Meet Our Residents
Our residents come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. While all of our trainees have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests.
Words from current residents
See what a few of our current residents have to say about why they chose to train in the Adult Neurology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Neurological conditions have profound impacts on both physical health and identity. Neurology provides a unique opportunity to help guide patients through some of their most vulnerable times.
I love that neurology is fundamentally based on patient histories, physical examinations, and observations. Neurology is a dynamic field, with remarkable advancements in research changing the course and quality of life for patients with previously devastating outcomes. I cannot imagine a more intellectually stimulating and patient-centered field.
Sara Hooshmand, M.D.
Class of 2025
As a Neurology resident at Mayo Clinic, I am privileged to train in an environment where the needs of the patient are always the highest priority. The commitment to patient-centered care is woven into every aspect of our work, from daily clinical practice to groundbreaking research. Mayo Clinic offers unparalleled educational opportunities, guided by a faculty that is both deeply knowledgeable and genuinely invested in our growth. The collaborative and collegial atmosphere among residents and faculty creates a supportive environment where learning thrives, and ideas flourish. I am honored to be part of such a distinguished Neurology department, and I am committed to using the exceptional training I receive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
Samir Nath, M.D., Ph.D.
Class of 2026
As a resident, I feel fortunate to learn from and work with a diverse patient population presenting with both common and rare neurologic disease. This occurs alongside collaborative faculty members who are not only dedicated educators and world-class leaders in the field, but also prioritize supporting the unique interests of each resident. The camaraderie with other residency programs creates an inclusive environment where residents can thrive and pursue their passions. Above all, Mayo Clinic's primary value of putting the needs of the patient first permeates through every aspect of clinical practice, research, and education. Experiencing this culture every day reaffirms that there is no other place I would want to complete my training.
Anna Liu, M.D.
Class of 2027
Current residents
- Class of 2025
- Class of 2026
- Class of 2027
- Class of 2028
Class of 2025
Cam Bermudez, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Bogota, Colombia Why Mayo Clinic? A big part of why I chose Mayo was the evident support for families and well-being. My wife and I knew Mayo would be an exceptional place for both of us to pursue our medical careers while living in a great location to raise a family and enjoy our time outside. Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outside with my family, hiking, or exploring parks. I also enjoy road biking when the weather is nice, cooperative board games, and reading literature (favorites include Borges, Joyce, Pynchon). |
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Kalei Chang, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Kailua, HI Hobbies: Musical theatre, martial arts, home improvement projects, spending time outdoors. I enjoy exploring hiking trails and traveling around the world (Mayo's trip policy is the best!) |
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Sara Hooshmand, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Jefferson City, MO Favorite restaurant: Mango Thai and Bleu Duck date night |
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Elke Schipani Bailey, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Winchester, MA Why neurology? Neurologic symptoms manifest at the heart of who we are and what we are able to do. Being able to guide patients through shifts in their identity is a privilege and one I saw in few other specialties. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Walk my 7lb micro goldendoodle Theo, on the Douglas Trail, try out new restaurants (current favorites include Our Paladar, Marrow, ThaiPop and Red Cow) |
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Christopher Itoh, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Fresno, CA Hidden talent: "Chef," I've won cooking competitions and cooked for a large group of people 300+, as well as alongside Michelin-trained chefs. Almost went onto the Food Network! My goal is to open up a restaurant one day. |
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Sanghee Lim, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Goseong, South Korea Favorite book: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev |
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Lauren Webb, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Ramsey, NJ Why neurology? Neurologists treat patients with conditions that profoundly affect how they experience their lives, communicate with others, and function in daily life. It is so special to help patients cope with and overcome losses of precious neurologic functions and live life to the fullest despite these challenges. Additionally, neurology research allows us to solve the mysteries of how the nervous system works, always leading to more fascinating questions. Why Mayo Clinic? I was lucky to have been introduced to the world of medicine as a medical student at Mayo Clinic. The residents and faculty I met were so kind and welcoming of learners. They truly put the needs of the patient first and live out the three shields of Mayo Clinic (patient care, education, and research) every day. Inspired by my role models and mentors at Mayo Clinic, I wanted to learn from them how to become a physician like them and the best neurologist possible. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Morning runs around Cascade Lakes, sunset picnics at Soldier's Field, and Flapdoodles Cookie Monster ice cream for dessert. |
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Jessica White, M.D., M.P.H. (she/her)Hometown: Long Island, NY Why Mayo Clinic? Emphasis on education and learning, mentorship and networking opportunities, the list goes on. But, also, the philosophy of Mayo is really what hit home for me. It is an institution that truly puts the patient first. Hidden talent: I can move one eye at a time. |
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Andrew Williams, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Bloomington, MN Why Mayo Clinic? Unparalleled training opportunities in an exceptionally positive and supportive environment with an emphasis on education. The warmth that was communicated even through a virtual interview day was striking. These factors made Mayo an easy number one rank for me. Hobbies: Geocaching (GPS scavenger hunt), computers/technology, TV/film |
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Tony Zhang, M.B., Ch.B. (he/him)Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand Why neurology? Because it will be the last specialty to be overtaken by AI. Favorite TV show: House — it's why I chose to become a physician |
Class of 2026
Christina Alexandres, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Redlands, CA Favorite TV show: What We Do in the Shadows |
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Audrey Blazek, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Naperville, IL Why Mayo Clinic? Along the interview trail, I recognized that most programs would provide excellent neurology training. Mayo took this a step further by providing outstanding education while showing us that patients come first. Simultaneously, as residents our passions and priorities both in and out of the hospital are valued. I’m so grateful to be in a program that supports me during every high and low of being a physician. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Running/hiking the many trails in Rochester and surrounding towns with my fiance and our puppy Gooseberry, visiting local breweries, coffee shops, and bookshops (I read 20+ books for fun each year). |
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Fiorella Guido, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Undergraduate school: University of Toronto Graduate school: McGill University, Masters in Neuroscience Medical school: SUNY Upstate Medical University Career interests: MS, neurogenetics, women’s neurology, and medical education Why Mayo Clinic? The reasons I chose Mayo Clinic were the people, excellent resident education, and dedication to patient care. Since starting residency, all those things have remained true, but the thing that has exceeded my expectations has been that the faculty and program genuinely care about you as a whole person with a life and goals outside of being a neurology resident. Hobbies/passions: Spending time with my cats Lorenzo and Pistachio, indoor cycling, reading, practicing my Italian, traveling Favorite things to do around Rochester: Spending time outside of work with my co-residents (especially by the pool in the summer), going for walks, going out for brunch or dinner with friends
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Jonathan Lang, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Neenah, WI Why Mayo Clinic? Large neuro department with every subspecialty represented, happy residents, an easy place to live, and a great city to raise my kids! Hobbies: Exercise, reading, spending time with my wife and kids |
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Samir Nath, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Ellicott City, MD Hobbies: Board games, golf |
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Michael Rigby, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL Why neurology? The physical exam is actually important! When in doubt, rely on your localization. Hobbies: Gardening including bonsai, hunting (deer/turkey/elk), spending time with my two daughters Isabel and Eliana |
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Bowen Song, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: San Diego, CA Undergraduate school: University of California, San Diego Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine Career interests: Movement disorders, clinical neurophysiology, EMG Why neurology? I love the detective nature of neurology! Why Mayo: The culture, the people, and the training offered here at Mayo Clinic are unparalleled and are the best in the nation in my opinion. Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Thai Pop has amazing drinks and very authentic Thai cuisine. I have always had a good time there whenever I visit. Hobbies/Passions: Cooking, curling, karaoke, Costco shopping Favorite things to do around Rochester: Hiking, fishing, hanging out with friends and co-residents
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Brett Sterk M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Duluth, MN Undergraduate school: Carleton College Medical School: University of Minnesota Career interests: Neurocritical care, neuro hospitalist, education Why Mayo: Mayo stood out as having the absolute best training in an environment that is truly collaborative and patient-centered. You are also surrounded by people who care not only about your success but also about the well-being of you and your family. Hobbies: Spending time with my wife, daughter, and two cats; pretty much anything to do with the outdoors (hiking, backpacking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, bike commuting, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, gardening). Favorite things to do around Rochester: My wife and I love taking advantage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities Southeastern Minnesota has to offer! It’s actually quite the destination for trout fishing and offers a number of parks with wooded hiking/biking trails, bluffy overlooks, and crystal-clear trout streams.
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Helena Xeros, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Burr Ridge, IL Hobbies: Hiking, running, yoga, thrift/vintage/antique shopping, exploring new restaurants/bars/coffee shops, hanging out with friends, hosting wine nights and bonfires, and reading |
Class of 2027
Rachel Anderson, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Hudson, WI Why Mayo Clinic? Mayo Clinic sets itself apart by truly putting the needs of the patient first. This sustains an incredible culture of collaboration, support, and lifelong learning that is unmatched and attracts the most genuine and astute colleagues from around the world with whom I now get to work. There is no institution that fosters a better environment for innovation and professional development for its trainees, making Mayo Clinic the obvious choice for me. Hobbies: Running, hiking, waterskiing, and trying new restaurants to find the best nachos! |
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Erin Finn, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI Why Mayo Clinic? Mayo exudes a quiet excellence. The institution carries high expectations for itself, yet the people who work here have proven to be humbly devoted to patient care and education. It's an honor to train amongst giants in the field who are also teaching me how to truly care for patients and colleagues. Hobbies/passions: I have the ability to photosynthesize, so anything in the sun gives me life. Running, hiking, reading, writing, coffee drinking, and more, as long as it's outside! |
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Kasey Hill, M.D. (they/them)Hometown: Shakopee, MN Why Mayo Clinic? These people! Everyone who works at Mayo Clinic is wonderful. I cannot say enough kind things about my co-residents, nursing staff, support staff, and program leadership. All of the consultants are great teachers and amazing mentors. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Hiking, trivia, trying new restaurants |
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Anna Liu, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Peoria, IL Why Mayo Clinic? From my interview day and beyond, it is evident that everyone at Mayo are truly invested in helping you grow as a person and physician. There is ample support for your individual interests and goals. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, tennis, spending time outdoors, ballet, music, watching Formula 1, trying new coffee shops and cuisines |
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Santiago Martinez-Sosa, M.B.B.S (he/him)Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina Why neurology? The nervous system is the most fascinating organ! I am enthralled by neurology's breadth and depth. The ability to localize deficits to specific neuroanatomical sites through examination is empowering. The lesion differentials are challenging and engaging. The yet undefined edges of the field invite meaningful, novel research that will transform patient care. Through neurology, we can understand and treat this incomparable organ whose function we depend entirely on and whose injury or degeneration causes unparalleled impairment. Why Mayo Clinic? There are many excellent medical institutions in the U.S., but you would be hard-pressed to find a more wholesome one than Mayo. I was floored by Mayo’s culture of collaboration, the friendly atmosphere, the humility of their world experts, the warm and pleasant staff, and the palpable driving force at the center of it all: a genuine desire to help patients to the best of our ability. Hidden talent: Charcoal portraits, creative writing |
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Sofia Rael, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, until nine years of age and then spent the rest of my childhood in Colorado (Broomfield, Colorado). |
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Ryan Nguyen, M.D., M.S. (he/him)Hometown: Plano, TX Why neurology? I love neurology because clinical neurology engages my engineering problem-solving brain like no other specialty. I also value the impact neurologists can make in the daily lives of patients. Why Mayo Clinic? I chose Mayo Clinic because of the collegial and supportive atmosphere and because Rochester is a great place to raise my kids. Favorite neurology-related TV show: Severance |
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Nathaniel Rogers, Jr., M.D. (he/him)Undergraduate school: University of Virginia Favorite food: Half-baked chocolate chip cookies |
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David Sohutskay, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)Hometown: Cleveland, OH Why neurology? The brain is the coolest organ, and I find neurological disease uniquely interesting and terrifying. Why Mayo Clinic? Amazing clinical opportunities in every subspecialty of neurology, a multitude of rare and interesting cases, and cutting-edge research! Favorite historical figure: My favorite historical physician-scientist is Hermann von Helmholtz – among whose many accomplishments include being the first to measure the speed of nerve conduction, a postulate of free energy that underlies modern computational mechanics, equations of vortex formation, and the development of the ophthalmoscope. |
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Anna Thomsen, M.D. (she/her)Undergraduate school: Carthage College Hobbies: When my partner and I moved to Rochester we immediately adopted a Shepard mix puppy from Paws and Claws and we are obsessed with her. So, currently, our favorite thing to do is explore the parks and trails with her (at least during the summer). |
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Allison Valerius, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Fargo, ND Favorite food: Crumbl cookies! Why Mayo Clinic? Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve long heard stories from neighbors and family about their positive patient experiences at the Mayo Clinic. While on a visiting rotation at the Clinic as a medical student, it was evident these positive experiences extend into the trainee experience as well. At Mayo, I am immersed in a warm and welcoming learning environment, filled with endless opportunities and support to foster my clinical, academic, and personal interests. |
Class of 2028
Hira Chouhdry, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Naperville, IL |
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Rikki Cunningham, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Eureka, CA Hobbies: Lying very very still on the couch, watching bunnies hop, ambient music, placing items in my virtual cart then taking them out again, spraying hose water on hot cement (for the smell) |
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Ganiru Mathis, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Columbus, OH Favorite book: The Great Gatsby |
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Rebecca Merrill, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Moorefield, WV |
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Tanish Modi, M.B.B.S. (he/him)Hometown: Chandigarh, India |
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Nicole Rigler, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: San Diego, CA Favorite things to do around Rochester: River walks with my dog and husband, Flapdoodle’s, the farmer’s market, and Thursdays on First |
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Rishi Sharma, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Rochester, MN Why neurology? I chose to pursue a career in neurology because the brain is easily the most exciting, interesting, and complex system in the human body. A career where I can care for patients with neurological disorders and have an opportunity to advance the field through research is an ideal fit for me. Hobbies: Basketball, video games, and hanging out with my cat named Princess Bunny. |
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Lorraine Siebold, M.D., Ph.D. (she/her)Hometown: Berrien Springs, MI Why neurology? Neurology offers the ability to engage my intellectual curiosity and my compassion for individuals who have had their lives turned upside down by a neurological condition. Neurology is an ever-growing field of diagnosis and treatment providing ample opportunities for a developing physician-scientist. Neurology gives me the opportunity to be my favorite version of myself. Favorite books: I love listening to Audible and have several favorite books including most books by Simon Sinek (my favorite is Leaders Eat Last), Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) by Tavris and Arsonson, and my most recent favorite is Range by Epstein. |
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Nanthaya (Yui) Tisavipat, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand Why Mayo Clinic? Amazing mentorship, resources, and policies that support individual growth. Hobbies/passions: Seeing musicals and concerts |
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Zachary Trottier, M.D. (he/him)Hometown: Pequot Lakes, MD Why neurology? I've long had an interest in neuroscience, but it wasn't until medical school that I realized the unrivaled breadth in patient demographics, clinical conditions, and practice settings that clinical neurology has to offer. This breadth of practice, in addition to the substantial disparities in access to neurologic care, made it a no-brainer to choose neurology. Hobbies/passions: All things outdoors (hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, backpacking), lifting weights, gardening, reading horror novels, and listening to 90's hip hop. |
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Emma Wetmore, M.D. (she/her)Hometown: Orangeburg, SC Hobbies/passions: Watching Clemson football, going on walks with my husband and havanese puppy, snow skiing, and attending as many broadway productions as possible |