The Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship program fosters a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Fellows have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family statuses, and professional and personal interests. Learn more about our fellows.

Michael Corso, D.O.

Hometown: Naples, FL 
Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS 
Residency: Aultman/CCF-Mercy/NEOMED Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program, Canton, OH

Why did you choose to specialize in cardiothoracic imaging? My interest in cardiothoracic imaging began early in residency. Being assigned to chest plain films for the entire first rotation was repetitive and outright boring to many residents; however, I did not feel this way, and was privileged to read a high volume of diverse cardiothoracic imaging studies throughout residency, all of which I enjoyed. The more I learned about the cardiopulmonary system, the more it intrigued me, starting in medical school and to this day. Pursuing a subspecialty in cardiothoracic imaging allows me to practice in my area of greatest interest, and in a field growing in patient/study volume and technological advancement.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Having the opportunity to train at Mayo Clinic is a privilege I am grateful for. We get exposure to a wide array pathology and work cohesively with other very subspecialized professionals diagnosing and treating the most complex of cases using state of the art techniques and methods, including a sizeable number of heart and lung transplant cases. Beyond this, our attendings and other staff make coming to work every day enjoyable, as they have created a collegial environment that allows trainees to learn and thrive. We also get experience presenting and participating in several multidisciplinary conferences, from which I learn something new each week.

What makes the cardiothoracic imaging program unique? Among many things, Mayo Clinic has a robust and growing heart and lung transplant program, sees a high volume of rare interstitial lung disease patients, and our division works with other subspecialists very cohesively. We also participate in joint read-out sessions with cardiology daily, which has given me great insight into how referring clinicians think and helps me understand what they are looking for. This not only provides the trainee with a more comprehensive understanding of the workup and management of cardiac conditions but also helps guide my practice in a way that is most beneficial for the ordering provider, and ultimately the patient.

What do you love about the program? The people. The staff in the cardiothoracic imaging section are very easy to work with and have me looking forward to coming to work every day. Beyond this, our imagers are distinguished leaders in the field, so being able to train under and learn from them is a great privilege. The program also offers flexibility regarding rotation breakdown and electives, allowing the trainees to tailor their experience in a way that suits their own unique professional goals.

What is it like for you to live in Jacksonville? I’ve been to Jacksonville several times before moving here for fellowship and have always liked the city. You can’t beat the weather. I have a five-minute drive to work and a ten-minute drive to the beach, a convenience I never could’ve imagined. Jacksonville is a large city, but very compartmentalized so you don’t need to travel far to enjoy what it has to offer.

What are your favorite things to do in Jacksonville? I like going to the beach, something I try to do at least once per week. I also enjoy walking in the local parks and preserves, several of which are very close to my house and Mayo Clinic.

Fellow life in Jacksonville, Florida

Outings

Well-being