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Meet Our Residents

Mayo Clinic anesthesiologists treating a patient

From the chief resident

Vaibhav Murali, M.D.Thank you for considering our program for your anesthesiology training and I am thrilled to share the unique aspects of our residency with you!

Our residents benefit from training at a high-acuity academic medical center as well as in numerous high-volume private practice settings that provide a robust experience across all anesthesia subspecialties. We have access to the newest innovations in anesthetic medications and therapies as well as the latest technologies in airway management and vascular access. Our faculty love to teach, and given our small class size, we are able to work with each of our consultants multiple times over our residency career to develop meaningful longitudinal mentorships. Clinical research is encouraged, and the program financially supports presentations at national conferences. The comprehensive training we receive in this close-knit program prepares us exceptionally well for careers in private practice, academic medicine, or subspecialty fellowships.

Another standout aspect of our program is its strong emphasis on wellness. We have a large resident work room with dedicated workstations and a space to relax with co-residents. Regular departmental events, residency gatherings, and our annual trip to the Western Anesthesia Residents’ Conference foster a strong sense of camaraderie among our residents.

We have ample time to pursue hobbies, maintain wellness, and enjoy life outside the hospital. The city of Phoenix offers something for everyone, whether it is the endless number of scenic hikes, an incredibly diverse food scene, or major sports and entertainment events throughout the year. Additionally, you can easily enjoy a weekend getaway to the snowy mountains of Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, or the beaches of California.

This is a truly exceptional residency program—one that balances high-acuity clinical experience and volume with resident well-being and professional development. I look forward to meeting you this interview season. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Vaibhav Murali, M.D.
Chief Resident, Class of 2026
ARZanesresidency@mayo.edu 

Meet our residents

Our residents come from a variety of backgrounds. Learn what a few of them have to say about our program.

Class of 2026

Bryson Caskey, M.D.

Bryson Caskey, M.D.

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

"The anesthesiology program is a tight-knit program that offers world-class training in a family-like atmosphere. Residents are supported very well here in a truly collaborative environment that comes with all of the educational, research, and clinical resources Mayo Clinic has become famous for."

Conner Clay, M.D.

Conner Clay, M.D.

Hometown: Highlands Ranch, CO

Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

"I chose Mayo Clinic because I recognized that equal emphasis is placed on resident education and well-being. The program is able to maintain a small size while still affording a humane call schedule and work-life balance. This combines to make me a more effective and compassionate physician."

Vaibhav Murali, M.D.

Vaibhav Murali, M.D. 

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Medical school: Creighton University

"I am thrilled to be training at Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of its world-renowned reputation in clinical excellence and its individualized approach to residency training. As someone who wants to pursue a career in academic medicine, training among such accomplished teaching and research faculty will undoubtedly prepare me to fulfill a similar role in my own career."

Nick Pombo, M.D.

Nick Pombo, M.D.

Hometown: Culver City, CA

Medical school: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine  

"Mayo Clinic is a world-class institution with outstanding faculty dedicated to the education and well-being of residents and offers exposure to a wide variety of cases. The small program size fosters a close-knit and supportive culture and promotes strong camaraderie between residents, faculty, and staff that makes it a special place to train."

Jorgen Sumsion, M.D.

Jorgen Sumsion, M.D. 

Hometown: Kaysville, UT

Medical school: University of Utah School of Medicine

"Working at Mayo Clinic is an invigorating experience, primarily because of its commitment to practicing up-to-date, evidence- and team-based medicine. The ethos of constantly being involved in meaningful research aligns with my professional aspirations. Moreover, the strong resident cohesiveness fosters a collaborative environment where learning is constant and mutual support is abundant. One of the most enriching aspects of being part of Mayo Clinic is encountering a great breadth of educational cases, which not only challenges my skills but also broadens my understanding of medical complexities. In essence, Mayo Clinic provides a dynamic and stimulating environment where I can thrive both personally and professionally."

Class of 2027

Welly Agate, M.D.

Welly Agate, M.D.

Hometown: Lome, Togo (West Africa)

Medical school: University of New Mexico

"After a transformative away rotation at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, I knew this was where I wanted to continue my anesthesiology training as a resident physician. The commitment to resident wellness at Mayo Clinic was evident from day one. The collaborative and innovative approach to patient care coupled with supportive and educational environment made it an easy decision for me. I am excited to further develop my skills and knowledge."

Christian Jara, M.D.

Christian Jara, M.D.

Hometown: North Las Vegas, NV

Medical school: University of Nevada, Reno

"Mayo Clinic in Arizona stood out to me for its friendliness, approachability, and top-tier training. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on resident education, with access to cutting-edge technology/resources and a diverse range of clinical experiences. I chose Mayo because I knew I would receive incredible training in an environment that prioritizes and promotes education. The opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty and be part of a team dedicated to excellence in patient care and innovation was something I could not pass up. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about a career in anesthesiology to consider training here. "

Eryberto Martinez, M.D.

Eryberto Martinez, M.D. 

Hometown: Van Nuys, CA

Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

"I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of the small class size, the dedication to cutting-edge research, and the faculty. I have experienced nothing but kind and patient teachers and ones that are looking to always advance the field. The residents and faculty share a tight bond because of the class size and we quickly see each other as colleagues—this rings true during intern year and clinical anesthesia years."

Hobbies: I'm a big foodie and like to explore the restaurant scene in Phoenix. When I'm not eating out, I also like to cook, hike, and play with my pet hedgehog.

John Raynak, M.D.

John Raynak, M.D.

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

“Mayo Clinic in Arizona was my top choice for anesthesiology training because of its unique advantages. The small class size offers a highly personalized educational experience, allowing for close mentorship from world-class consultants in the field. This intimate setting also fosters a strong camaraderie among everyone in the program. Additionally, training in my hometown means I can continue to enjoy the support of my family and friends, making this opportunity both professionally and personally fulfilling.”

Emily Reynolds, M.D.

Emily Reynolds, M.D. 

Hometown: Elizabeth, CO

Medical school: Mayo Clinic School of Medicine Arizona

“As a medical student at Mayo, I had the chance to work with several of the anesthesiologists, identify mentors, and spend time in the department. Everyone was extremely supportive, welcoming and collegial and I was excited to continue working with them as a resident. Since beginning residency, I have received tremendous support from leadership and staff when I faced a challenging time, and I am extremely grateful that I was able to continue my training here after medical school.”

Class of 2028

Areen Badwal, M.D.

Areen Badwal, M.D. 

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
"I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona due to the collaborative and supportive nature, the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty, and the high complexity of cases."
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Staying active with hiking, yoga and pilates, reading, and exploring new restaurants!

Kisanet Habtegiorgis, M.D.

Kisanet Habtegiorgis, M.D.

Hometown: Portland, OR
Medical school: Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Medicine
“I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of its collaborative learning environment, exceptional faculty, and uniquely complex cases. The special combination of close-knit community and dedication to both didactic and clinical education fosters Mayo Clinic’s warm, team-oriented work atmosphere.”
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Rebounding, hiking, cooking, trying new restaurants, and watching 90’s comedies.

Aden Hassan, M.D.

Aden Hassan, M.D.

Hometown: Portland, OR
Medical school: Rush Medical College
"At Mayo Clinic Arizona, there is an exceptional commitment to education with genuine investment in the residents. I was especially drawn to the high-quality, complex cases and wide range of clinical experiences. Additionally, there is a real emphasis on resident wellbeing that I found to be unique. I chose Mayo because I felt it was the ideal setting to grow both personally and professionally.”
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Trying various Mexican restaurants, hiking, pick-up basketball, and soccer.

Melissa Pelkey, M.D.

Melissa Pelkey, M.D.

Hometown: Franklin, WI
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
“After completing medical school at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Arizona campus, I knew I wanted to stay for my residency training. I wanted to continue in a small program for the close-knit community and opportunity for strong relationships with my co-residents as well as faculty. When rotating through the Anesthesiology department, I felt welcomed and supported; each resident and faculty member was excited and ready to teach. Even as a medical student, I was exposed to a large variety of very complex cases that only a center such as Mayo Clinic can offer and I knew this would serve me well in my residency training. I am so excited to continue to call Mayo Clinic in Arizona home!”
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Anything with food or the outdoors! Paddleboarding, hiking or outdoor dining, I am always looking for a great patio.

Zakaria Sharif, M.D.

Zakaria Sharif, M.D.

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago
" I chose Mayo because of the people, the training, and the overall support. As a resident here in Arizona, I’ve really come to appreciate how down-to-earth and approachable everyone is — attendings, co-residents, staff. The teaching is strong, the expectations are high, but it never feels like you’re on your own. The location is a big plus — good weather, diverse community, and just a great place to live and train.”
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Outside the hospital, I like being outdoors and staying active. I’ve been getting into biking and hiking. I enjoy going on weekend hikes — so many trails in AZ. At home, I’ve been diving into espresso and tea and trying to perfect my home setup. Overall, I just try to stay adventurous and make the most of what Arizona has to offer.

Chris Worrell, M.D.

Chris Worrell, M.D.

Hometown: Enid, OK
Medical school: University of Texas Health, San Antonio
"Professionally I felt Mayo Clinic Arizona offered a great balance of strong mentorship, complex caseload, and small class size which was a preference of mine. Personally, I have always loved Phoenix when travelling to the area and could not imagine a better place to live and maximize my valuable off days during residency.”
Hobbies/Favorite things to do in Phoenix: Spending time outside! Hiking, golfing, dinners with coresidents, exploring new restaurants (there is an abundance of great places in the area.)