From the program directors

Thank you for your interest in our program. Radiation oncology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving specialty that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our fellowship is designed to equip you with the clinical knowledge, technical understanding, and critical thinking skills needed to become a leader in the care of patients receiving radiation therapy.

Throughout the fellowship, you will develop expertise in the evaluation and management of patients with a wide variety of malignant and benign conditions. In addition to mastering the recognition and treatment of radiation-related toxicities, you will strengthen your skills in patient education, survivorship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful communication that guides patients and families through some of the most challenging moments of their cancer journey.

Our curriculum is built upon Mayo Clinic's three shields — clinical practice, education, and research. Through immersive clinical experiences, dedicated educational opportunities, and participation in scholarly activities, we are committed to providing a comprehensive training experience that prepares you to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care with confidence, compassion, and professionalism.

We are excited to welcome you to our fellowship and look forward to supporting your growth as both a clinician and a future leader in radiation oncology. We hope this year will be both challenging and rewarding as you develop lifelong skills, meaningful professional relationships, and a passion for advancing the specialty. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for considering our program.

Rachael Guenzel, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.
Program Director

Mandy Marnholtz, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.
Associate Program Director

Program leadership

	Rachael Guenzel, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P. Program Director It is a privilege to serve as the Program Director for the Radiation Oncology APP Fellowship. I am passionate about creating a supportive learning environment where fellows can develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence needed to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University and my Doctor of Nursing Practice/Nurse Practitioner degree from Viterbo University. I joined Mayo Clinic in 2011 and have served as a nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology since 2017. My clinical practice focuses on the care of patients with head and neck cancer, hematologic malignancies, skin cancer, and benign conditions. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I am passionate about education, mentorship, and advancing the role of advanced practice providers within Radiation Oncology. As program director of the Radiation Oncology APP Fellowship, I am committed to providing fellows with a comprehensive educational experience that fosters clinical excellence, critical thinking, and compassionate, patient-centered care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three daughters, who keep life fun and busy. I also love exploring new restaurants, traveling, board games, and hiking whenever I have the opportunity.
	Mandy Marnholtz, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P. Associate Program Director It is my pleasure to serve as the associate program director for the Radiation Oncology APP Fellowship. I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment that empowers the next generation of oncology providers to develop their clinical knowledge and expertise, critical decision-making skills, and foster confidence to deliver comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and my Doctor of Nursing Practice/Nurse Practitioner degree from Viterbo University. I joined Mayo Clinic in 2011 and have served as a nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology since 2021.   My clinical practice focuses on the care of patients with gynecologic malignancy, breast cancer, and those with symptomatic metastatic disease. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I serve on the APSHO Radiation Oncology Advanced Practice Provider Research Subcommittee and the Department of Radiation Oncology Quality and Safety Committee. While providing holistic patient care remains at the heart of my practice, I am equally passionate about strengthening the impact of advanced practice providers by supporting education, mentorship, and career development. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our two kids. I also enjoy watching Green Bay Packer football, coffee (likely too much), running, gardening, petting dogs, traveling whenever we get the chance, reading, hiking, and tent camping.
	Allison Garda, M.D. Medical Director It is an honor to serve as the medical director for the Radiation Oncology APP Fellowship. I am passionate about educating the next generation of oncology providers and creating a collaborative learning environment where trainees can develop the clinical expertise, critical thinking skills, and confidence needed to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. After completing my residency training in radiation oncology at Mayo Clinic, I joined the faculty where I specialize in the treatment of patients with gynecologic and breast cancers. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as associate program director for the Radiation Oncology Medical Residency, program director for the Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship and the Global Oncology Fellowship, co-director of the Radiation Oncology Current Practice and Future Directions CME course, and physician chair of the Departmental Quality and Safety Committee. My clinical research focuses on improving outcomes and advancing the care of patients with gynecologic cancers through clinical research, innovation in radiation therapy, survivorship, and multidisciplinary collaboration. I also have an active medical education research program focused on advancing innovative educational practices and improving trainee development and assessment. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, traveling, and reading a great chick lit or police procedural novel.