June 10, 2025

By Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science staff

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Mayo Clinic alumni across the years reflect on their education at Mayo Clinic and how it has impacted them over the years.

Omar El Kawkgi, M.B., B Ch, B.A.O., is an endocrinologist in the Department of Endocrinology at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He focuses on the treatment of all endocrine disorders, with interest in thyroid disease, such as thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease, thyroid eye disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as well as diabetes.

He completed the Endocrinology Fellowship in Rochester, Minnesota, and reflects on his time there.

As a trainee at Mayo Clinic, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to face some of the most challenging clinical and research questions — questions that are not typically seen elsewhere. But I wish every medical learner could have this (sometimes very uncomfortable) experience. 

I recall situations in which even the experts were stumped on the best course of action. Their response to my questions in these situations was usually another question. For a learner, this could feel frustrating — but also inspiring. This experience creates space for innovation, collaboration among world-renowned specialists, and sometimes humility in situations that are beyond the limits of our capabilities.

For me, these situations drove research and clinical inquiry based on a real and authentic patient experience. I wish more learners could be exposed to this. While strong medical training can be found in many excellent centers around the country, I feel that the education and training I received is unique. 

This and other alumni stories originally appeared in the 2025 issue 1 of Mayo Clinic Alumni Magazine.