seek out feedback. Mayo provides so many amazing resources to succeed, but ultimately your experience and development is a direct reflection of what you put into it. The most vital part of that, both in personal growth and in making connections with faculty is to seek, and act upon, feedback from as many people as you can.”

Christian Rosenow

Match: Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of Minnesota

Hometown: Rochester, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM because of its focus on early clinical experiences, abundant research opportunities and access to world-renowned faculty. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic’s commitment to excellence in patient care and opportunities to teach others fit with my career goals.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: First, my grandfather, Edward Rosenow was my greatest role model growing up. He was my inspiration to pursue medicine in the first place and I am forever thankful for his presence in my life. I also am grateful to Dr. John Tokish for his inspiration and guidance to pursue orthopaedic surgery and Dr. Josh Bingham for his mentorship throughout medical school.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: It is important to have a growth mindset. As medical students, we are used to being the top of the class and excelling in all areas. Medical training is very challenging and all of us have faced setbacks and challenges. I really learned that these instances should be viewed as an opportunity to improve, not as failures.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I love World War II history. I read and watch any historical books and movies on the topic that I come across. Stephen E. Ambrose is one of my favorite authors of all time.

Dream job: Academic Orthopaedics

“Make sure to maintain your identify outside of medicine, whether that be relationships with loved ones, hobbies, etc.”

Emily Sadecki

Match: Family Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: BA in Journalism / Biochemistry

Hometown: Rochester, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM because it would allow me to stay close to family and friends while also getting a terrific education. When I interviewed, I instantly felt welcomed and valued and that sentiment has remained true throughout my medical education.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career:

Dr. Robin Molella
Dr. Yulian Zhao
Dr. Alessandra Ainsworth
Dr. Jason O’Grady
Dr. Jennifer Horn
Dr. Dionne Hart
Dr. Thomas Kingsley
Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin
Dr. Richard Sharp

There are far too many to name everyone! I am indebted to so many at Mayo Clinic who have supported me over the past five years.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is a team sport! Having a team with a variety of skills, perspectives and expertise means better care for patients.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I love card/board games and take every opportunity to persuade those around me to play.

Dream job: Medical Director at a FQHC

“Tests are important, but not the end-all-be-all. Never sacrifice patient interactions for studying for tests. Patient’s are the best teachers and so rewarding to be able to help them.”

Jason Sargent

Match: Transitional, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation

Lacrosse, WI

Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Mercyhurst University Erie, PA

Hometown: Catlettsburg, KY

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose Mayo because I spent over a decade preparing for medical school and wanted a school that was as dedicated to me as I have been to myself. The small class size allows to build strong connections with everyone within the medical school.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Dr. Stephen Gleich helped me with getting exposure to the field of anesthesiology and helping me complete research that resulted in a presentation at the national American Society of Anesthesiology.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Anyone can be taught to be a great doctor. However, you can’t be taught to be a great person it has to be who you are at your core.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I once won a statewide poetry contest.

Dream job: Academic Anesthesiologist

“Medical training can be a rocky journey that makes you question your identity and worth. Remember why you started. Hold on to thoughts and people who remind you that you are capable. Be kind to yourself. Know that you are not the only one struggling. Reach out for help when you need it.”

Lauren Schaefer

Match: Medicine Preliminary, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals

Milwaukee, WI

Dermatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Norfolk State University

Hometown: Hampton, Virginia

Why you chose MCASOM: I was blown away by my interview day at MCASOM. It was obvious that there was abundance of support not only for learners but also patients. I knew they could help me develop into the physician I dreamed of becoming.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: My first and biggest cheerleaders, I would be nothing without the love and guidance of my Mom and Dad…and to the greatest gifts they could have ever given me…my siblings. Indy, Shaun and Tamar, you all make me strong!
Dr. Olayemi Sokumbi, Dr. Nneka Comfere, Dr. Megha Tollefson, Dr. Rochelle Torgerson and Dr. Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, thank you for all of your guidance and for extending me the kindness and grace I needed when I couldn’t do it for myself. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
― Maya Angelou

What would people be surprised to know about you: My first job was at Subway. I came home every day smelling like bread and onions. Eventually, my car began to smell like bread and onions. I could tell that my dog began to see me less as a human and more as a walking Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich. Bread and onions became my signature perfume. After I stopped working there, it took me five years to walk into another Subway.

Dream job: Being a community dermatologist devoted to underserved people of color and eliminating barriers to healthcare access…more importantly living a life that will positively impact others

“These four years go by fast. Enjoy the opportunity you have been given to
study and learn from your patients, enjoy
the time you have with your fellow
classmates, and take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather to get outside
and explore everything this
state has to offer.”

Joshua Spegman

Match: Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Ohio State University Medical Center

Columbus, OH

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: Lewis and Clark College

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Why you chose MCASOM: Walking onto the Mayo campus I remember reading ‘the needs of the patient come first’. That message of patient centered care stands at the core of Mayo Clinic and bleeds over into all aspects of the culture here on campus. This core value, coupled with the opportunity to give back to my home Arizona community are what drew me here to learn the art and science of medicine.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Kellie Kruger has been a fantastic mentor to me. She introduced me to the field of med-peds and has been a consistent resource for me as I pursue residency in that field. She has talked with me about programs to apply to, has read over my application and personal statement and has been available by e-mail and by phone to help me along my medical journey.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: During any rotation there is always time for a boba tea run and catching up with friends/family. It’s the balance that keeps you sane out there.

What would people be surprised to know about you: This may actually not be a surprise at all but I have managed to include photos of my pets in every presentation for medical school from 3rd year on. My personal favorite was having my curled up hedgehog make a guest appearance as a kidney in a diagram on one of my slides.

Dream job: Goat Farmer (if not medicine)

“Be open to new opportunities in medical school – open to new friends, new fields, and new experiences. I am graduating from medical school with some of my closest friends entering a specialty I was not planning on going into, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Yumiko Taguchi

Match: Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of Pennsylvania

Hometown: Tempe, Arizona

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose MCASOM based on the genuine interactions I had with the class above mine during my interview day. Not only were the current students incredibly bright and passionate about medicine, but they had already formed tight-knit friendships with one another and spoke very highly of faculty and administrative support. Paired with the Mayo Clinic’s reputation for clinical and research excellence, MCASOM was a clear choice for me – and I haven’t looked back since.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: All of my success during medical school can be attributed to the faculty and staff that have been incredible mentors over the past four years. Dr. Amit Shah, our Dean of Students, was an aspirational attending during my geriatrics elective and was invaluable in leading me through the complexities of couples matching. Dr. Swarna Chaliki taught me the value of a good physical exam and is my role model for how I would like to practice one day. Dr. Martina Mookadam inspired a love for primary care and provided me with the opportunity to get involved in the education of first-year MCASOM students. Dr. Amy Kennedy walked me through hospital medicine and made a monumental task seem achievable. Dr. Diana Snyder was a phenomenal research mentor and showed her support time and time again. Dr. Tasneem Naqvi introduced me to clinical subspecialty research, a road that I will continue down for the rest of my life. Dr. Janis Blair pushed me to think like a resident and piqued a strong interest in infectious disease. Diana Smith navigated personal and professional hardships with me throughout medical school, and, despite taking a job as operations manager at Mayo, continues to be someone I know I can count on. I can’t thank these mentors – and too many more to name – for their contribution to my medical education.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is a team sport, and it’s always okay to ask for help.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I am graduating medical school at 32 years old! My initial plan was to become a professor in the biological sciences, but this changed significantly after interacting with Parkinson’s patients during my PhD research. I eventually decided to work towards becoming a clinician scientist, and found myself entering medical school at 28 years old.

Dream job: Subspecialty clinician scientist

“Be kind to yourself and others! This is a difficult journey with distinct successes and failures. Remember Don’t be too hard on yourself on bad news, because good days are around the corner. Don’t be too hard on others either; you can always learn something from everyone.”

Jennifer Talbott

Match: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center

Durham, NC

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of Chicago – BA

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Why you chose MCASOM: I want to be an excellent physician and patient advocate, and I believe the Mayo Clinic trains its students to be both. I was also excited to take on the challenge of building a legacy on the Arizona campus. I’m so glad I did choose school here– I’ve had amazing experiences, built lifelong connections, and learned so much.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Drs. Megan Wasson, Johnny Yi, Julianna Kling, Bhavika Patel.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Flexibility and positivity are key! There have been so many interesting challenges and unexpected twists with our new campus, and with the COVID-19 pandemic. I have had to learn to keep a positive attitude and remember my purpose for being here. Ultimately, everything has (and will!) work out.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I love to travel, and have visited almost every U.S. state! I’m just missing 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Alaska. Maybe I’ll take a road trip before starting residency?

Dream job: OB/GYN who provides abortion care

“Enjoy your journey – life doesn’t wait to start after Step 3. Help someone every day, whether patient, classmate, or colleague.”

Erin Triplet

Match: Child Neurology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Rochester, MN

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: Creighton University

Hometown: Watertown, SD

Why you chose MCASOM: I was a patient here as a child – after a long diagnostic odyssey, I was finally referred to Mayo, and diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, fortunately treatable with supplements. It was a dream to return to the same institution my mom credits with saving my life to pay that debt forward. My interactions with collaborative teams and deeply compassionate colleagues have emphasized that I made the right choice.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: First, I’d like to thank Drs. Scott Kaufmann and Lisa Schimmenti for their constant support and hard work on behalf of all students in the MD/PhD program, as well as Dr. Grazia Isaya and Kendall Lee for their care and service. I also send my sincere gratitude to my thesis mentor, Dr. Isobel Scarisbrick, who excels at guiding her students toward their goals. Thank you to Dr. Elaine Wirrell, who provided excellent advice as I began my journey toward Child Neurology.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Time and kindness are powerful therapies.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m fascinated by the stories that we tell and what myths and fables reveal about a culture, as well as depictions of science and genius in popular culture. I’d love to pursue more academic study of story-telling through the lens of neuroscience.

Dream job: Stained glass artist and/or author

“My mentor Dr. Pulos says, “Once you become a part of Mayo, you’ll never want to leave!” This could not be more true. Enjoy the gift of learning at Mayo and lean into your relationships with mentors and classmates as much as you can.”

Jens Verhey

Match: Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education

Phoenix, AZ

MCASOM campus: Arizona

Undergraduate education: University of Notre Dame

Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Why you chose MCASOM: Mayo Clinic’s foundational value “the needs of the patient come first” resonated with me on interview day and aligned perfectly with the type of physician I have aspired to become. The truly exceptional faculty, staff, and residents I’ve had the privilege to learn from over the past four years live and breathe this value each and every day. Their dedication to patients and to us students is unparalleled by any other institution and I’m so grateful for the education I’ve received and the family I’ve joined here.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: While my list of incredible mentors is endless, I’d like to especially thank Dr. Jeremiah Long for advising me in medicine and in life, Dr. Krista Goulding, Dr. Kevin Renfree, Dr. Anikar Chhabra, Dr. Nicholas Pulos, the Orthopedic Surgery residents in Arizona, and most of all my father, Dr. Peter Verhey, for showing me every day what it means to be the ideal Christian physician and dad.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I’ve learned that delivering the highest quality care in the world requires a full investment from every team member, as “No one is big enough to be independent of others” – WW Mayo.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m an avid ’70s music fan and can name any song from the decade!

“Be kind and compassionate to yourself and others on your journey. Failure is necessary to grow. Embrace it and the things that scare you. This is when you will grow the most. When it comes to choosing your path, look for where there is a need and where your heart leads you, and you will not regret it. Take time to smell the roses and reflect on the person you are becoming.”

Ericka Wheeler

Match: Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, MA

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: BA and BS, Millsaps College

Hometown: Greenwood, MS

Why you chose MCASOM: I chose Mayo because of the small class size, world renowned care model, and a sister who loved her own experience here.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: I am so thankful for the many wonderful mentors I have had while at Mayo, including Dr. Simon Kung, Dr. Maria Lapid, Dr. Michael Bostwick, Dr. Elizabeth Valencia, Dr. Taylor-Desir, Dr. William Ward, and Dr. Dionne Hart.

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The simple statement of a person’s name when they’re in a crisis can pull them back into the present and allow you to reach out to them better. The simple grasping of another person’s hand when giving them difficult news can also help steel them. The simple positioning of yourself at the level of a person can decrease distance and the power differential. Silence is an important form of communication. Always try to meet a person where they are and reduce the line between your differences.

What would people be surprised to know about you: I initially planned to publish my first book by the time of medical school graduation–no book in the works, but I did get a black belt in Taekwondo. Life is funny.

Dream job: Mental Health Program Developer

“Stay humble and realize that everyone you interact with knows more than you on at least one subject. From the nurses that spend the day with the patient, to the social worker that understands available resources, to the patient that understands his or her own experience, you will never be the smartest person in the room.”

Micaela Witte

Match: Medicine-Pediatrics, University of Michigan Hospitals

Ann Arbor, MI

MCASOM campus: Minnesota

Undergraduate education: University of St. Thomas

Hometown: Rochester, MN

Why you chose MCASOM: As a Rochester native, Mayo Clinic had always been a place of pride where my family members and I had experienced excellent care. I was so excited when I got my interview and later acceptance because I was able to finally participate in a health system that I so respected and valued.

Mentors at Mayo Clinic who’ve helped in your medical career: Too many to count! Dr. Phil Fischer, Dr. Leslie Sim, Dr. Kelsey Frechette, Dr. Charlotte Van Dorn, Dr. Robin Lloyd, Dr. Yu Kawai, and Dr. Luke Hafdahl to name a few!

Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Not to be cliché, but the needs of the patient come first. From the physicians to the nurses to the custodial staff to the researchers, I have been amazed by the dedication to excellence and improvement that every member displays.

What would people be surprised to know about you: Although no one in my family is in medicine, I was named after the TV doctor in “Dr. Quinn medicine woman.”

Dream job: