Meet Our Fellows
The Breast Imaging Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, program draws fellows from across the U.S. and around the world. While all of our fellows have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Learn more about our current fellows.
Andrew Dakkak, M.D.
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Medical School: Florida Atlantic University COM
Residency: Advent Health Orlando
Why did you choose to specialize in breast imaging? Breast imaging is the culmination of all the great things the discipline of radiology can offer. It combines direct patient care, image guided interventional procedures, and diagnostic excellence when it comes to interpreting images. Additionally, I appreciate the multidisciplinary tumor boards and working closely with the mammography technologists as well as the sonographers. As an added benefit, seeing pink ribbons and cupcakes all of October (my birthday month) created a perfect match!
What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Mayo was an easy top choice during the application process for me for a few reasons. The first, being a preeminent cancer and referral center for the South, I knew I would get exposure to complex and challenging cases. That was a priority for me because gaining confidence in tough cases allows the rest of the cases to become more straightforward. Another draw from my end was being the sole fellow in the breast department. This sets up for a handful of benefits, it maximizes how much one-on-one teaching I can receive, allows for strong mentorship amongst the faculty members, and permitted me to take on responsibilities at an early stage.
What makes the breast imaging program unique? The breast imaging program is unique for a few reasons. One being that I am the only fellow, so I get the first opportunity to take part in as many of the responsibilities that are allocated for the breast service that day. There is never any confusion as to what tasks I can and cannot take part in, and this has been particularly helpful as I will be independent next year. Another aspect that is special here is the quality of the teaching from the fellowship trained attendings. The attendings here at Mayo are second to none and consistently take the extra time to make me get the most out of my educational experience.
What do you love about the program? Without a doubt the best part of the program has been the staff I get to work with. The whole department has been extremely educational and committed to teaching and helping me improve as a radiologist. The time they dedicate towards my learning is something I am so grateful for, and feel incredibly blessed they are all invested in my development in the last year of my training. An upbeat demeanor on a daily basis is present among the technologists, sonographers, and physicians is no surprise, after all breast imaging is the preeminent subspecialty!
What is it like for you to live in Jacksonville? For me, the hardest part of currently having to live in Jacksonville is being away from my wife and daughter. She is in the first year of her fellowship in Orlando, so I am trying to get back as often as I can and provide encouragement and support as best I can. Being a Florida native, I love the sunshine that comes with being in Jacksonville and spending time outside as often as I can.
What are your favorite things to do in Jacksonville? I have enjoyed going to the San Marco area and trying new local restaurants, Taverna being my favorite so far! Being a big golf fan, I cannot wait for March to attend the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Saint Augustine makes for a great weekend trip and really does an excellent job of Christmas decorations. Saturday farmer’s markets have become a staple of my Saturday routine along with weekly beach runs.
Wellness initiatives
As a trainee, your physical and mental health are priorities to Mayo Clinic and the department. Trainees have access to several resources to promote well-being, as well as time off clinical duties to attend appointments.
- Fitness centers
- Groups on campus
- Well-being
Fitness centers
Mayo Clinic residents or fellows can experience 24/7 free access to the Bill Hewitt Employee Wellness Center — opened in the summer of 2024 and spans 6,700 square feet with modern cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, a studio for live classes, and includes showers and locker rooms for convenience.
Additionally, residents or fellows at our three campuses get discounted membership fees to area gyms. In Jacksonville, Florida, residents and fellows can obtain an exclusive discount with the YMCA (several locations).
Groups on campus
Opportunities to join a variety of groups on campus provide regular social activities and can help enhance your training while connecting with a broad group of peers.
Trainees will have the opportunity to join a Mayo Employee Resource Group (MERG) at any time during their training program. Mayo Employee Resource Groups (MERGs) are employee-led affinity groups to promote belonging, increase cultural awareness, and foster an environment of respect and inclusivity. Any Mayo Clinic employee can join a group of interest and choose their level of involvement
Well-being
The Office of Academic Support and Well-Being provides resources to promote academic, emotional, social, cognitive, financial, and physical well-being. Career and academic services include academic advising, peer tutoring, and accommodations for learners with disabilities or health conditions. Mental health services, counseling, interview practice, and a variety of enrichment sessions on topics like budgeting, resiliency, and stress and burn-out are also available through the Academic Support and Well-Being office.
Mayo Fellows Association (MFA)
The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) offers a peer and social support network for residents and fellows and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The MFA also holds an annual resident and fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support.