Kyle Farrell, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, MN 

Undergraduate: Rochester, MN

Medical School: Creighton University

Hobbies: Skiing, running, backpacking, cooking, gardening, and podcasts.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking and running on the Douglas Trail, swimming, and stand up paddle boarding at Chester Woods Park.

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic provides a unique combination of exceptional clinical training, patient-centered collaborative care, and a supportive learning environment with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. Together this makes training at Mayo a privilege and an exceptional educational adventure.

Future plans: Cardiac anesthesia fellowship followed by a career in academics

Anuradha Kanaparthi, M.D.

Hometown: Dublin, OH

Undergraduate: University of Akron

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, running, napping 

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying the new restaurants around town and in the twin cities, walking around Cascade Lake, Thursdays on First, Social Ice. 

Why Mayo: Mayo offers outstanding mentorship, exceptional educational resources, a robust didactic curriculum, unparalleled mentorship and support for research, including funding for presentations at national and international conferences. Training at Mayo has been an invaluable experience in advancing my comfort and proficiency in the perioperative management of medically complex patients undergoing surgically complex procedures. 

Future plans: Cardiothoracic Fellowship

Mitch Malecha, M.D.

Hometown: Faribault, MN

Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Hobbies: Playing basketball, competing in backyard games, and cheering on Minnesota sports teams.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Walking/running the many trails, hanging out on Thursdays Downtown, and trying new restaurants.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo because of its commitment to high-quality patient care, emphasis on daily learning, and dedication to a balanced clinical curriculum. Similarly, Mayo offers the perfect blend of challenging and complex cases within a supportive and collaborative learning environment. In total, the people and culture are what make Mayo special.

Future plans: General anesthesia

Cameron Thiele, M.D.

Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Undergraduate: Colorado State University

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy CrossFit workouts, house projects, lawn care, and fly fishing. I'm also a part of an adult ice hockey league.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I enjoy exploring the various parks and walking trails and going on long walks with my wife and dog!

Why Mayo: The residency program is very committed to our education and overall well-being. I wanted to train at a place where I felt supported every step of the way. The culture of Mayo Clinic as an institution was also a big draw for me. Going to medical school at Mayo, I learned early on in my day-to-day interactions that Mayo prioritizes professionalism, kindness, approachability, and mutual respect, and it was these attributes in addition to many others that sold me on wanting to train here. 

Future plans: Fellowship in regional anesthesia here at Mayo

Adam Brockway, M.D.

Hometown: Ixonia, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville

Hobbies: Home improvement projects, woodworking, getting outdoors for walks with my wife, listening to music, watching sports, learning history by reading books or listening to podcasts

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying new restaurants, going for walks on the Douglas trail or around Silver Lake, exploring different areas of Rochester.

Why Mayo: When deciding where I wanted to go for residency, I knew I wanted to be at an institution that would offer exceptional training and access to many resources that would allow me to become an excellent Anesthesiologist. I came to Mayo for a visiting rotation during my fourth year of medical school and was thoroughly impressed by all Mayo has to offer. I was even more impressed by the culture of the program and enjoyed working with everyone here. I also find Rochester to be a nice and easy city to live in, so overall, Mayo was the perfect fit for me.

Future plans: Undecided

Isiah Duggan, M.D.

Hometown: Saint John, Indiana

Undergraduate: Indiana University-Bloomington

Medical School: University of California, San Francisco

Hobbies: Waterskiing, Tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, Anything that involves a lake, Hiking, Shenanigans leader & creator of all things fun to my nieces/nephews.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: This is my first time in Rochester! So still learning ...taking recommendations!

Why Mayo: Growing up in the Midwest I knew I wanted to return after medical school. I knew Mayo Clinic offered excellent clinical training; coupled with outstanding education focused experiences. The opportunity gave me everything I was wanting in a residency program while giving me the opportunity to get closer to my family. 

Future plans:  Pediatric anesthesiology & Pediatric Cardiovascular Anesthesiology 

Issac Duggan, M.D.

Hometown: Saint John, Indiana

Undergraduate: Indiana University, Bloomington

Medical School: University of California, San Francisco

Hobbies: All things outside! Water skiing, tubing, saucering, and hiking!

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Visiting local restaurants, state parks and hiking.

Why Mayo: Phenomenal clinical training, excellent support from mentors, and great comradery amongst the residents and consultants. The moment I interviewed here I knew that these were my people. Everyone was so welcoming and collegial. Despite the world-renowned reputation everyone seems really focused on resident teaching and learning which allows residents to learn and treat patients in a supportive atmosphere that best benefits the health of our patients.   

Future plans: Continuing education involving a Pediatric Anesthesiology fellowship  

Marko Nemet, M.D.

Hometown: Novi Sad, Serbia

Medical School: University of Novi Sad School of Medicine

Hobbies: Weightlifting, tennis, traveling, and mixing cocktails.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Grilling with friends, tasting cocktails at Bitter & Pour, walking around the Cascade Lake, and playing tennis with my wife at Rochester Tennis Connection.

Why Mayo: After spending over a year here doing research, I realized Mayo was the right place to train. The scope of surgical practice, the focus on education, and the chance to continue doing research were the factors most important to me. But what I loved most were the people I met. I had such supportive and approachable mentors and peers who created a culture that truly encourages growth.

Future plans: I’m considering critical care and/or cardiac anesthesia, but I’m keeping an open mind. I see myself staying in academia

Rafaela Ribeiro, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil

Medical School: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, any outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Checking out the local breweries and enjoying all outdoor activities.

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic offers the ideal environment to grow as a physician-scientist, combining world-class patient care with unparalleled opportunities for research and collaboration. The institution’s commitment to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with my goals of advancing both clinical practice and scientific discovery.

Future plans: Cardiac anesthesia

Chris Sanborn, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: Plano, TX

Undergraduate: University of Texas

Medical School: Long School of Medicine

Hobbies: Running, cooking, hiking, and swimming

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Thursdays on 1^st and exploring the new Flapdoodles flavors

Why Mayo:  I came to Mayo as a visiting medical student, and I quickly came to love the department culture, unique case diversity, and emphasis on exceptional patient care.

Future plans: I plan to practice at an academic institution to pursue teaching opportunities in addition to my patient care duties.

Daniel Settecerri, M.D.

Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI

Undergraduate: Hope College

Medical School: Wayne State University

Hobbies: Golfing, mountain biking, Peloton cycling, fly fishing, and tennis

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring and enjoying restaurants, parks, bike and walking trails with my wife

Why Mayo:  Location, clinical strength, and character of the department were important to me during the interview process and Mayo shines in each way. Rochester offers a great place to live, Mayo serves a comprehensive assortment of patients, and the anesthesia faculty are supportive and committed to teaching.

Future plans: Undecided

Jake Vaca, M.D.

Hometown: Harrisburg, SD

Undergraduate: Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD

Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Hobbies: Lifting, golfing, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, watching sports, listening to podcasts, and going on walks with my fiancé and our dog, Hugo.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I've yet to explore Rochester since I just moved, but so far, I’ve frequented Costco for $1.50 hot dogs and plan to check out the local golf courses. 

Why Mayo:  During my in-person visiting rotation, I experienced a strong sense of community and the culture of open, collaborative learning here at Mayo. The residents, consultants, and staff were not only exceptionally skilled but also incredibly welcoming and supportive. It felt like the kind of environment where I could grow both personally and professionally. 

Future plans: Undecided

Joel Zimmerman, M.D.

Hometown: Elk River, MN

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota

Medical School: University of North Dakota

Hobbies: Running, reading, playing guitar.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Thursdays on 1st! There are also great trails to explore and excellent breweries.

Why Mayo:  I picked Mayo because I wanted a program that would expose me to an incredibly diverse number of cases while allowing me to stay close to family. I also appreciated how supportive the program is of resident research and how involved the faculty are in advancing the field.

Future plans: 

Either a cardiac or ICU fellowship and practicing in academia afterwards, as I love education.

Rebecca Bulmer, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.

Hometown: Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Undergraduate: Athabasca University

Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain

Hobbies: Going for adventures with my daughter, skiing, hiking, catching up with friends, staying up until 9pm to watch 1/10^th of a movie.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going to the many children’s parks, going for walks, watching fireflies and the occasional craft beer with friends.

Why Mayo: It is such a privilege and an honor to complete residency at the number 1 hospital in the world! Love the culture here, the patients truly come first.

Future plans:  Not entirely sure yet, perhaps complete a fellowship at the University of British Columbia, maybe stay in the USA!

Rachel Frankle, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.

Hometown: Los Alamos, NM 

Medical School: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Hobbies: Running, hiking, biking, rowing, skiing, baking/cooking

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Kayaking on the many lakes and rivers, evaluating the local coffee shops for the best latte, cross country skiing in the winter

Why Mayo: When I did an elective here, everyone was so kind and cared about teaching. I found the learning support to be incredible and unrivaled. So, I hoped to match to Mayo. When I started here, the investment in and dedication to resident education continued. The diversity/number of cases was one of the best amongst residencies as well. Most importantly, the work culture is unique in the supportive relationships between residents, faculty, nursing, etc.

Future plans: Critical care fellowship

Juan P. Garcia-Mendez, M.D.

Hometown:  Barranquilla, Columbia

Medical School: Universidad del Rosario (Bogotá, Colombia)

Hobbies: Finding and collecting fossils, playing soccer, video games, spending time with my partner and my cat. 

 Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hiking and fossil hunting at Quarry Hill, fishing at Foster-Arend and Chester Woods, participating in local amateur soccer leagues, eating Mexican food at El Super Gallo.

Why Mayo: After working in this institution as a researcher, my dream was to remain for residency. I knew that I wanted to train in a place with excellent educators that prioritizes a healthy workplace and continuous innovation. This program has exceeded my expectations in many areas, most significantly with the individuals that work here. The staff ensure an unparalleled quality of patient care from a human and medical standpoint.

Rochester also stole my heart as it met all of my needs: short commute, safe city, and friendly people. 

Future plans: To be determined

Grace Ibitamuno, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

Undergraduate:  Marymount University 

Medical School:  Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Hobbies: Reading, spending time with my family

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I really enjoy being downtown

Why Mayo: The mission, the vision, the people, the history, the resources, the culture of the workplace

Future plans: Critical Care Medicine/OR Anesthesia/Research 

Juan Jose Morales Behaine, M.D., M.S.

Hometown: Sincelejo, Colombia

Medical School: Universidad Nacional do Colombia, Bogotá

Hobbies: I love playing sports—tennis, softball, soccer, going to the gym, and more. I also enjoy going to the beach with friends and family, traveling and experiencing new cultures and cuisines, attending concerts, and especially dancing to salsa music.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Outdoor sports during the summer, going to the pool, and spending time with my co-residents. In the winter, I like staying warm at home, watching TV shows, or studying with my cat curled up next to me.

Why Mayo: During my research fellowship year, I truly fell in love with Mayo Clinic’s values and the way medicine is practiced here. Calling it the best hospital in the world doesn’t fully capture the incredible environment—where you not only work and learn from world-renowned experts, but also from kind, humble people who genuinely support your growth. The complexity of cases, abundance of research opportunities, awesome mentors, cutting-edge technology, and depth of expertise make Mayo the best place to train. Words could never tell how unreal it feels to be here. 

Future plans: I plan to work in an academic center, balancing OR time with research and teaching. I am actually interested in pursuing an Adult Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship, followed by a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship, and probably a third fellowship in Transfusion Medicine.

Emily Peterson, M.D.

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University

Medical School: Creighton University

Hobbies: Cooking, running, hosting dinner parties, watching football, knitting, sewing, playing piano, and strolling the Aldi finds aisle. 

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I have really enjoyed getting outside on the trails, pickleball courts, and golf courses around Rochester. I also like scoping out thrift stores, the farmers market, restaurants, and local breweries with my co-residents. Some of my favorite spots are Old Abe Coffee Shop, Little Thistle, and The Yellow Monkey.

Why Mayo: Mayo felt like a place where resident education and wellbeing were top priorities. It is a privilege to work alongside brilliant co-residents and faculty in a supportive learning environment. And mostly, I am happy to be back home in Minnesota close to my family and friends. 

Future plans: General anesthesiology

Kiana Verplancke, M.D.

Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska

Undergraduate:  University of Alaska Anchorage

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Hiking/backpacking, traveling, hockey, baking, fishing, and hanging out with my friends, family, and dog

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Thursdays on First, running and walking on all the trails, Saturday farmer’s market, going to breweries

Why Mayo:  I chose Mayo for the supportive learning environment, the complex case volume, and the overall happiness I observed from residents and consultants during my interview.

Future plans: Undecided – possibly cardiac or peds fellowship or general anesthesia

Brian Bishop, M.D.

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Undergraduate: University of South Dakota

Medical school: USD Sanford School of Medicine

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, camping, hiking, golfing, Vikings football

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trips to the Twin Cities, exploring the nearby regional and state parks

Why Mayo: Fantastic culture, training, and opportunities, as well as Mayo's focus on resident education and wellness

Future plans: Undecided; general vs pediatric fellowship

Steven Dotzler, M.D.,Ph.D.

Hometown: Foley, MN (pop. 2,700 direct center of MN)

Undergraduate: Concordia College (Moorhead, MN)

Medical school: Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)

Hobbies: Having two boys (4yo and newborn), strategy board and card games, Escape/mystery/Exit games, mobile video games

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Mystery Cave (Forestville, MN), Bowlocity (bowling), escape rooms

Why Mayo: Dream institution with unlimited resources that happens to also be in my home state!

Future plans: Pediatric cardiac anesthesia (my PhD was in pediatric heart rhythm diseases)

Trevor Gauthier, M.D.

Hometown: Crivitz, WI

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Hobbies: Pickleball, rollerblading, learning piano, mixing cocktails. 

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring nearby state parks, attending Thursdays Downtown

Why Mayo: The combination of a quality clinic experience, a good work-life balance, and a genuinely positive hospital culture

Future plans: Private practice in the Midwest

Vianca Insignares, M.D.

Hometown: Barranquilla-Colombia

Medical school: Universidad del Norte

Hobbies: Hiking, cycling, photography, and watching movies/shows.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking the Douglas Trail, Thursdays on first, trying new restaurants with friends

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic is a place with the unique combination of a nurturing community, excellent education, approachable experts in the field, limitless opportunities/resources, and exceptional patient care. I feel privileged to collaborate and learn from some of the most skilled and brilliant physicians every day while being able to enjoy an amazing quality of life surrounded by the most kind, friendly, and supportive colleagues.

 Future plans: Regional anesthesia

Angela Lu, M.D.

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley

Medical school: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Hobbies: Long distance running, weightlifting, swimming, calligraphy, baking/cooking

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I enjoy running on the trails, going to Thursdays on First, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops. 

Why Mayo: Mayo is a world-renowned center of excellence supporting patient-centered care, collaboration, research, education, and leadership. At Mayo, residents work alongside experts in a supportive environment and learn from complex and diverse cases. In addition, the anesthesiology residency program values well-being and professional and personal growth. I love how leadership supports residents to explore individual passions from research to public policy. 

Future plans: Undecided

Preston McMullin, M.D.

Hometown: Bluffdale, UT

Undergraduate: Brigham Young University

Medical school: UT Health San Antonio

Hobbies: Fly fishing, golf, smoking meats, watching sports, and spending time with family

Favorite things to do in Rochester: There are some great outdoor options near and around the Rochester area. The city itself has several parks, and beyond the city, there are several state parks and towns with excellent fishing and other outdoor opportunities. And if you’re looking for a larger-city event such as professional sporting events or the arts, the Twin Cities are just over an hour away.

Why Mayo: Choosing Mayo for residency was easy as soon as I got a taste of the culture and interacted with the people here. Everyone I have worked with has been helpful, happy, smart, and dedicated to improving the lives of patients. The anesthesia residency program itself provides very robust training in all aspects of anesthesia and will prepare you for fellowship or private practice. The alumni network is also very extensive, which allows for widespread job opportunities after training. These features, in combination with Rochester being a very livable city and having a relatively low cost of living, made coming to Mayo a no-brainer.

Future plans: Undecided

Robert L. Owen, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, TN; Anderson, IN

Undergraduate: Middle Tennessee State University; Life School of Ministry

Medical school: Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, MN

Hobbies: Ultimate Frisbee, coaching my son's baseball team

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Picking strawberries at the local farms and enjoying life without traffic. Rochester is an awesome, kid-friendly town.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo for residency because of its inspiring heritage and visionary future. The Mayo family sacrificed so much of their lives and personal resources to establish this institution. Mayo Clinic’s values of “patients first” and teamwork really create a culture of collaboration. I am personally involved in medical missions to underserved populations who have limited healthcare access, and Mayo Clinic has fully supported me with this endeavor. Rochester is a wonderful town with great people for raising a family, and it has become home for my wife and three kids.

Future plans: Undecided. Currently considering fellowship training and an academic career.

Anthony Stephenson, M.D.

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Undergraduate: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Medical school: University of Nebraska Medical Center

Hobbies: Running, Reading

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Thursdays Downtown / Farmers Market

Why Mayo: Mayo provides unmatched dedication to patient care with motivated educators and world-leading clinicians.

Future plans: General Anesthesiology

Savannah Whitfield, D.O.

Hometown: Missoula, MT

Undergraduate: University of Montana

Medical school: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies:  Running, gardening, reading, hiking, kayaking, and board games.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Visiting the local restaurants and hanging out at Chester Woods Park or Whitewater State Park. 

Why Mayo: During my rotation as a fourth-year medical student, I found myself deeply enamored with both the atmosphere and the individuals I encountered. The culture fostered an exceptionally inclusive learning environment, one that I was certain would continually push me to excel. Each person I crossed paths with exuded an unwavering dedication to providing exceptional patient care – a commitment I was eager to embrace and contribute to!

Future Plans:  Unknown at the moment

Paul Cacioppo, M.D.

Hometown: Collinsville, IL

Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife, watching YouTube, and video games, and browsing shelter websites for adoptable dogs.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Shopping at Costco, trying new restaurants, eating at Kwik Trip, exploring small towns around Rochester, and spending time with my co-residents when we can get together.

Why Mayo: I really enjoyed my virtual interview here at Mayo and got the vibe that everyone would be collegial and personable. I was right! Everyone has been so supportive and invested in our training. Mayo Rochester is also unique in that there is a very well-renowned hospital in a relatively smaller city fit for families.

Megan Ellis, D.O.

Hometown: Brownsdale/Hayfield/MN

Undergraduate: Wartburg College

Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies: Gardening, landscaping, running, and spending time with family.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Tuesday night date night at Bleu Duck.

Why Mayo: Being from a small town I place a lot of value on getting to know people. At Mayo, I believe many of the consultants take the time to know you both inside and outside of the OR. The residency program also does a great job of instilling a sense of community/family among the residents. My family even made a comment that I seem to attend more social events in residency than I did during medical school. 

Aubrey Euteneuer, D.O.

Hometown: Sauk Rapids, MN

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota

Medical school: Pacific Northwest University

Hobbies: Reading, hiking, and rock climbing

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Rock climb with friends at ROCA

Why Mayo: Incredible cases you won't be able to see elsewhere with the bonus of being close to family

Future plans: Undecided

Annie Howrigon, M.D.

Hometown: Hattiesburg, MS

Undergraduate: Tulane University

Medical school: Tulane University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Scuba diving, playing frisbee with Boops (my Border Collie), cooking Cajun food, and swimming.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Finding live music at local venues, going to Forager Brewery, hiking, and eating at Mango Thai.

Why Mayo: I was so impressed with the close-knit community at Mayo Clinic during my interview. In addition to the outstanding clinical training and research opportunities, the program’s commitment to resident education and professional development is unbeatable. I feel so lucky that I get to do my residency training at such an incredible place.

Future plans: Undecided