Meet Our Fellows
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Medical Oncology Fellowship accepts up to three fellows per year. Learn more about some of our current and past fellows, what led them to Mayo Clinic, and their thoughts and experiences in the program.
Current fellows
Christine Connors, APRN, CNP
Graduation Date: October 2026
Why did you choose to pursue a fellowship in medical oncology? I chose to pursue a fellowship because I wanted to gain exposure to all areas of oncology. I felt a fellowship would best prepare me with the knowledge and skills needed to care for my patients in the future. I went into the fellowship with particular interests, and as I am exposed to various disease groups and populations my interests change and widen and I know at the end of the fellowship, I will have a more clear idea on the career path I want to take in oncology.
Where did you practice before applying for this fellowship? Prior to the fellowship, I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on an inpatient solid tumor oncology floor. We managed several oncological emergencies, and gave chemo to patients requiring desensitization.
What aspect of the fellowship do you find most fulfilling? I enjoy that my main job in this fellowship is to learn and the NPs at Mayo are incredibly knowledgeable. There are several educational opportunities at Mayo outside of clinic from Tumor Boards to Grand Rounds, and the resources provided set you up for success in clinic. I enjoy being at a large academic center that focuses on training and education.
Rylee Rosentreter, APRN, CNP
Graduation Date: August 2026
Why did you choose to pursue a fellowship in medical oncology? I chose to pursue the Medical Oncology NP/PA Fellowship because I wanted to develop a strong clinical foundation in a complicated specialty that demands both exceptional knowledge and compassion. Oncology is constantly evolving, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn how to manage complex treatments as well as treatment related toxicities while supporting patients during an extremely vulnerable time in their lives. I knew that taking part in a structured fellowship at Mayo Clinic would provide me the intensive training, mentorship, and multidisciplinary experience needed to grow and become a confident, independent provider who can deliver high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.
Where did you practice before applying for this fellowship? Throughout my nursing career, I gained experience and exposure to the full continuum of oncology care, including working as a nurse in inpatient bone marrow transplant, outpatient radiation oncology, outpatient infusion, and outpatient solid tumor clinics. In the inpatient setting, I cared for highly immunocompromised patients, managed complex treatment protocols, and developed strong critical assessment skills. Working in radiation oncology, I supported patients through treatment process, managed side effects, and provided education. My infusion experience allowed me to administer various cancer agents and supportive treatments while closely monitoring for reactions and complications. In the solid tumor clinic, I coordinated care, conducted patient assessments, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address ongoing treatment needs. Together, these roles have given me a broad understanding of oncology care and strengthened my commitment to this patient population
What aspect of the fellowship do you find most fulfilling? I’ve been grateful for the chance to rotate through a variety of tumor groups, which has deepened my understanding of the wide spectrum of cancers and highlighted the importance of coordinated, multidisciplinary care for patients and their families. The guidance, encouragement, and clinical wisdom shared to me by my mentors, preceptors, and peers have not only strengthened my skills but has also made this fellowship a truly meaningful experience. In addition, connecting with my co-fellows — many of whom are also new to the Rochester, Minnesota area — has allowed me to build lasting friendships and a strong sense of community as we navigate this journey together.
Past fellows
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Anna Nguyen, P.A.-C.Current position: Medical Oncology – Head/Neck Oncology Care Team, Mayo Clinic in Rochester
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? I have always been interested in oncology, but I received very little oncologic training in PA school. From my perspective, Mayo Clinic has always been a top institution for research and clinical practice. I knew before I would practice in the field of oncology that I would need more training. Applying to the fellowship was a no brainer.
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? The fellowship prepared me for my current position by teaching me the basis of many cancer types and chemotherapy regimens as well as how to discuss difficult topics with patient's including end of life.
What makes the NP/PA Medical Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? What makes this fellowship unique is the breath of subspecialty cancer clinics and the number of specialists in each who are very willing to teach. |
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Katie Tahtinen, P.A.-C.Current position: Medical Oncology - Inpatient, Mayo Clinic in Rochester
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? Following graduation from PA school, I knew I had an interest in oncology due to positive experiences I had with oncology patient and their care teams during my rotations. I felt that oncology, while challenging, was a field where the providers are able to make a major impact on their patient’s lives and make important connections along the way. As oncology is a subspecialty that not a lot of time is dedicated to in PA school, I was interested in ongoing training in the oncology field. The Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology fellowship felt like it was the perfect opportunity to further my PA school training and kickstart my career in oncology.
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? My current position focuses on caring for oncology patients in the inpatient setting. Hospitalization can be one of the most challenging and vulnerable times for oncology patients. My fellowship prepared by well by establishing a foundation of knowledge that allows me to understand the complex nature of oncology patients. The fellowship also strengthened my abilities to think critically about patient’s current symptoms within the greater context of their comorbidities and prognosis. I was also able to gain experience having difficult conversations with patients, an integral skill in oncology.
What makes the Medical Oncology NP/PA Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? The Medical Oncology Fellowship is unique as it allows the learner to rotate amongst many different experts in the field. The extent of knowledge that is gained over the course of a year is unmatched and creates a foundation allowing the NP/PA to flourish in their subsequent career. |
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Ailsa Luce, P.A.-C.Current position: Medical Oncology – Thoracic Oncology Care Team, Mayo Clinic in Rochester
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? I wanted to get experience at a top ranked institution where I knew I would get to see the most innovative and evidence-based medicine being practice. Rare cancers are close to my heart and I knew that at Mayo I would be much more likely to encounter them and learn how to treat them.
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? The breadth of exposure in working with every tumor group has allowed me to bring different insight to my current specialized role. In working with various multidisciplinary groups, I have been able to adopt things that worked well in different practices to my own role. The complexity of patients seen at Mayo has also really helped me feel prepared and capable to care for high acuity patients. |
Paula Yoon, APRN, C.N.P.Current Position: Memorial Sloan Kettering – Infectious Disease
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? As a new APP graduate, I was certain I wanted to specialize in oncology and sought a program that could not only build a strong foundation in the field but also offer the opportunity to explore various subspecialties. The Mayo Clinic fellowship stood out as a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a variety of oncological disciplines in a supportive and well-rounded environment. I saw it as the perfect place to begin my journey in oncology and discover where my true interests lay.
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? Although I initially envisioned building a long-term career at Mayo, personal circumstances required me to relocate out of state. Thanks to the strong foundation the fellowship provided, this enabled me to quickly secure a position at a prestigious cancer center in NYC. I now work in infectious diseases within an oncological patient population, and the comprehensive experience I gained during my fellowship has been instrumental in helping me navigate this complex and rewarding field.
What makes the Medical Oncology NP/PA Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? The fellowship offered more than just exceptional clinical training — it created a sense of belonging through its close-knit, family-like culture and intentional mentorship. I am deeply grateful to my Mayo family for their unwavering investment in my success, both personally and professionally. |
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Velvet Van Ryan, APRN, CNPCurrent position: Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic in Rochester
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? I was a Mayo Clinic employee and had heard great things about Mayo Clinic Rochester. I was attracted to the program because it offered opportunities for vast experiences within medical oncology.
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? I was able to build relationships with a variety of providers, experience a number of different scenarios, and deepen my knowledge of being a medical oncology provider.
What makes the NP/PA Medical Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? The personable attention and quality that is expected of patient care is extended to the fellowship program. I felt very supported during my fellowship. I felt that others were vested in my learning. |
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Nik Lyon, P.A.-C.Current position: Medical Oncology – Breast Care Team, Mayo Clinic in Rochester
What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? The faculty and preceptors were a big factor in my decision to pursue the Medical Oncology Fellowship. I knew I wanted a supportive team in a challenging environment, and I got exactly that!
How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? I was able to directly work with my future colleagues while also gaining a variety of other tumor specific and oncology care related experiences. I was able to experience the autonomy of an oncology APP while always having someone to bounce ideas off of or to troubleshoot with. |
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Rainey Bloomquist, APRN, CNPGraduation Year: August 2025 Current Position: RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center – High Risk Breast Clinic What attracted you to the Mayo Clinic Medical Oncology Fellowship? As a seasoned registered nurse in acute care settings, I was intrigued by Mayo Clinic's Medical Oncology APP Fellowship. As a new graduate nurse practitioner with a passion for pursuing a career in medical oncology, I knew I wanted to specialize in solid tumors. The Mayo Clinic APP Fellowship stood out by separating Medical Oncology from the Hematology, unlike other Hematology/Medical Oncology APP Fellowships. Furthermore, the comprehensive core curriculum and selective rotations offered by the fellowship provided an unparalleled opportunity for me to further refine my expertise in oncology care. How did the fellowship prepare you for your current position? After graduating, I chose to pursue a career in my home state due to personal circumstances. However, the diverse and comprehensive knowledge and skillset I gained from the fellowship proved invaluable. This preparation enabled me to secure a Nurse Practitioner position at a renowned medical center in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, I work within the Division of Hematology and Oncology in a high-risk breast cancer and cancer genetics clinic. The selective rotation options allowed me to tailor the fellowship program to adequately prepare me for this unique role within breast oncology. What sets the NP/PA Medical Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic apart? I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to rotate through various tumor groups, gaining a comprehensive understanding of different tumor types and the collaborative approach required to care for cancer patients. The support I received from my leaders, mentors, and peers made the fellowship an enriching and enjoyable experience. |
Career opportunities and advancement
A career as an NP or PA in medical oncology requires ongoing education to maintain certifications and stay up-to-date with the latest oncology advances.
There are also numerous opportunities for growth and specialization in the following areas:
- Specialty focus: Concentrate on specific types of cancer (e.g., breast, thoracic, or gastrointestinal cancers).
- Research: Participate in clinical trials or contribute to oncology research.
- Education: Teach and mentor new NP/PA students, residents, or oncology fellows.
- Leadership roles: Advance into roles such as Oncology Program Director, Clinical Manager, or leadership positions in cancer care settings.