Mayo Clinic Residency Match 2020
Students at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — and across the U.S. — had a nontraditional Match Day. In lieu of gathering with their classmates and loved ones and sharing big hugs, 2020 graduating medical students had a virtual Match Day in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We applaud these remarkable new Mayo Clinic alumni — for their accomplishments, hard work and flexibility during challenging times. Learn more about where they’ve been, where they’re headed and who helped them along the way.
Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association! Never hesitate to reach out to the more than 26,000 alumni around the world, including the institutions where you have matched. We have a common foundation that distinguishes us and bonds us. We’re here for you as you continue to train and become our colleagues.
The future looks bright because you’re part of it.
Andrea Aul
Residency match: Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hometown: Ripon, Wisconsin
Dream job: Combination of community pediatrics and palliative medicine, child abuse or public health
Why you chose MCASOM: I knew choosing to come to Mayo would expose me to extraordinary patients, rare diseases and cutting-edge treatments that I may never have the chance to see again. In the midst of this medical mecca, I knew Mayo would be a place where I would find community and a sense of belonging.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Tom Thacher, M.D. (FM ’07), Department of Family Medicine; and Philip Fischer, M.D. (PD ’99), Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, for providing invaluable research mentorship. Jason O’Grady, M.D. (FM ’12), Department of Family Medicine, for providing academic/career advice through each step of medical school. Brian Palmer, M.D. (MED ’04), Allina Health, for supporting my well-being in and outside of medicine. Jeanne Lyke, M.D., of Ripon, Wisconsin, for being an incredible aunt and role model in pediatrics.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Our patients are people. To practice medicine is a joy and a privilege.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I once gave a speech while standing on my head.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Wake up each day grateful for the circumstances and opportunities that have enabled you to become a medical student. In the end, all that is expected of you in medical school is that you do your best, learn from your mistakes and try to be a slightly better version of yourself each day.
Sarah Azer
Residency match: Internal medicine,NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine
Hometown: Irvine, California
Dream job: Academic medicine
Why you chose MCASOM: I chose Mayo for the phenomenal education and unparalleled resources amidst a supportive and collegial environment.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I am so grateful that there have been so many! Just to list a few: Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. (I ’95, HEMO ’98), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs; Darcy Reed, M.D. (MED ’00, I ’03), Division of Community Internal Medicine; Uma Thanarajasingam, M.D., Ph.D. (IMM ’08, MDPH ’08, I ’11, CMR ’12, I ’12, RHEU ’15), Division of Rheumatology; David Wetter, M.D. (MED ’04, I1 ’05, DERM ’08, DERMI ’09), Department of Dermatology; Rajiv Pruthi, M.D. (HEMO ’95), Division of Hematology; Peter Tebben, M.D. (ENDO ’04, PDE ’06), Division of Pediatric Endocrinology; David Sas, D.O. (PDNE ’16), Division of Pediatric Nephrology; Adam Sawatsky, M.D. (I ’10, CMR ’11), Division of General Internal Medicine; Erin Knoebel, M.D. (NEPH ’04), Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, M.D. (I ’91, PREV ’93), chair, Division of Community Internal Medicine.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The patient is always the center of the team. At Mayo, we learn from incredibly kind and compassionate physicians who continuously strive to provide quality patient-centered care. “The needs of the patient come first” is much more than a slogan at the Mayo; it is a way of practice and represents an integral part of the Mayo culture and values.
What would people be surprised to know about you: Having been born and raised in SoCal, I had my first encounter with snow in Rochester during my first year of medical school.
Advice for future MCASOM students: The biggest transition you will have from preclinical to clinical years is applying the knowledge you have learned to real patients. With each patient comes a unique story behind what brings them to the hospital/clinic to see you. Always take the time to get to know your patients’ individual stories and cherish these moments. They were some of the most rewarding experiences I had as a medical student!
Julia (Claire) Cambron
Residency match: Internal medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate: Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Dream job: Provide longitudinal care that promotes not only my patients’ physical health but also their emotional well-being; act as a mentor and teacher to medical students.
Why you chose MCASOM: I felt like Mayo was committed to student wellness in the same way that Mayo puts patients first and treats the entire person. During my interview, Susan Romanski, M.D. (MED ’92, I ’95, ENDO ’99), Division of General Internal Medicine, demonstrated to me such genuine empathy and provided an example for how we as physicians can create a safe space for patients to share their story, which allows us to provide more personalized care.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: David Rosenman, M.D. (HMED ’04, I-IPT ’04, CLRSH ’07), Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, entered our medical journey during a period of high stress, post-Step 1, and took the time to get to know us as individuals. I felt like his honest attention and kind encouragement at that stage were so helpful to me and my classmates as we moved forward into clerkships. Jason Post, M.D. (I ’07, CMR ’08), Division of Community Internal Medicine, and Margaret Gill, M.D. (MED ’93, FM ’96), Department of Family Medicine, were great teachers to me in the outpatient setting and encouraged my passion for primary care. Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D., and Debbie Dixon, operations manager, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, have also remained tireless advocates and empathetic listeners for us throughout medical school.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Taking time to understand how a patient’s health plays into their story and their goals for the future is instrumental to providing compassionate, comprehensive care.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I enjoy acting and would love to participate in community theater as my career permits!
Advice for future MCASOM students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being vulnerable is a powerful tool in medicine and can strengthen the community of students and providers around you. Medicine is hard, but it becomes easier when we work together and celebrate the humanity in it more.
Olivia Crum
Residency match: Transitional, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dermatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota
Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Dream job: A dermatologist and residency program director
Why you chose MCASOM: “The needs of the patient come first” is more than just a slogan. It is the essence of Mayo and can be sensed in nearly everyone who works here.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: So many. Our dean, Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. (I ’95, HEMO ’98), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs; my med family mentor, Rahma Warsame, M.D. (I ’13, HEMO ’16, HEMA ’17, HEMO ’17), Division of Hematology; my CAMP mentor, Catherine Newman, M.D. (DERM ’06), Department of Dermatology; my research mentors, John Chen, M.D., Ph.D. (OPH ’14), Department of Ophthalmology; and Dawn Davis, M.D. (PD ’03, DERM ‘06), chair, Division of Clinical Dermatology. Many others who have helped me along the way in various ways, including: Rochelle Torgerson, M.D., Ph.D. (MBIO ’00, MDPH ’00, I1 ’01, DERM ’05), Department of Dermatology; John Stulak, M.D. (S ’06, TS ’08, CS ’09, TS ’10), Department of Cardiovascular Surgery; Saranya Wyles, M.D., Ph.D. (CTSA ’17, MED ’17, I ’18, MDPH ’19, DERM 21), Department of Dermatology; Carmen Montagnon, M.D. (MED ’19), Department of Medicine; and Andrea Tooley, M.D. (I ’15, OPH ’18), Department of Ophthalmology. I am grateful to so many people who have kindly given of their time to help me in my own pursuits.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” A phrase commonly thrown around, but I really saw this demonstrated during my four years at Mayo.
What would people be surprised to know about you: Hmmm … I have a goofy, slobbery, handsome gentle giant at home named Theo. He is 1-year-old and 130 pounds already. His breed is a type of Italian mastiff (he’s a Cane Corso), and I always say he looks a bit like Hagrid’s dog, Fang.
Advice for future MCASOM students: You are going to have so many opportunities available to you over the next few years. Try to say yes to as many of them as you can. You really are at the Disneyland of medical institutions — one that makes it much easier to simply be a medical student. Always stay humble and grateful for the opportunity to be here. As my dad always taught me while growing up, “Put a little gr- in front of that attitude, sister!” When the going gets tough, gratitude will be the virtue to pull you through.
Emma DeLoughery
Residency match: Internal medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate: Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Dream job: Doctor
Why you chose MCASOM: They accepted me.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Courtney E. Harris, M.D. (I ’19), Department of Medicine; Steven Hagedorn, M.D. (MED ’84, FM ’87), Department of Family Medicine; Linda A. Ward, M.D. (I ’76), Emeriti Staff; Jerry Brewer, M.D. (DERM ’08, DSRG ’09, CTSA ’16), Department of Dermatology.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Get the most out of every experience, and have fun!
Priyal Fadadu
Residency match: Obstetrics-gynecology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Hometown: Fremont, California
Dream job: Gynecology surgeon and abortion provider.
Why you chose MCASOM: The people, the staff, the reputation—I can’t describe why. It just felt right, and I am glad it felt right for MCASOM, too.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I would not be where I was without the support of so many people. Amanika Kumar, M.D. (GYNO ’16), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs, definitely shaped the course of my career. I am so grateful for Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. (I ’95, HEMO ’98), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs; and Vanessa Torbenson, M.D. (OBG ’13) Tatnai Burnett, M.D. (OBG ’18), and Adela Cope, M.D. (OBG ’18) — all in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, among so many others.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Be humble, and be kind.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I can deadlift almost twice my body weight.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Keep an open mind, and go with the flow! There are so many opportunities here and if you remain flexible, you will be surprised at what you run into. Also, travel as much as you can because that is good for the soul.
Catherine Gao
Residency match: Transitional, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
Hometown: Urbana, Illinois
Dream job: OB anesthesiologist, side job of gardener or lepidopterarium owner.
Why you chose MCASOM: There are so many reasons! I was truly impressed by the wonderful students, staff, and faculty I met. Everyone was so welcoming, and I realized I could make a home here. I knew I would receive excellent clinical training and have abundant opportunities to explore my research and global health interests.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I owe so much to countless mentors. Janet Vittone, M.D. (CIM ’95), Division of General Internal Medicine, for believing in me since the day I interviewed at Mayo. Henry Schiller, M.D. (S ’01), Department of Surgery, for encouraging my exploration of surgical specialties. Hans Sviggum, M.D. (MED ’07, ANES ’11, REG ’12), Timothy Long, M.D. (ANES ’98), and Arnoley Abcejo, M.D. (I1 ’13, ANES ’16, ANNR ’17) — all from Mayo Clinic’s Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine — for introducing me to the field of anesthesiology and supporting me ever since. Lauren Licatino, M.D. (I1 ’13, ANES ’16), Rochelle Molitor, M.D. (MED ’14, ANES ’18), and Katherine Arendt, M.D. (MED ’02, I1 ’03, ANES ’07, ANOB ’07, REG ’08) — all from Mayo Clinic’s Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine; and Paloma Toledo, M.D., Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, for enriching my growth the past four years and welcoming me to a tribe of amazing female anesthesiologists who lead by example. I’m also grateful to Darcy Reed, M.D., Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D., Shelby Strain, Education administration coordinator; and Debbie Dixon, operations manager, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, and the innumerable administrative staff for their advice and behind-the-scenes hard work.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first — living out this motto will lead you on the right path as you learn the practice of medicine. Shift your perspective — instead of making a list of labs to check and orders to enter, ask yourself what your patient needs from you today.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I had plans to be a FBI or CIA agent due to my love of mystery novels and my interest in languages (stemming from multiple international moves as a child).
Advice for future MCASOM students: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Charlene Gaw
Residency match: Emergency medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
Graduate: M.P.H., Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Hometown: Cupertino, California
Dream job: Emergency medicine physician working on community health
Why you chose MCASOM: The patient-centered mission
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Fernanda Bellolio, M.D. (EM ’08, CTSA ’09, EM ’12), Department of Emergency Medicine; and Aaron Leppin, M.D. (ENDO ’14, CTSA ’16), Department of Health Sciences Research, have been ever supportive and patient in mentoring me through research and life. Mark Liebow, M.D. (ARM ’94), Division of General Internal Medicine; Benjamin Sandefur, M.D. (MED ’08), Department of Emergency Medicine; and Richard Winters, M.D. (MED ’94), Department of Emergency Medicine, have been role models of exemplary physicians both within and outside the walls of a hospital.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The truly phenomenal health care patients receive at Mayo Clinic is what all people deserve.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I am an extremely enthusiastic fan of “Lord of the Rings,” from the beautiful soundtrack (“Concerning Hobbits”) to my favorite character, Samwise Gamgee!
Advice for future MCASOM students: Stay kind, humble and grateful.
Joseph Gottwald
Residency match: Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Doctor of Pharmacy at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, New York
Hometown: Millerton, Pennsylvania
Dream job: Splitting my time between intensivist, anesthesiologist in the OR, and educating medical students in either pharmacology or personal finance
Why you chose MCASOM: My reasons were two-fold. First, I was thoroughly impressed with the Mayo ethos when I interviewed and knew this was the ideal place to develop my fundamental knowledge and skills for patient care. Second, due to the generous financial endowments Mayo receives, this was the most cost-conscious medical school for me.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: My medical school journey has been touched by so many individuals at Mayo that I cannot name them all. John Ratelle, M.D. (I ’13, CMR ’14), Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, was an inspiration to me both as a caring physician as well and a thoughtful educator.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine isn’t about the glory of a solo provider in a silo. The best care comes from collaboration throughout the medical system. There aren’t many places like Mayo that do this so seamlessly.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Keep an open mind about what you want to do with the rest of your life. It is the rare student who can accurately plan out a career many years in advance.
Marc Greenberg
Residency match: Orthopaedic surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
Undergraduate: Occidental College, Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Dream job: Privademic orthopedics
Why you chose MCASOM: Small class size, culture of Mayo and the pass/fail curriculum.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Kevin Perry, M.D. (OR ’14), William Cross III, M.D. (OR ’10), Brandon Yuan, M.D. (MED ’09, OR ’04) — all in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery; and Paul Sponseller, M.D., Department of Orthopedics at Johns Hopkins.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: It is always worth it to go the extra mile for your patient.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I was a magician/hypnotist in Switzerland before medical school.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Do the thing you are passionate about. Don’t be a box-checker. People like passion; they don’t like checklists.
Megan Heeney
Residency match: Emergency medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California
Undergraduate: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Dream job: Clinical work at a county emergency room, academic work focused on social emergency medicine with particular interests in improving access to care, firearm violence prevention, and mental health and substance abuse services.
Why you chose MCASOM: I loved the focus on patient care, science of health care delivery, small class size and amazing clinical educators who were passionate about teaching.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Kristina Colbenson, M.D. (MED ’10), Department of Emergency Medicine, who has been my emergency medicine mentor, for her inspiring clinical and leadership skills. Stephanie Starr, M.D. (PD ’00), Division of Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, for her passion in teaching the science of health care delivery and medical school curriculum. Elizabeth Cozine, M.D. (MED ’11, FM ’14), Department of Family Medicine, for her excellent teaching, fostering supportive learning environments and compassionate care for patients. Roxanne Brennan, M.A.N., R.N., Employee and Community Health, who inspirationally works diligently with adolescents who are dealing with depression.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Put patients first, collaborative relationships among staff foster the best care for patients as well as creative solutions, and take every opportunity to jump in and learn new skills.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Enjoy the immense privilege of accompanying patients, think creatively about how you can advocate for patients and make the most of your time here.
Tina Hendricks
Residency match: Medicine-preliminary, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa; Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
Graduate: Master of Science in Vision Science Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Undergraduate: Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Hometown: Ahwatukee, Arizona
Dream job: Having the autonomy to split my time between the U.S. and abroad. When home, I’d like to be in a partner or leadership role in a pediatric or rural ophthalmic private practice. When abroad, I’d like to participate in a long-term mission base that serves a community with practical, medical, educational and spiritual needs.
Why you chose MCASOM: MCASOM was the medical school of my dreams, and I knew it would train me to practice compassionate, patient-focused medicine.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: John Chen, M.D., Ph.D. (OPH ’14), Department of Ophthalmology; Brian Mohney, M.D. (OPH ’94), Department of Ophthalmology; Debbie Dixon, operations manager, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient are the only needs to be considered.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I had a baby in February of fourth year, and it was the best decision ever!
Advice for future MCASOM students: You are so fortunate to be here; take advantage of every opportunity and stay humble and kind.
Rachel Hurley
Residency match: Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate: Ph.D., Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Hometown: Canton, South Dakota
Dream job: Pediatric oncologist in an academic medical center, investigating novel therapies for the treatment of childhood cancer and translating them to clinical trials.
Why you chose MCASOM: As an M.D./Ph.D. student, training at Mayo Clinic afforded unparalleled opportunities to pursue basic research, translate scientific discoveries to the clinic and receive exceptional clinical training.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Sandyha Pruthi, M.D. (FM ’94), Division of General Internal Medicine, who I met shortly after arriving at Mayo Clinic, provided endless enthusiastic support and clinical mentorship throughout my many years of training. Scott Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D. (ONCL ’94), chair, Department of Pharmacology, my Ph.D. adviser, challenged me to ask patient-centered scientific questions, supported my clinical and research interests, and demonstrated a determined drive to profoundly improve therapies for cancer, which I hope to bring to my own career. Paul Galardy, M.D. (PDHO ’06), Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Erin Knoebel, M.D. (NEPH ’04), Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, were instrumental in guiding my specialty choice, supported me throughout the clinical training and application process, and were always willing to advocate on my behalf. Andrea Wahner-Hendrickson, M.D. (I ’08, CI ’10, HEMO ’12), Division of Medical Oncology, continues to be both a champion of my career and an incredible role model of a compassionate oncologist driven to change the course of disease for women with ovarian cancer.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first, though cliché, is a poignant reminder that patient care, research and education should all be pursued in a patient-centric approach.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I performed a tap dance for the South Dakota State Talent Competition in the World’s Only Corn Palace.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Enjoy the journey, and stay true to your purpose.
David Ivanov
Residency match: Orthopaedic surgery, Stanford University Programs, Redwood City, California
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Dream job: Adult reconstruction orthopedic surgeon in Northern California.
Why you chose MCASOM: An amazing opportunity to immerse myself in medicine in a world-class health care system.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Brandon Yuan, M.D. (MED ’09, OR ’14), Sanjeev Kakar, M.D. (HAND ’10), Marco Rizzo, M.D. (HAND ’02), chair, Division of Hand Surgery — all in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: You can lead a horse to water…
What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m eight of nine siblings!
Advice for future MCASOM students: Take your future into your own hands. Actively and intentionally explore different future career options. Don’t just flow with the current!
Jeremiah Joyce
Residency match: Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Graduate: Master of Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Rochester, Minnesota; Clinical and Translational Science (concurrent with M.D.)
Undergraduate: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Hometown: Sindelfingen, Germany
Dream job: Physician
Why you chose MCASOM: To have an opportunity to train at a place where the needs of the patient come first.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Richard Weinshilboum, M.D. (PHAR ’72), chair, Division of Clinical Pharmacology; Cosima Swintak, M.D. (P ’07), Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; J. Michael Bostwick, M.D. (P ’98), Department of Psychiatry — all at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The human body is a wonderfully complicated machine, and we’re all unique.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a dedicated bicycle maintenance hobbyist.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Become a part of Rochester, Minnesota, while you’re here. Make it a point to do things outside of medicine.
Joshua Labott
Residency match: Orthopaedic surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hometown: Big Bend, Wisconsin
Dream job: Orthopedic surgeon
Why you chose MCASOM: For the culture and team-based learning model apparent during the interview day and second look.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Christopher Camp, M.D. (MED ’10, OR ’15), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, has been instrumental in my professional development during medical school. Although I was interested in orthopedics from the beginning of medical school, Dr. Camp helped me to explore many various specialties throughout preclinicals. Cody Wyles, M.D. (CTSA ’16, MED ’16, OR ’21), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, was a fantastic resident mentor who gave me the opportunity to become involved with the department and research early in my medical school training.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Don’t take the opportunities that this program gives you for granted. Explore as much of the medical as possible.
Sydney Larkin
Residency match: Medicine-preliminary, Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio; Dermatology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Graduate: Master of Science of Health Care Delivery, Arizona State University
Undergraduate: Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Dream job: A dermatologist who truly embodies what it means to be a Mayo Clinic physician — one who takes time to serve her community and is engaged in medical education and projects related to quality improvement, increasing access to care, and health disparities.
Why you chose MCASOM: I knew that coming to Mayo would mean I had a family to support me throughout the many challenges and triumphs of medical school, and I would never again feel alone in my quest toward a career in medicine. My colleagues in medical school are among the most talented, passionate and inspiring group of individuals I have ever had the pleasure to train alongside. I am the physician I am today thanks to their never-ending support and intellectual curiosity.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I met Ashley Wentworth, M.D. (MED ’14, DERM ’18, DPED ‘20), Division of Pediatric Dermatology, during my first year of medical school. She was my first mentor in dermatology and introduced me to the field and the department. She has been an invaluable resource to me throughout my four years at Mayo and I am very thankful for her kind words and answers to my many emails. I would also like to thank my research mentor, Rochelle Torgerson, M.D., Ph.D. (MBIO ’00, MDPH ’00, I1 ’01, DERM ’05), Department of Dermatology, who has been incredibly supportive of any project I bring to her; and my career adviser, Jennifer Hand, M.D. (MED ’04, I1 ’95, DERM ’98, MGEN ’00), Department of Dermatology, who has supported me in every aspect, on both a personal and professional level. These three have forever shaped my life and career, and I am endlessly grateful for their mentorship. I would also like to thank our wonderful dean, Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. (I ’95, HEMO ’98), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs, who works tirelessly day and night to make our dreams come true.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Be flexible! Take each challenge that arises on your path for what it is: a gift given to you to make you better at what you do.
What would people be surprised to know about you: Neil Armstrong was a family friend and my next door neighbor growing up!
Advice for future MCASOM students: Stay true to yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff!
Kristyn McLeod
Residency match: Emergency medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate: Arizona State University, Tempe
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Dream job: Clinician educator in academic emergency medicine; mentor to residents and medical students.
Why you chose MCASOM: The incredible culture of Mayo, including the prioritization of the needs of patients and the importance of education. I was so impressed by how many people truly shared and lived these values every day. I knew this community would help me grow into the best doctor I could be.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: So many! I am so grateful for the team of mentors that helped me find emergency medicine and set me up for success: James Colletti, M.D. (PD ’02), Emily Woods, M.D. (EM ’20), Benjamin Sandefur, M.D. (MED ’08), and Larissa (Lacey) Shiue, M.D. (EM ’21). They have shown me such kindness, guidance and support and have served as exemplary role models in providing compassionate patient care.
What would people be surprised to know about you: The first sport I participated in as a kid was competitive roller skating.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Your classmates are your teammates — be reliable, trust each other, support each other, and lean in to build a community that you are proud to be a part of and that will enrich your life and medical career.
Kevin Miller
Residency match: Internal medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate: Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science MD-MS program
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin—Madison
Hometown: Verona, Wisconsin
Dream job: Physician-scientist in hematology/oncology with part-time appointment as a high school AP biology teacher
Why you chose MCASOM: Luck. I came off the waitlist at the last second. Got the phone call while eating bulgogi at a food truck in Madison. Once I saw the area code, I knew I was coming here because of the history (my grandmother still refers to it as “Mayo’s Clinic”), countless opportunities, generous financial aid, small class size and livability of Rochester.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I was lucky to have an array of phenomenal mentors during my five years at Mayo Clinic in the Department of Medicine — Jennifer Kleinman Sween, M.D. (HIM ’14), Neel Shah, M.B., Ch.B. (I ’11, IDOR ’15); Division of Hematology — Mark Litzow, M.D. (I ’83, ARM ’85, HEMO ‘89), Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D. (HEMO ’16, BMTX ’17, HEMO ’17), Ariela Marshall, M.D. (HEM ’18), Shaji Kumar, M.D. (I ’99, HEMO ’03), Mrinal Patnaik, M.B.B.S. (HEMO ’11), Wilson Gonsalves, M.D. (HEMO ’14, HEMA ’15), Mithun Shah, M.D., Ph.D. (HEMO ’17), Taxiarchis Kourelis, M.D. (HEMO ’15, HEMA ’16); and Division of Medical Oncology — Ashish Chintakuntlawar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D. (HEMO ‘16).
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: “If you are a mammal, you have to reflux” and “I’m going to have you use your brain today,” Amindra Arora, M.B., B.Chir (I’94, GI ’97), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic
What would people be surprised to know about you: I used to be a ruthless lacrosse player in high school and broke two clavicles (one of an opposing player, one of a teammate during practice). I also once broke my own clavicle in football.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Focus on what you are learning in the moment, and take time to foster curiosity rather than always thinking about your CV and future sub-sub-specialty. Too often at MCASOM I think we miss important learning and life lessons by thinking ahead, in part because we have so many amazing opportunities available to us. Looking back, my favorite memory from medical school is procrastinating by eating bagels and trying to solve the New England Journal of Medicine Image Challenges with John Marinelli and Pierce Peters for hours during our free mornings during second year.
Somaira Nowsheen
Residency match: Transitional, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dermatology, University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California
Graduate: Ph.D., Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Undergraduate: East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dream job: Academic dermatology
Why you chose MCASOM: For the gut feeling that I got when I interviewed here — that this institution will provide me with the best education and skills needed to be the best I can be. The small class size, supportive and nurturing environment, outstanding clinical training, research opportunities and flexibility in training appealed to me.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Rokea el-Azhary, M.D., Ph.D. (I ’88, DERM ’91), David Wetter, M.D. (MED ’04, I1 ’05, DERM ’08, DERMI ’09), Rochelle Torgerson, M.D., Ph.D. (MBIO ’00, MDPH ’00, I1 ’01, DERM ’05), Julia Lehman, M.D. (DERM ’10, DPTH ’11), and Megha Tollefson, M.D. (MED ’03, PD ’06, DERM ’10) — all in the Department of Dermatology; as well as Kathryn Ruddy, M.D. (ONCL ’13), Division of Medical Oncology, have been incredible mentors. I am also grateful for the guidance, support and advice of Grazia Isaya, M.D., Ph.D. (PD ’98), Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; Scott Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D. (ONCL ’94), chair, Department of Pharmacology; Lisa Schimmenti, M.D. (ENT ’16), chair, Department of Clinical Genomics; and Kendall Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (NS ’06), Department of Neurologic Surgery.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I was employed by a water sports company for some time before going into medicine.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Be humble. If you have your heart set on something, do not let anyone dissuade you from reaching your dreams and goals.
Payal Patel
Residency match: Internal medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri
Graduate: Master’s degree, Science of Health Care Delivery, Arizona State University
Undergraduate: University of Miami, Florida
Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida
Dream job: A balanced blend of patient care, medical education, health disparities research and mentorship.
Why you chose MCASOM: The culture of Mayo attracted me the most! On my interview day, I was pleasantly surprised by the humility, kindness and dedication to patient care that was shared among the students and staff.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Ivy Petersen, M.D. (RADO ’91), Department of Radiation Oncology; and Janet Vittone, M.D. (CIM ’95), Division of General Internal Medicine, were phenomenal research and personal mentors who went above and beyond to allow me to achieve my academic goals. Also, I would like to thank Luke Hafdahl, M.D. (I ’14, CMR ’15, I ’15), Division of Community Internal Medicine, for his excitement and passion for teaching students and patients on the Internal Medicine service!
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I don’t know how to skate.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Keep your mind open when exploring specialties.
Elias Saba
Residency match: Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Hometown: San Jose, California
Dream job: To teach patients and their families, to offer them a supportive confidant and to empower them to make informed decisions about their health. I would also like to play a role in medical education and mentorship.
Why you chose MCASOM: On our tour, I remember walking into the Gonda Atrium to find a pianist playing for a group of patients and their families nearby. I was so impressed by Mayo’s unique awareness to the myriad needs of the patient. And I still listen today!
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: I used to think that the purpose of medical school was “to know” but discovered that the purpose is actually “to know what you don’t know.” It is exciting to me that the expanse of medicine is so large and quickly changing that there are no true experts — only varying levels of ”less ignorant.” “The glory of medicine is that it is constantly moving forward, that there is always more to learn.” —William J. Mayo, M.D.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Special thanks to my career mentor Garret Choby, M.D. (ENT ’19); my research mentor Matthew Carlson, M.D. (ENT ’12); and emeritus physician David Barrs, M.D. (ENT ’79) — all in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and all of whom supported me in my goals of becoming an otolaryngologist. Also to Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. (I ’95, HEMO ’98), MCASOM dean of Student Affairs, who supported us with ferocity and consistency for four years.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Never underestimate the life-changing power of a well-timed nap.
Sara Segner
Residency match: Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota
Hometown: Byron, Minnesota
Dream job: Child abuse doctor/detective/advocate/medical educator
Why you chose MCASOM: Unmatched educational opportunities. It didn’t hurt that my family was close by.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Philip Fischer, M.D. (PD ’99), Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; and Stephanie Starr, M.D. (PD ’00), Division of Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Medicine is not just about how much you know; it’s even more about how you treat and connect with others.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I competed in hula hoop competitions as a kid.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Know your limits and ask for help when you need it. Do your best to take care of yourself and just relax. Everything will be ok.
Rosalie Sterner
Residency match: Joint general and cardiothoracic surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Graduate: Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences — Immunology Track, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Hometown: Van Meter, Iowa
Dream job: Cardiothoracic surgeon-scientist at an academic medical institution.
Why you chose MCASOM: Mayo Clinic is an ideal place to train as an M.D.-Ph.D. student with its strong integration of patient care, research and education and atmosphere of robust collaboration.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: One of Mayo Clinic’s greatest strengths in education is the profound opportunity for mentorship available to us. I have had numerous faculty, trainee and staff mentors who have helped to shape my career and life throughout my time in the Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Expect the unexpected.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I was an Iowa State Fair Poultry Queen.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Why not?
Aunika Swenson
Residency match: Emergency medicine, Stanford University Programs, Stanford, California
Undergraduate: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Hometown: Dickinson, North Dakota
Dream job: Being an emergency physician and being involved in work related to environment and health. Outside of medicine, I’ve always dreamed of working at the sample station at Trader Joe’s or at an aquarium.
Why you chose MCASOM: The culture of medicine at Mayo was unique and special among places where I interviewed, and the educational opportunities and support for students here were unparalleled.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Too many to list!
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The needs of the patient come first.
What would people be surprised to know about you: I lived in the Peruvian Amazon for a summer during college doing research, and it was the best.
Advice for future MCASOM students: It can feel like there’s a lot in medical school that isn’t pertinent to being a physician or to your specific specialty, but there is always something to learn and take away that will make you a better doctor. You’ll get a lot more out of experiences if you approach all of them with that attitude!
Kekoa Taparra
Residency match: Transitional, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Radiation oncology, Stanford University Programs, Stanford, California
Graduate: Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences
Undergraduate: Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut
Hometown: Mililani, Oahu, Hawaii
Dream job: My mission has always been to return home to Hawaii and care for the local communities that raised me. I hope to contribute to cancer care and biomedical innovation as a physician-scientist. My dream job would allow me to engage in community education outreach and mentor the next generation of young Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in research and medicine.
Why you chose MCASOM: It was made very apparent to me during my first visit to Mayo Clinic how engaged this institution is in medical training. Each consultant treats their trainees with the attention and care to ensure that they will succeed as a doctor-in-training. The individualized attention I received during my time at MCASOM allowed me to focus on working through my weaknesses while capitalizing on my clinical strengths. In addition to focusing on my own training, I chose MCASOM because the faculty likewise invested a lot of time and energy in the compassionate care of their patients unlike what I have seen elsewhere. I knew I wanted to train under Mayo Clinic doctors due to their strong values and commitment to putting patients first.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Like so many prospective radiation oncology applicants, I will be forever grateful for the guidance, encouragement and support of our program director, Kenneth Olivier, M.D. (RADO ’02), Department of Radiation Oncology. I am very grateful to my clinical research mentors Nadia Laack, M.D. (RADO ’06), chair, Department of Radiation Oncology; Bradley Stish, M.D. (RADO ’16), Department of Radiation Oncology; Scott Lester, M.D. (RADO ’19), Department of Radiation Oncology; Steve Ansell, M.D., Ph.D. (I ’96, HEMO ’99), Division of Hematology; and Mei-Yin Polley, Ph.D. (BSI ’16), Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (who introduced me to the world of clinical oncology research). My Ph.D. adviser at Johns Hopkins, Phuoc Tran, M.D., Ph.D., who introduced me to the field of radiation oncology and brought me to the field of medicine. And Robert Foote, M.D. (RADO ‘88), and Kimberly Corbin, M.D. (RADO ’18) — both in the Mayo Clinic Department of Radiation Oncology, for giving me career advice since my earliest years in medical school.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: The art of listening to a patient with compassion and humility can be one of the most important skills to learn in medical school. This skill goes beyond just keeping your mouth shut and thinking of a response while the patient is talking. Some of the most positive feedback I received in medical school related to patients’ appreciation of how I made them “feel heard.” Often a few extra seconds of pausing and offering patients the space to fill the room has revealed powerful insight, uncovered deep emotions and clarified pertinent information.
What would people be surprised to know about you: Although everyone knows I came to medical school 100% set on becoming a radiation oncologist, many people may not know I was very close to switching to either pediatrics or general surgery during my third-year clerkships.
Advice for future MCASOM students: You were selected to train at Mayo Clinic for a reason. For those students who may question this at times during their training, I guarantee if you give it some time, there will be a point in your training when you will realize why you were chosen to care for patients in alignment with the values of Mayo Clinic. Have faith in yourself; you are here for a reason.
Editt Taslakian
Residency match: Plastic surgery (integrated), University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals, Seattle, Washington
Graduate: M.S. in Global Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles,
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Hometown: Glendale, California
Dream job: Pediatric plastic surgeon working toward increasing access to quality global surgery programs.
Why you chose MCASOM: I always thought Mayo was too good to be true, but since my interview day to now as a graduating medical student, I remain in awe of how every single person at this institution embodies the unparalleled culture of compassionate, patient-centered care. It is a genuine, inspiring team of people who are all working toward the common goal of serving patients and teaching students as best as possible. It is an incredible privilege and honor to have studied here for my medical education.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: I cannot thank the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery enough for all of their guidance and encouragement in choosing this specialty and serving as role models for the kind of compassionate surgeon I hope to become in my future career. I especially want to thank Basel Sharaf, M.D., D.D.S. (PLS ’14), Jorys Martinez-Jorge, M.D. (PLS ’14), Brian Carlsen, M.D. (HAND ’08), and Christin Harless, M.D. (S ’14, PLS ’17), for teaching me not only how to care for future patients but also how to care for and support future students I may have the opportunity to help mentor.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Stay kind and humble, and always take the time to listen to your patients.
What would people be surprised to know about you: Even though I’m from California, I actually enjoy the Minnesota winters.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Believe in yourself, and keep working toward your goals, one day at a time. When things get tough, be patient with yourself and remember why you chose this profession. It’s all worth it.
John Welby
Residency match: Transitional, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Radiology-diagnostic, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Dream job: Academic radiology
Why you chose MCASOM: MCASOM offered the opportunity to continue to learn from amazing mentors, an excellent culture and an incomparable clinical education.
Mentors/advisers who have helped in your medical career: Patrick Eiken, M.D. (MED ’02, RD 07, RTHO ’08), Division of Thoracic Radiology; David Daniels, M.D., Ph.D. (PRES ’08, NS ’13), Department of Neurologic Surgery; and Erica Knavel-Koepsel, M.D. (RD ’19), Division of Vascular/Interventional Radiology.
Most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Mayo Clinic: Humility and curiosity is the best way to learn.
What would people be surprised to know about you: That I enjoy restoring old audio equipment. Also, I have a twin sister.
Advice for future MCASOM students: Do not hesitate to use the abundant resources at Mayo Clinic to help explore and guide your ideas; you never know when you might be onto something.