Andrew Braith, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: St. Cloud, Minnesota

Undergraduate: 

Medical School: University of Nebraska

Hobbies: Hiking, biking, swimming, backpacking, supporting my wife’s gardening, and teaching my daughters about astronomy and Harry Potter. I also enjoy making pizza and any breakfast food!

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hiking on local trails, kayaking on the river, and pizza farms. Quarry Hill and Whitewater State Park are also great places to visit.

Why Mayo: Exceptional clinical training with a nine-minute commute and support for attending national conferences and research. Faculty are engaging and truly invested in residents’ learning and career goals.

Future plans: Pediatric anesthesia fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Nicole Henry, D.O., M.P.H.

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Undergraduate: University of Texas-Austin

Medical school: William Carey University College of Medicine

Hobbies: Gym, running, hiking, activities involving fine arts, cooking, visiting museums, attending festivals, and traveling with friends and family.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring the trails, hiking at local parks, visiting the various breweries, Thursdays on 1st, Social Ice, and the Rochester Fair.

Why Mayo: I value the institution’s commitment to providing out-of-this-world training and career development opportunities while providing top-notch patient care. They don’t just say the patient comes first, they ensure this is the main focus of anything done and they value teamwork. They care about us residents.

Future plans: Pediatric anesthesia fellowship, Boston Children's Hospital

Amanda Johnson, M.D.

Hometown: Wright, New York

Undergrad: University of Wyoming

Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine

Hobbies: Traveling near and far, supporting local bands and breweries, hiking trails and kayaking the Root River, cycling the Rochester trail system, sampling new restaurants, and attending sporting events and concerts with friends/co-residents.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking along the Bear Creek, Cascade Lake loop, and Douglas State Trail, browsing the Saturday farmers’ market for fresh produce and home-baked goods, painting and pottery nights at Art Heads Emporium, eating my weight in Yum Yum wings at Thai Pop and stopping by Old Abe Coffee Co for the best vegan Banh Mi in Olmsted County.

Why Mayo: I knew immediately following my interview at Mayo that I would be heavily supported from every angle in my professional development and personal well-being. It was clear to me the abundance of resources for resident wellness, education, research endeavors, and the development of clinical expertise. I also loved the idea of a location that offers a fantastic quality of life outside of medicine while maintaining an extraordinary training experience. My interactions with the interview committee, our program director Dr. Long, and the admin staff (shoutout to Karen and Sandy!) were what sold me on the program, ultimately. Not to mention, residents seemed genuinely happy with their training at Mayo and conveyed a sense of togetherness and camaraderie. I’m so grateful to have chosen Mayo because it means I get to show up at work every day, collaborate with some of the most brilliant minds, and spend time with amazing colleagues, like having a second family.

Future plans: Pediatric fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Michael Merren, M.D., M.S.

Hometown: Wayland, Michigan

Undergraduate: Grand Valley State University

Medical school: Michigan State University

Hobbies: Volunteering with Young Marines, golf, softball, and construction.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Golfing

Why Mayo: Mayo has a great work atmosphere, everyone is so supportive, so many opportunities to learn and take care of rare and complicated pathology, and the work-life balance.

Future plans: Critical care fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Emily Bero, M.D.

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin

Hobbies: Trail running with my rescue dogs, gravel biking, traveling, gardening, and camping with friends.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking, hiking, running, exploring and camping in the stunning Driftless landscape, spending time with my co-residents, exploring the restaurants and bars, and going to concerts in the Twin Cities.

Why Mayo: Patient-centered care, collaborative team environment, supportive learning environment, growth mindset throughout the institution, and long-term career development and opportunities.

Future plans: Undecided

Brittany Bryant, M.D.

Hometown: Southlake, Texas

Undergraduate: Baylor University

Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine

Hobbies: Running, scrapbooking, traveling, reading, and cooking new recipes.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Love all of the biking trails – the summer in Rochester is gorgeous and I have loved getting to explore!

Why Mayo: I wanted to be a part of a world-class program with exposure to a wide variety of conditions in a diverse patient population. During my interview day, I was blown away by the kindness and camaraderie between residents as well as the exceptional way Mayo Clinic culture seeks to put patient care first.

Future plans: Pediatric cardiovascular anesthesia

Christiana Driver, M.D., M.S.

Hometown: Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Finding new playgrounds for my daughter (two years old) to explore, exploring the biking and hiking trails (especially Oxbow Park and Zoo, Quarry Hill, and Chester Woods), and Thursdays on First (weekly festival with music/food/vendors) in the summer.

Why Mayo: Having been here for medical school, I knew Mayo had a very strong anesthesiology program. The consultants and CRNAs are excellent and invested teachers and we get exposure to a wide variety of cases, both bread-and-butter and rarities. The opportunities and resources are endless and there is flexibility to tailor training to individual goals, as well as take on sub-consultant roles to prepare for life after residency. I feel very fortunate to continue training here.

Future plans: Chronic pain fellowship

Jennifer Eller, M.D.

Hometown: Helena, Montana

Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine

Hobbies: Fly fishing, skiing, running, and hiking.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Fly-fishing at the surrounding streams of the Driftless, running one of the many local trails, doing stand-up paddleboard on lakes in the area, and enjoying a cold beer at one of the local breweries.

Why Mayo: Mayo offers incredibly specialized training, the opportunity to work with world-renowned physicians, and exceptional caseload/diversity. Mayo maintains an incredibly collegial environment where everyone's input on the team is valued. Life is just generally easy here living in a smaller city. I truly believe there is no other residency in the U.S. that can offer the same training experience!

 Future plans: Uncertain at this time but highly considering pain.

David Finkel, M.D.

Hometown: Spokane, Washington

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Hobbies: Weightlifting, cuddling with our dog, playing video games, and audiobooks and podcasts.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going on bike rides with the dog, getting up to the cities, trying out restaurants and breweries, and hosting our friend group in our new house for game or movie nights.

Why Mayo: I did medical school here and got to meet many of the amazing residents and consultants and saw how friendly and welcoming almost everyone is from janitors to surgeons. I also really appreciate how easy it is to live in and how affordable Rochester is. We would not have been able to afford a house at any other program I was considering, and likely would have had a longer commute as well. Everything in Rochester is literally less than 10 minutes away, and if you want the big city experience it’s easy to spend weekends up in the Cities or in Chicago.

Future plans: Undecided

Elijah Germo, M.D.

Hometown: Mapleton, Minnesota

Medical school: University of Minnesota

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, golfing, going to the lake, traveling, and attending sporting events (Go Gophers!). Being close to Minneapolis allows for easy access to a large airport for travel as well as the ability to attend professional sporting events, large concerts, etc.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: My wife and I live close to the Douglas Trail and try to use it as often as we can. It's always a blast to meet co-residents at events in Rochester such as Thursdays on First or Social Ice. We also enjoy exploring local coffee shops and breweries.

Why Mayo: Mayo residency offered the ability to train at a world-class hospital with rare and challenging cases as well as be taught by experts in the field. Our consultants are genuine, caring, and want the best for the residents. In the midst of excellent training and performing large cases, Mayo is still able to offer residents a great work-life balance. While exploring other residencies, Mayo stood out because it truly had it all.

Future plans: Likely general anesthesia, however, I look forward to exploring subspecialties in CA-2 year.

Jonte Jefferson, M.D.

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Medical school: Michigan State College of Human Medicine  

Hobbies: Fishing, cooking, weightlifting, and playing card games.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Enjoying the outdoors, checking out new restaurants nearby, and hanging out with my fiancee and daughter.

Why Mayo: One of the best hospitals in the world. Rich in resources, top-notch teaching, and a supportive work culture environment.

Future plans: General anesthesia or pain  

Christopher Marcellino, M.D.

Hometown: San Francisco, California

Medical school: Case Western Reserve University

Hobbies: Cycling, home remodeling, neurosurgery, and scuba diving.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying out new restaurants, cycling, and going to the Mystery Cave.

Why Mayo: Best training program(s) I could ask for.

Future plans: Critical care, neurosurgery, and anesthesia hybrid practice

Mariana Restrepo-Holguin, M.D.

Hometown: Medellin, Colombia

Medical school: Universidad CES

Hobbies:  Traveling, road biking, snowboarding, cooking, and plants.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Summer days by the pool with friends, walking and biking on the trails, and visiting the nearby wineries and breweries.

Why Mayo: Mayo felt like the place where I would be supported to see beyond and become far more than what I thought possible. The program offers each of its residents the opportunity to train with leaders in the field, in an innovative and inclusive environment with a sense of belonging. It allows residents to be successful in whichever career path they choose and provides resources that could not be found anywhere else.

Future Plans:  Regional anesthesia

Christopher Tipton, M.D.

Hometown:  Bowling Green, Missouri

Undergraduate: University of Missouri – Columbia

Medical school:  University of Missouri - Columbia

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, time with my kiddos, Xbox, and watching my Mizzou Tigers play on Saturday.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Taking my family to the local parks, Thursdays on First, fishing and hunting on public ground, and any excuse to use my pellet grill.

Why Mayo: I'm a non-traditional applicant. I worked as a flight paramedic on a helicopter for several years before going to medical school. With this experience, I wanted to challenge myself with high-acuity and complex cases at a world-renowned facility and to be trained by the experts in our field. What surprised me most about Mayo was the collegiality and approachability of the experts. Mayo really is a special place to train.

Future plans: Cardiothoracic versus critical care fellowship

Rachel Corbitt, M.D.

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Medical school: Medical College of Georgia

Hobbies: Watching anything Marvel, making cocktails (posting them to @theresidentmixologist on Instagram), listening to podcasts from NPR, and staying up-to-date on the latest Ben & Jerry’s and Oreo flavors.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Eating nachos at Forager Brewery, Thursdays On First during the summer (tacos and beer), Saturday Farmers Market (bread and butter pickles), potluck/game night with other residents, and taking a walk on the trail behind my apartment.

Why Mayo: Toward the end of the interviews, all the programs started to blur together, but Mayo stood out as having the best vibe for me—chill residents who got along and wanted to learn, and faculty who wanted to teach and give the best care to their patients. Despite being a big-name program, I feel so comfortable and supported here.

Future plans: Regional fellowship, then I plan to stay in Minnesota.

Timothy Evans, M.D.

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Medical school: Creighton University

Hobbies: Cycling, hiking, and reading.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking trails and Thursdays downtown.

Why Mayo: The ability to see unique and interesting cases that will promote my professional growth and skillset. The didactics and simulation training are unparalleled.

Future plans: General anesthesiology

Marc Granata, M.D.

Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Taking family trips, hunting, fishing, camping, watching and playing most sports, listening to all kinds of music, and just spending quality time with my wife, kids, and dogs.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying new restaurants with family and friends, checking out new bicycle paths with my wife, and practicing archery.

Why Mayo: After completing a one month visiting clinician observership at Mayo, I knew there was nowhere I would rather go for my additional residency training in anesthesiology. It was evident to me from very early on that Mayo is a unique and special place. There are many things that set Mayo apart, but perhaps most impressive to me are the unparalleled culture of caring and the collaborative approach to patient care that help earn it the designation of the number one hospital in the world year after year. Moreover, at Mayo, I'm honored to be surrounded every day by some of the most brilliant and talented clinicians in the world and to be receiving some of the best training in Anesthesiology anywhere!

Future plans: General anesthesiology

Lucas Heldt Manica, M.D.

Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil, and Honolulu, Hawaii

Medical school: University of Hawaii (JABSOM)

Hobbies: Aquascaping, caring for my two pet box turtles, planting trees, watching anime, doing outside activities, and doing home improvement projects.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: All-you-can-eat sushi at Ichi Tokyo, biking on the local trails, and stand-up paddle boarding at the local lakes.

Why Mayo: Once I interviewed at Mayo, I knew it would provide exceptional clinical training. There are many reasons that make Mayo an extraordinary place to train and work. For me, it was the focus on patient care where the patient's needs come first, the breadth and depth of clinical opportunities, and the people who I met on my interview day. Also, there are endless opportunities and support for personal and professional development.  

Future plans: Undecided, looking forward to subspecialty rotations during CA-2 year

Amira Joseph, M.D.

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Hobbies: Running, hiking, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Running and walking on the many bike paths, biking in Lanesboro, grabbing ice cream at Flapdoodles, hanging out at Newts (South location is the best location), cross country skiing and ice skating at Soldiers Field, and playing pickleball at Kutzky’s Park.

Why Mayo: Mayo provides the opportunity to participate in patient care with physicians who are experts in their field in a collaborative and welcoming environment. Rochester offers a small-town feel with the ability to take fun day trips to Minneapolis and nearby rural towns.

Future plans: General anesthesiologist in Minneapolis

Maryna Khromava, M.D.

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Medical school: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Hobbies: Photography, cooking, watching fantasy shows, biking, and board games.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Checking out new restaurants, grabbing cocktails at Bitter and Pour, biking Rochester’s nature trail, and going to listen to my significant other's amateur band (check out BabyFoot playing when visiting).

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic is a unique place. You feel like you're in the center of the medical world and patient care excellence. It's probably the only hospital where you can have it all – you will do anesthesia for level one traumas, transplant surgeries, cardiac surgeries, difficult OB cases, complex neurosurgeries, and regional cases. You'll be taught by the anesthesiologists who wrote your textbooks. At the same time, everyone is extremely nice and approachable.

Future plans: Cardiac fellowship

Genya Turgul, M.D., J.D.

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin

Hobbies: Road cycling, gardening, home lighting/automation, and occasionally tinkering with electronics.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Spending time with my family, taking my three small kids to Quarry Hill Park, Whitewater State Park, and the Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, going on long walks on the Douglass State Trail, patronizing Forager, Little Thistle, and other local breweries, and overall embracing the Minnesota Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.

Why Mayo: Outstanding institutional reputation, faculty and staff who are genuinely dedicated to resident education and care about trainee success, and most importantly happy residents. Mayo is a truly unique place with immense opportunities for medical training. Rochester is extremely livable and an ideal place to complete a residency.

Future plans: Currently undecided (pending completion of CA-2 subspecialty rotations)

Tyler West, M.D.

Hometown: Fenton, Michigan

Medical school: Ohio State University College of Medicine

Hobbies: Playing and watching soccer, fly fishing, skiing, video games, and watching movies.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Playing soccer and trying new restaurants.

Why Mayo: Mayo is one of the very few programs that have excellent clinical training in every anesthesia fellowship, especially at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Arizona and Florida available for away rotations. I knew I would be working with experts in each field of anesthesiology which would allow me to participate in high-impact research. The camaraderie between the anesthesia and surgical specialties is also excellent. Additionally, the work-life balance is great, which allows you to participate in activities outside of clinical duties such as your hobbies and research.

Future plans: Pain medicine fellowship

Ross Barman, D.O.

Hometown: Andover, Massachusetts

Undergraduate: Tufts University

Medical school: University of New England

Hobbies: Hiking with my dog Olive and wife Hannah, reading fiction, going on bike rides, traveling, and watching Tom Brady win Super Bowls.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Bike trails, playing golf at the many golf courses in town, and going out to eat with friends.

Why Mayo: Best hospital in the world, encourages teaching and research, inclusive and welcoming environment, and I enjoy coming to work every day.

Future plans: Pain medicine fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Benish Fatima, M.B.B.S.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Undergraduate: St. Lawrence College

Medical school: Liaquat National Medical College

Hobbies: Listening to songs, cooking Chinese food, and spending a lot of time with family and kids.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Walking with my kids in spring and doing outdoor activities with them. Also, I love going for a long drive with my husband and visiting Oxbow Park with family

Why Mayo: It’s a great place to work. We learn compassionate care, teamwork, and innovation in anesthesiology. At Mayo Clinic, the values and vision for patient care and enhancing each aspect of the trainee cannot be explained in words. I also wanted to be involved in research work and therefore I am living my dream here.

Future plans: Neuroanesthesia fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Matt Johnston, M.D.

Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota

Undergraduate: University of Minnesota

Medical school: University of Minnesota 

Hobbies: Coding, weightlifting, and cooking.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Walking through the oak savannah at Quarry Hill. Trips to the River Road dog park. Community garden plots.

Why Mayo: Ample resources, mentors, and funding for the full spectrum of extra-clinical pursuits (engineering lab for prototyping, software development resources). A world-class institution in a convenient and affordable place to live. High-value cases and minimal scut work; education-oriented program.

Future plans: Neuroanesthesia fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, focus on informatics

Ben Kor, M.D.

Hometown: St. Cloud, Minnesota

Undergraduate: St. John's University

Medical school: Creighton University

Hobbies: Golfing, traveling, breweries, watching football, and training my dog.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Little Thistle is a fun brewery to go to! Lots of golfing around the city.

Why Mayo: I did an externship here and everyone was incredible. The staff all wanted to help teach. The residents looked happy/not exhausted and you could tell how close-knit all the classes were. Getting to see such a variety of unique cases not seen elsewhere would greatly help in expanding clinical training.

Future plans: Cardiac or ICU

Victoria Liere, M.D.

Hometown: College Station, Texas

Undergraduate: Texas A&M University

Medical school: Texas A&M University

Hobbies: Cooking, playing tennis, and Peloton biking.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trails for walking/hiking, local breweries, and trying new restaurants.

Why Mayo: Mayo is the total package. You have world-class clinicals where your time is spent doing hard cases. The work-life balance is second to none. The people are genuine and want you to succeed just as much as you do. Mayo has a unique culture that makes training here truly a privilege.

Future plans: Cardiothoracic anesthesia fellowship, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas

Aleshia Magee, M.D.

Hometown: Booneville, Mississippi

Undergraduate: Baptist Health Sciences University

Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine 

Hobbies: Cooking, biking, reading, and playing board games.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Walking trails, Thursdays on First, brunch at local restaurants, and visiting playgrounds with my toddler.

Why Mayo: You can pursue excellent clinical training in a world-class hospital with a patient-focused, caring, and down-to-earth environment. After meeting the residents and faculty on my interview day, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Mayo culture and standard of care.

Future plans: Private practice in Tennessee

Mathias McCormick, M.D.

Hometown: Laramie, Wyoming

Undergraduate: University of Wyoming

Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine

Hobbies: Soccer, mountain biking, cycling, running, tennis, traveling, and water sports.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Kayaking and cycling near the Root River, visiting breweries, and playing sand volleyball.

Why Mayo: There are vast opportunities available to each resident with respect to unmatched clinical experience, strong mentorship, and research support. I wanted to surround myself with exceptional peers and faculty to shape me into a better clinician, all the while enjoying the benefits of a small-town and collegial atmosphere.

Future plans: Cardiac anesthesia fellowship, University of Washington, Seattle

Nathan Vinzant, M.D.

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Undergraduate: University of South Dakota

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Hobbies: Running, hiking, and breweries.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Frequenting the local breweries, Thursdays on First/Thursdays Downtown, bowling at Bowlocity, and going to Whitewater State Park.

Why Mayo: Mayo had by far the best training environment, work-life balance, and friendliest people of everywhere I interviewed. In addition to being outstanding clinically (especially with its emphasis on anesthetic management and not just being an in-room provider), excellent in research, and has an incredible network to find jobs or fellowships post-residency.

Future plans: Cardiac fellowship, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

Jared Warczytowa, M.D.

Hometown:  Mayville, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Medical school: University of Wisconsin

Hobbies: Gardening, fishing, archery, hunting, smoking meat, sausage making, cooking, exercising, and hanging out with my wife.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking/walking the trails, farmers market, and keeping up my community garden plot.

Why Mayo: I wanted a program that would allow me to be confident in all areas of practice without requiring fellowship training. I loved the professional but humble approach that the consultants offer here as well as the small-town feel of Rochester.

Future plans: Private practice in Wisconsin

Kelli Watson, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University

Medical school: Hofstra University

Hobbies: Plants, interior design, and any nature activities.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Kayaking, camping, live music events in the summer, and at various restaurants/breweries around town.

Why Mayo: I was pleasantly surprised to find that the number one hospital in the world was filled with some of the most compassionate, collaborative, yet humble clinicians I had ever encountered, and wanted nothing more than to be able to be a part of that.

Future Plans: Pediatric fellowship, University of Pittsburgh

Blake Weber, M.D., M.A.

Hometown: Baraboo, Wisconsin

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Medical school: University of Wisconsin

Hobbies: Cycling, making coffee, video games, vegetarian cooking, and family time.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring the bike trails, hiking at Quarry Hill/Chester Woods, and trying new restaurants/breweries.

Why Mayo: I knew Mayo would provide exceptional clinical, research, and educational opportunities to help me get the most out of residency and kick-start my career. The culture within the department stood out as being particularly supportive, friendly, and collaborative which is invaluable for a trainee. I also knew I would get plenty of time to enjoy life outside the hospital given the excellent work-life balance.

Future plans: Private practice in Wisconsin