Page Content

Meet Our Residents

Mayo Clinic neurologist examining a case

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.

Sara Hooshmand, M.D.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

Samir Nath, M.D., Ph.D.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

Anna Liu, M.D.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

Cam Bermudez, M.D., Ph.D.

Cam Bermudez, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Undergraduate school:
University of Pennsylvania
Medical school:
Vanderbilt University
Career interests:
Vascular neurology, cognitive and behavioral neurology, neurocritical care, and neuroimaging

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).
Favorite food:
Is coffee a food? You bet it is! I've been working on making the perfect cappuccino at home for a while. I enjoy every day cooking at home, particularly making pasta and seasoning meats.

Kalei Chang, M.D.

Kalei Chang, M.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Kailua, HI
Undergraduate school:
St. Olaf College
Medical school:
University of Hawaii
Career interests:
Behavioral neurology, neurophysiology, and medical education

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!)
Favorite historical figure: Fred Rogers - his kindness and willingness to help others would have made Mister Rogers the consummate physician
Favorite food: Ice cream, I'm a regular at Flapdoodles!

Sara Hooshmand, M.D.

Sara Hooshmand, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
Undergraduate school:
University of Missouri - Columbia
Medical school:
University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine
Career interests:
Movement disorders, hospital neurology, sex/gender differences, and medical education

Favorite restaurant: Mango Thai and Bleu Duck date night
Favorite TV show: The Handmaid's Tale and Schitt's Creek
Hobbies:
I love traveling with family and friends. Two of my favorite places I've been to are Iran and Ghana! Since travel plans have been put on hold during the pandemic, I've enjoyed exploring other cultures through food. One of my favorite pastimes is cooking Persian food with my mom and brother. I also love (but sometimes dread) working out at Orange Theory Fitness, doing hot yoga, reading, and exploring restaurants with friends. 

Elke Schipani Bailey, M.D.

Elke Schipani Bailey, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Winchester, MA
Undergraduate school:
Columbia University
Medical school: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Career interests: Neuromuscular, sex and gender, neurology

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.
Why Mayo Clinic? First and foremost, the people – nowhere else did I see such a bright, positive, and caring group of people who genuinely enjoyed spending time together. Second, the sponsorship and opportunities. Despite unique career and research interests, since coming here, I have received tremendous support in my aspirations through mentorship, countless projects, and even grant funding.

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)

Christopher Itoh, M.D.

Christopher Itoh, M.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Fresno, CA
Undergraduate school:
UC Berkeley
Medical school:
UC Davis School of Medicine
Career interests:
Translational research, undecided specialty

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.
Instagram:
@residentchef_MD
What are you most proud of?
I'm a triathlete, I recently completed a full-distance 140.6-mile Ironman and trained while interning at UCSD and PGY-2 neurology resident at Mayo.
Favorite book:
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl

Sanghee Lim, M.D., Ph.D.

Sanghee Lim, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Goseong, South Korea
Undergraduate school:
Boston University
Medical school:
Boston University
Career interests:
Stroke or neuro-oncology; ideally inpatient-focused career

Favorite book: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev
Hobbies:
Playing with my son, cooking, trying to find as many excuses to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii as much as possible

Lauren Webb, M.D.

Lauren Webb, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Ramsey, NJ
Undergraduate school:
University of Delaware
Medical school:
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Career interests:
Neuro-oncology

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.

Jessica White, M.D., M.P.H.

Jessica White, M.D., M.P.H. (she/her)

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Undergraduate school: NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Post-baccalaureate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical school: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Career interests: Neuro-oncology (I'll be staying here at Mayo for fellowship), medical education, health disparities

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.
Hobbies: Trying new recipes (cooking and baking), cycling, running, cross-training, hiking, and curling up on the couch with a good book.

Andrew Williams, M.D.

Andrew Williams, M.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Bloomington, MN
Undergraduate school:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Medical school:
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Career interests:
Medical education. Still trying to decide on a subspecialty of interest!

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
Favorite book: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

Tony S. Zhang, M.B., Ch.B.

Tony Zhang, M.B., Ch.B. (he/him)

Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical school: University of Aukland
Career interests: General neurology and clinical neurophysiology (EMG)

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
Fun fact: I have a love/hate relationship with running. But to prove a point, I ran a 100-mile ultramarathon at the beginning of 2024. I'm in no rush to do another.

Class of 2026

Christina Alexandres, M.D.

Christina Alexandres, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Redlands, CA
Undergraduate school:
University of California, Los Angeles
Medical school:
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Career interests: Neuromuscular, neuroimmunology/multiple sclerosis, movement disorders

Favorite TV show: What We Do in the Shadows
Hobbies: Rock climbing, volleyball, skiing, singing, listening to music, trying new recipes or new restaurants in town
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Rock climbing at Roca Climbing Gym.

Audrey Blazek, M.D.

Audrey Blazek, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Naperville, IL
Undergraduate school:
University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
Medical school:
Rush Medical College
Career interests:
Movement disorders

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).

Fiorella Guido, MD

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

 

Jonathan Lang, M.D., Ph.D.

Jonathan Lang, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Neenah, WI
Undergraduate school:
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical school:
University of Pennsylvania
Career interests:
General neurology in a community setting

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
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Riding on the extensive network of bike trails and spending time outside in the beautiful city parks.

Samir Nath, M.D., Ph.D.

Samir Nath, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Undergraduate school:
University of Maryland
Medical school:
University of Michigan
Career interests:
Neuromuscular, movement disorders, neuroimmunology

Hobbies: Board games, golf
Favorite restaurant:
Bleu Duck
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Spending time in the parks with my wife and son.

Michael Rigby, M.D., Ph.D.

Michael Rigby, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
Undergraduate school:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Medical school:
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Career interests:
Basic science and translational research in neurodegenerative diseases with a clinical interest in movement disorders

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
Favorite TV show:
The Expanse (must see for anyone who likes Sci-Fi)
Favorite Restaurant: Crave American Kitchen & Sushi bar — tasty food with a great view of the city

Bowen Song, MD

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

 

Brett Sterk, MD

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.

 

Helena Xeros, M.D.

Helena Xeros, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Burr Ridge, IL
Undergraduate school:
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
Medical school:
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Career interests: Neuro critical care, epilepsy, stroke

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
Favorite foods:
My family's homemade Spanakopita (Greek spinach pies) and Tiropita (Greek cheese pies)
Favorite things to do around Rochester: The thrifting and vintage shopping here is incredible! I love exploring estate sales, vintage flea markets, and thrift stores in Rochester, surrounding towns, and Minneapolis.

Class of 2027

Rachel Anderson, M.D.

Rachel Anderson, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Hudson, WI
Undergraduate school: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Career interests: Undecided specialty, medical education, public health

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!
Favorite food: The abundance of free food provided around the hospital!

Erin Finn, M.D.

Erin Finn, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Undergraduate school: University of Michigan
Medical school: University of Michigan Medical School
Career interests: Undecided, happily exploring the breadth of opportunities here at Mayo Clinic

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!
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Sunrise runs on the bike path, nature walks in the evenings, and Hollandberry Pannekoeken. I also enjoy biking to work when it’s less than 0 degrees outside and seeing people’s reactions when I tell them about it.

Kasey Hill, M.D.

Kasey Hill, M.D. (they/them)

Hometown: Shakopee, MN
Undergraduate school: University of Minnesota
Medical school: Yale School of Medicine
Career interests: Diversity, equity, and inclusion research, working with Latino and Spanish-speaking patients

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
Favorite food: Ice cream

Anna Liu, M.D.

Anna Liu, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Peoria, IL
Undergraduate school: University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Career interests: Community engagement and medical education. I have interest in neurocritical care and neuro-ophthalmology but am excited to continue exploring various subspecialties during residency!

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
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Thursdays downtown, Squash Blossom Farm, Whitewater State Park

Santiago Martinez-Sosa, M.B.B.S.

Santiago Martinez-Sosa, M.B.B.S (he/him)

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Undergraduate school: University College London, UK
Medical school: University College London, UK
Career interests: Neuroimmunology, neurohospitalist, medical education

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
Favorite food: Empanadas, asado, helado argentino

Sofia Rael, M.D.

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).
Undergraduate school: Metropolitan State University of Denver (Go Roadrunners!)
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Career interests: Currently neuro-oncology but open to exploring all the subspecialties neurology offers!

Ryan Nguyen, M.D., M.S.

Ryan Nguyen, M.D., M.S. (he/him)

Hometown: Plano, TX
Undergraduate school: Texas A&M University
Medical school: Texas A&M Health Science Center - Engineering Medicine Program
Career interests: Epilepsy, Movement, General Neurology, Academic Medicine

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
Favorite medicine-related TV show: Scrubs
Favorite reality TV show: Terrace House

Nathaniel Rogers Jr., M.D.

Nathaniel Rogers, Jr., M.D. (he/him)

Undergraduate school: University of Virginia
Medical school: Tulane University School of Medicine
Career interests: Medical education. Still open to exploring various subspecialties in neurology.

Favorite food: Half-baked chocolate chip cookies
Hobbies: Reading, videogames, lifting weights, photography, coding
Favorite restaurant around Rochester: Mango Thai

David Sohutskay, M.D., Ph.D.

David Sohutskay, M.D., Ph.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University
Graduate school: Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Career interests: Neurocritical care, neurohospitalist, neurogenetics, computational biology

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.

Anna Thomsen, M.D.

Anna Thomsen, M.D. (she/her)

Undergraduate school: Carthage College
Medical school: University of Kansas
Career interests: Undecided in career interests, but love the long-term relationships with patients so many specialties in neurology offer.

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).
Favorite restaurant: First Meeting, I will hopefully make my way through all the noodles on the menu during residency.
Favorite book: I'm an active member of a Zoom book club with friends (a positive that came out of the pandemic for me!), so I am always looking for recommendations. But historically my favorite is Pride and Prejudice, I am just a sucker for a happy ending!

Allison Valerius, M.D.

Allison Valerius, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Fargo, ND
Undergraduate school: The College of Saint Benedict
Medical school: University of North Dakota
Career interests: Neuro-oncology, global neurology, vascular neurology

Favorite food: Crumbl cookies!
Hobbies: Long runs on the Douglas Trail, cross-country skiing, hiking, watching hockey games with my husband, reading a good book in my hammock, visiting local breweries, exploring new countries, finding cool Airbnbs.

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 S. Chouhdry, M.D.

Hira Chouhdry, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Naperville, IL
Undergraduate school:
University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical school:
University of Kansas, Kansas City
Career interests:
Vascular neurology
Hobbies/passions:
Cooking, baking, painting, henna art, watching crime thrillers
Favorite food:
Any type of pasta
Favorite TV show:
Criminal Minds

Rikki Cunningham, M.D.

Rikki Cunningham, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Eureka, CA
Undergraduate school: Humboldt State University
Medical school: University of California, Davis School of Medicine
Career interests: Neuro-palliative care, behavioral neurology
Why Mayo Clinic? The allure of the official state fish, the walleye, was undeniable. Kidding. It was actually the weather. No, it was because Mayo’s primary value, that the needs of the patient come first, was evident in each of my faculty and resident interactions on interview day and beyond. I knew I wanted to be surrounded by educators and learners who shared the same passion, and my experience has already far exceeded my expectations.

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)
Favorite music: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Fun facts: I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy during cranial nerve week in medical school (I was born for this!).

Ganiru Mathis, M.D.

Ganiru Mathis, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Columbus, OH
Undergraduate school: Case Western Reserve University
Medical school: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Career interests: I haven't narrowed down a subspecialty quite yet, but I'd love to work both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. I'm also very interested in medical education and leadership!
Why Mayo Clinic? I knew that by choosing Mayo, I’d have an unparalleled level of support and strong training. With an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care, Mayo Clinic provides an ideal environment for me to develop into a well-rounded physician.

Favorite book: The Great Gatsby
Hobbies/passions: 
I love cooking, trying new foods/restaurants, exercising, and traveling.

Rebecca Merrill, M.D.

Rebecca Merrill, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Moorefield, WV
Undergraduate school: Wake Forest University
Medical school: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Career interests: Undecided on specialty maybe neuro-oncology? I enjoy medical education and mentorship so would like to stay in academic medicine.
Why neurology? Neurology combines many of my interests in medicine including undifferentiated mysteries, imaging findings, physical exam, and most importantly close patient connections.
Why Mayo Clinic?
I remember going into my Mayo interview hoping that I would not fall in love with it as I had been spoiled by the warm summers and mild winters of North Carolina, and I was not eager to move to the cold. After the interview, I instantly knew that I had fallen in love with the people, opportunities, and love for medicine at Mayo. Mayo encompassed all of the things I was looking for in a residency program and would prepare me for whatever career path I decided to pursue.
Hobbies/passions: I enjoy playing tennis, going on long walks after work, gardening, and cooking.
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Exploring all the restaurants and parks! Any other fun facts: I was raised on a family farm!

Tanish Modi, M.B.B.S.

Tanish Modi, M.B.B.S. (he/him)

Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Medical school: Government Medical College Chandigarh, India
Career interests: Neuromuscular, but open to exploring many others during residency!
Why neurology? Conditions affecting the nervous system can be highly debilitating and directly impact daily functioning. Assisting patients in reclaiming their quality of life is something I find immensely fulfilling. Moreover, the long-term nature of many neurological disorders enables neurologists to build deep, meaningful relationships with their patients, providing ongoing support, understanding, and care throughout their medical journeys.
Hobbies: Swimming, calligraphy
Favorite read: Calvin and Hobbes
Favorite food: Butter chicken, dal makhani with garlic naan

Nicole Rigler, M.D.

Nicole Rigler, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate school: University of California Berkley
Medical school: University of California San Diego School of Medicine (UCSD)
Why Mayo Clinic? The people! I immediately felt that the faculty, staff, and residents in the neurology department were my people on interview day. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it felt like they truly cared about my passions, interests, and my future career from the start!

Favorite things to do around Rochester: River walks with my dog and husband, Flapdoodle’s, the farmer’s market, and Thursdays on First
Favorite Book: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Hobbies/passions: I love trashy TV, the Great British Bake Off, gardening, cooking, and painting/crafting

Rishi Sharma, M.D.

Rishi Sharma, M.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergraduate school: University of Minnesota
Medical school: University of Minnesota
Career interests: At this point, I am most interested in stroke and/or genetics. While I do plan on sub-specializing, I do hope to continue to practice general neurology long-term.

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.
Favorite food and restaurant in Rochester: Tinn's. Get the Chipotle Philly, you will not be disappointed.

Lorraine Siebold, M.D., Ph.D.

Lorraine Siebold, M.D., Ph.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Berrien Springs, MI
Undergraduate school: Andrews University in Michigan
Medical school: Loma Linda University in Southern California
Career interests: Epileptology

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.
Fun facts: Prior to starting med school, I taught high school science for six years. I love my sweet little geriatric dog who is the most opinionated mutt rescued from the streets of San Francisco. I am a very proud aunt of two nephews and two nieces. Microglia are my favorite cell in the body and if you ever want to see me really excited, just ask me about these remarkable little cells.

Nanthaya (Yui) Tisavipat, M.D.

Nanthaya (Yui) Tisavipat, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Undergraduate and medical school: Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Career interests: Neuroimmunology and more! I'm still exploring the possibilities.

Why Mayo Clinic? Amazing mentorship, resources, and policies that support individual growth.

Hobbies/passions: Seeing musicals and concerts
Favorite things to do around Rochester: Exploring new restaurants and shows by local theater companies
Favorite food: Japanese curry rice

Zachary Trottier, M.D.

Zachary Trottier, M.D. (he/him)

Hometown: Pequot Lakes, MD
Undergraduate school: Carleton College
Medical school: University of Colorado
Career interests: Undecided at present, although I'm considering behavioral neurology/neuropsychiatry, neuro-palliative care, and general neurology as options.

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.
Favorite movie: Silence of the Lambs
Favorite book: The Stand by Stephen King

Emma Wetmore, M.D.

Emma Wetmore, M.D. (she/her)

Hometown: Orangeburg, SC
Undergraduate school: University of Virginia
Medical school: Medical University of South Carolina
Career interests: Movement disorders, social determinants of health, medical education
Why neurology:
Neurology is the most fascinating and exciting field of medicine! It is constantly advancing with innovative research, technologies, and therapeutics. I love having the opportunity to support patients with chronic neurological conditions through long-term relationships.

Hobbies/passions: Watching Clemson football, going on walks with my husband and havanese puppy, snow skiing, and attending as many broadway productions as possible
Favorite book: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Favorite movie: The Devil Wears Prada