The Clinical Microbiology Postgraduate Fellowships draw trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. While all our trainees have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Meet our current fellows and learn about their experiences in the program.

Clinical Microbiology ACGME fellow

David Sadegh, M.D.

2025-2026
Medical school: Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
Residency: Barnes-Jewish at Washington University, St. Louis, MO

Background: Dr. David Sadegh was born in New Jersey and is a graduate of Cornell University. Prior to medical school, he worked as a public health advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supporting tuberculosis control in New York City. He obtained his medical degree at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology was completed at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, running, climbing, archery, and poetry.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic for my fellowship program because it is incredible to train at an institution where the primary value, "the needs of the patient come first", resonates so deeply within the history, structure, and community that it clearly and continually drives patient care forward. My prior interactions with the clinical microbiology consultants, trainees, and staff have confirmed that, and it is a privilege to learn from some of the leading experts in the world at a reference laboratory that constantly innovates. I am thankful to my mentors in microbiology during residency training for encouraging me to apply for this fellowship, based on their own experiences working with the consultants here and even training in this fellowship program.

Clinical Microbiology CPEP fellows

Emily Puumala, Ph.D.

Second year fellow
Graduate school: University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What drew you to the program? The Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic has an extraordinarily comprehensive state-of-the-art testing portfolio. The dual in-house hospital practice and reference lab serviced by the division gives fellows exposure to diagnostic methods for a wide breadth of pathogens, both prevalent and very rare. I am confident that my fellowship will equip me to effectively face real-world challenges associated with the evolving global landscape of infectious disease.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? I am looking forward to working on new test development projects in the clinical lab and engaging in applied research. I also can't wait to work with and learn from the fantastic team of Clinical Microbiology lab directors, all of whom are leaders in their fields!

Christina Cox, Ph.D.

First year fellow
Graduate school: University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH

Background: Dr. Christina Cox is originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati, OH. Over the years she has had the opportunity to live in several cities, including Indianapolis, IN, Morgantown, WV and Nashville, TN. Outside of work, she is an avid reader. She is passionate about teaching yoga, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. Professionally, she enjoys learning about all areas of the clinical laboratory.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose the Mayo Clinic for my clinical microbiology fellowship because it stood out among all other programs. As a large medical facility and a reference laboratory for hospitals nationwide, the Mayo Clinic offers numerous learning opportunities that will support my professional growth. Completing my fellowship here will also give me the chance to learn from some of the most respected experts in the clinical microbiology community. The consultants who oversee the fellowship have spent years refining their expertise, publishing book chapters, and conducting impactful research. This fellowship represents a valuable opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge and become more actively engaged in the microbiology community.

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.