Amie Fonder, P.A.-C., M.S.

Physician Assistant, Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Program Director

Amie Fonder is a highly accomplished Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in hematology, with a focus on the dysproteinemias, including multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, and other rare plasma cell disorders. Amie has been an integral member of Mayo Clinic's Dysproteinemia Disease Group since 2015, where she plays a key role in patient care, clinical trials, and educational initiatives. Amie holds the academic rank of Assistant Professor of Medicine.

Amie is deeply committed to advancing medical education, having developed and delivered comprehensive learning materials for students, fellows, and other healthcare professionals. She is recognized for her exceptional teaching and dedication to shaping the next generation of healthcare providers, having precepted and mentored numerous NP and PA students and fellows.  A frequent contributor to national and local continuing medical education (CME) efforts, Amie has presented on multiple myeloma, plasma cell disorders, and equity in healthcare at prestigious conferences and meetings. She also maintains a strong involvement in research, co-authoring more than 100 publications and contributing to critical clinical resources, including the Mayo Stratification of Myeloma and Risk-Adapted Therapy (mSMART) guidelines.

In addition to her clinical and educational roles, Amie is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. She has led various initiatives to promote inclusivity within her department, coordinating retreats, events, and committee efforts aimed at enhancing team culture and addressing disparities in healthcare. She has received numerous honors, including the inaugural Inclusive Workplace Award for Hematology at Mayo Clinic. In her free time, Amie spends her time with her husband and animals (3 horses, 2 cats, and 1 rabbit) on their hobby farm.

Elizabeth (Liz) Fitzgerald, P.A.-C.

Physician Assistant, Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology
Instructor of Medicine
Associate Program Director

Elizabeth (Liz) Fitzgerald is a dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) with Mayo Clinic's Division of Hematology, where she has been an integral part of the inpatient team since the Fall of 2018. Liz is a passionate advocate for advancing patient care, particularly in the fields of hematologic malignancies, CAR-T and bispecific therapies, and palliative care.

She earned her Master of Medical Science (MMS) from Western Michigan University in 2018, following her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2008. Liz’s clinical expertise spans across the evolving landscape of oncology care, with a special focus on CAR-T therapy, bispecific therapies, and addressing the unique needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with hematologic conditions.

In addition to her clinical role, Liz is a prominent leader within the professional community. She was elected as a Director At Large for the Association of PAs in Oncology (APAO) in 2024, also serving as an alternate delegate for the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) House of Delegates, representing the APAO since 2023. Liz also holds the prestigious Certificate of Additional Qualification (CAQ) in Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care (PMHC), which she received in September 2024.

A committed educator and speaker, Liz has presented nationally on CAR-T therapy and hematologic malignancies. She is also actively involved in the planning of the Horizon CME APP Oncology Summit in Minnesota, ensuring that advanced practice providers have access to the latest advancements in cancer care.  In her advocacy for the PA and NP professions, Liz works tirelessly to elevate the role of advanced practice providers, supporting their integration into multidisciplinary care teams and ensuring they have a voice in shaping the future of healthcare.

Urshila Durani, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Medicine
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Medical Director

Urshila Durani, M.D., M.P.H., is a physician-researcher at Mayo Clinic dedicated to improving cancer care delivery for people with blood cancers. After completing medical school at Northwestern University, she trained here at Mayo Clinic for her Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship, followed by an advanced fellowship in bone marrow transplant. Her work focuses on patient-centered care, addressing challenges such as financial toxicity, quality of life, and treatment decision-making.

Dr. Durani is also heavily involved in education, serving as medical director for the NP and PA Hematology Fellowship program, assistant program director for the hematology/oncology fellowship, and program director of the advanced lymphoma fellowship.