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.
Michael Villalba, D.O.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Why did you choose to specialize in breast imaging? Breast imaging initially intrigued me through its unique combination of imaging modalities for both screening and diagnostic purposes. As I furthered my knowledge and understanding of the field, my appreciation grew for the many opportunities for direct patient care through counseling patients and performing various procedures.
What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Mayo Clinic is globally renowned not only for its exceptional patient care but also for its strong emphasis on research and education. The patient-centered care model prioritizes multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs are met. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for research involvement as well as mentorship for medical students and residents that are rotating with the department.
What makes the breast imaging program unique? Mayo Clinic attracts patients from all around the world for their care which provides an abundance of unique pathology that might not be seen elsewhere. This program relies heavily on MRI for screening and problem-solving purposes, allowing ample opportunities for fellows to become familiar with this challenging modality. The attendings encourage increasing autonomy as the year proceeds, helping a fellow to begin their career equipped to handle complex cases with expertise.
What do you love about the program? I truly enjoy the time I spend getting to know the people I work with each day. The attending radiologists are leaders in the field and never hesitate to share their knowledge gained through many years of experience. The staff, including technologists, nurses, and assistants, immediately welcomed me to the department and eagerly share their own insights. It is a true pleasure to come to work each day knowing I am surrounded by people that are genuinely invested in my growth and future success as a breast radiologist.
What is it like for you to live in Jacksonville? My wife and I have loved our time here in Jacksonville. We started our family here during residency and plan to make Jacksonville a permanent home after fellowship. Jacksonville always offers something throughout the city, including entertainment, sports, or outdoors activities. There is plenty to explore outside of Jacksonville as well, including a short drive to Disney World, Cape Canaveral to watch a rocket launch, or to explore nearby historic cities like St. Augustine or Savannah.
What are your favorite things to do in Jacksonville? Most of our time is spent at the beach which can be enjoyed year-round, but you may want to avoid swimming in the winter months. We enjoy going out to nearby restaurants we have come to love as well as trying out new places around town. Aside from the usual afternoon thunderstorms during the summer, the weather is usually nice enough to find something to do outdoors, including hiking, playing sports, or just enjoying the fire pit in our backyard.
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. Current MERGs on the Florida campus include groups based on African, Asian, and Latino heritage as well as groups focused on veterans, global health volunteering, professional development, family resources and events, and LGBTI and differently-abled staff and allies.
Well-being
The Student Services office 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 Student Services 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.