Meet Our Residents

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Our residents have diverse backgrounds, interests, and career goals.

Shan Ali, M.D.

Is there anything that surprised you at Mayo Clinic?

Mayo Clinic not only emphasizes clinical education but also medical innovation, and provides access to a patent agent, a 3-D printing lab, and has partnerships with engineering universities to help you develop your ideas from rough napkin drawings to a real prototype.

Annamaria Malati, M.D.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic?

I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for the unique opportunity to tailor my training experience to my own career goals. There are many resources to gain experience in areas such as medical education, research, global health, and innovation. These resources, coupled with a supportive culture within the neurology department and the hospital at large, create an environment that allows its residents to flourish!

Elizabeth Saionz, M.D., Ph.D.

Is there anything that surprised you at Mayo Clinic?

I have been impressed at the approachability of everyone here at Mayo Clinic. It’s astonishingly easy for me to reach out to colleagues, whether in neurology or across other specialties to discuss a patient case, ask questions, or develop an interdisciplinary management plan. It’s clear that the needs of the patient truly do come first.

Tia Unger, M.D., Ph.D.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic?

I chose Mayo Clinic because of its core values, the unique exposure to a wide variety of neurological conditions including rare pathologies, the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty in multiple neurologic subspecialties, and the multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Mayo Clinic is a highly collaborative environment both within and between departments, and its dedication to the three pillars of patient care, research, and education, truly shines and continues to impress me every day. The neurology faculty are exceptional clinicians and educators, and they are so approachable and passionate about teaching. I am so grateful to train here!

Meet our residents from PGY-2, PGY-3, and PGY-4 and learn about their hometown, where they went to medical school, why they chose Mayo Clinic, and what they enjoy doing outside of work.

Class of 2026

	Shan Ali, M.D. Recruitment Chief Hometown: Camp Hill, PA Medical school: Medical University of Gdansk About me: I was born in Pakistan, grew up in Pennsylvania, and went to medical school in Poland. I’m interested in pain medicine for my fellowship. Other than clinical neurology, my interests are in medical device innovation, creative writing, and producing dance music. In my free time, I like to spend time with my partner and child.
	Ansley Madala, M.D. Wellness Chief Hometown: Saint Simons Island, GA Medical school: Mercer University About me: It’s no secret that Mayo Clinic in Florida is a nation-renowned, stellar, remarkable program for neurology residency. However, my primary reason for choosing to train here is attributed to the feeling I had at the conclusion of my interview day. Easy flowing conversations, personalized interviews, and pre-interview phone call, smiling faces of current residents, in congruence with the breadth of opportunity offered and focus on "patient care, education, and research" made the decision for me. The phenomenal training, invaluable and incredible attendings, remarkable reports of patient experiences, and the feeling of the Neurology Residency program at Mayo Clinic in Florida is more of a family program makes it extraordinary.
	Annamaria Malati, M.D. Education Chief Hometown: Tulsa, OK Medical school: University of Tulsa About me: I chose Mayo Clinic for the opportunity to see complex pathology in a collegial environment that values resident education. I suppose the weather and proximity to the beach sweetened the opportunity a little bit! During my time here, I have been amazed by the wide array of institutional opportunities for education, innovation, and research. If you have a particular career interest, odds are there is an avenue for you to pursue it at Mayo. In my free time, you can find me at the beach with friends, baking, traveling, and trying out new restaurants!
	Elizabeth Saionz, M.D., Ph.D. Quality Chief Hometown: Wynnewood, PA Medical school: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry About me: Before coming to the Mayo Clinic in Florida, my research focus was restoring vision after occipital stroke. Since starting residency, I remain interested in vascular neurology, but I am keeping an open mind because there is so much world-class neurology to learn here. My hobbies include reading, listening to podcasts, running, enjoying the Florida sunshine (with SPF), and voicing the inner monologue of my dog, Bear.
	Tia Unger, M.D., Ph.D. Administrative Chief Hometown: Hewlett, NY Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University About me: I chose Mayo Clinic because of its core values, the unique exposure to a wide variety of neurological conditions including rare pathologies, the opportunity to learn from eminent faculty in multiple neurologic subspecialties, and the multidisciplinary approach to patient care. I have strong interests in vascular neurology and neuro-oncology. In addition to neurology, I enjoy music, cooking, interior design, and all things Harry Potter.

Class of 2027

	Caitlin McGrath, M.D. Hometown: San Francisco, CA Medical school: California Northstate University College of Medicine About me: I enjoy working out in my free time - either at Baily’s gym or at Full Psycle for a spin class! I also enjoy Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan and love traveling to Savannah, Georgia.
	Ashley Meneley, D.O. Hometown: Grapevine, TX Medical school: Kansas City University About me: I came to Mayo Clinic to gain exposure to the vast array of neurologic pathology seen at Mayo and become familiar with the latest innovations in management of these conditions that will become standard of care over the next several decades. My clinical interests include Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology and integration of Palliative medicine into management of these patients. Here at Mayo Clinic Florida, we have fantastic faculty in all of these subspecialties who demonstrate the positive impact an interdisciplinary approach can have for the care of these patients. Outside the hospital, I love going to Disney World with my husband and co-residents, hanging out at the beach, watching football with my family and running an e-commerce bakery with my Mom!
	Dominique Hayduk Montecino, M.D. Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Brazil Medical school: Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos, Faculdade de Medicina de Juiz de Fora About me: Growing up in two distinct cultural backgrounds, I developed a strong appreciation for a work environment that fosters meaningful relationships with colleagues and patients. I felt an immediate sense of belonging at Mayo Clinic from day one, where I found everything I was looking for in a neurology residency program: a strong emphasis on medical education, a broad diversity of clinical pathology and an overtly supportive atmosphere. I deeply resonate with Mayo Clinic's core value: "the needs of the patient always come first," and I am humbled to help care for this community. Outside of work, you can find me with a paintbrush in hand working on my paintings, enjoying restaurants with family and friends, and exploring hidden gems in the city.
	Maya Murzello, M.D. Hometown: Appleton, WI Medical school: University of Oklahoma About me: I am currently interested in neuroimmunology and movement disorders. I selected Mayo Clinic because of its strong emphasis on patient-centered care. Additionally, Mayo's culture of collaboration, excellent educational opportunities, and renowned faculty are unparalleled. Outside of medicine, I enjoy relaxing at the beach, reading, traveling, and exploring new restaurants in Jacksonville.
	Nihal Satyadev, M.D., M.P.H. Hometown: Orange County, CA Medical school: University of Medicine and Health Sciences About me: Mayo Clinic Florida was an easy decision as the neurology service here attracts the most challenging patients and the culture here is focused on education, team success, and clinical excellence. Before residency, I helped start and scale The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s, 501(c)3. I have a computer science background and am interested in artificial intelligence innovation within dementia and more broadly in neurology. If I’m not on the service, you can find me in the gym, traveling, or climbing mountains.
	Brett Smith, M.D. Hometown: Culpeper, VA Medical school: Florida International University About me: I am most interested in vascular neurology and imagine myself working primarily as a neurohospitalist after residency. I chose Mayo Clinic because of the broad exposure to rare pathology and the welcoming culture that exists here. In my personal life, I enjoy hanging out with my fiancé and we also rescued a bunny whom we trained to be free roam. I enjoy a lot of board sports such as snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding. I also grew up playing baseball and golf which I enjoy occasionally watching.

Class of 2028

	Aybuke Acar, M.D. Hometown: Isparta, Turkiye Medical school: Ege University Faculty of Medicine About me: I was born and raised in Turkey and moved to the U.S. two years ago. I lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for two years where I did a research fellowship in Epilepsy at Case Western Reserve University. I am particularly interested in seizure semiology and epilepsy surgery planning. In my free time, I enjoy painting, hiking, skiing, watching independent cinema, and traveling. I chose Mayo Clinic because of the opportunity to learn from the world-renowned attendings, extensive resources and the focus on providing the best for the patients!
	Samuel Feher, M.D. Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Medical school: University of Oklahoma About me: I was drawn to Mayo by its reputation for excellent training and emphasis on patient-centered care. I'm interested in many subspecialties in neurology but especially neuromuscular and movement disorders. In my free time, I enjoy watching old movies, reading, running, and exploring new cities!
	Alina Ivaniuk, M.D. Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine Medical school: Odessa National Medical University About me: I’m originally from Odesa, a beautiful port city on the Black Sea known for its humor, culture, and charm. I’m thrilled to have ended up by the salty water again to continue my training! I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for what its three shields stand for: patient-centered care, a rich research environment, and a commitment to education and training. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time at the gym or swimming pool, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, diving into graphic design, learning new languages, and experimenting in the kitchen. Somewhere between my dream of becoming a fantastic neurologist lives another bold ambition: opening a Ukrainian cuisine franchise one day.
	Lauren McLeod, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Manchaca, Texas Medical school: Texas Tech University About me: I decided to pursue neurology residency at Mayo Clinic Florida as it provided a fast-paced environment with a high volume of complex and rare neurological cases, research infrastructure to facilitate resident involvement in scholarly activities, and an emphasis on patient centered care. Jacksonville offers an affordable city with great weather and a relaxed lifestyle. In my spare time I like to explore nearby cities, spend time at the beach, and read fiction novels.
	Thomas Pecha, M.D, Hometown: San Antionio, TX Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX About Me: I was drawn to Mayo Clinic's strong ethos of clinical excellence and the positive, supportive culture among residents and faculty. I'm currently interested in Clinical Neurophysiology, Neuromuscular, Neurohospitalist, or Movement Disorders. Jacksonville is a great place to live and work, and I've enjoyed getting to know the downtown, beaches, coffee shops, parks, and nearby coastal towns with my wife and two young daughters.
	Roaa Zayat, M.D. Hometown: Latakia, Syria / Jacksonville, Florida Medical school: Damascus University School of Medicine About me: Excited to be at Mayo Clinic, a place where leading physician-scientists are made and advancing patient care and science is consistently pursued. While in the hospital, neurology continues to fascinate me every day. Outside work, I like to go on road trips, visit museums, and explore coffee shops in the city.