Fellows in the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, come from around the U.S. and across the world. While all of 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.

Veronica Icaza Galindo, M.D.

Hometown: Apizaco, Tlaxala, Mexico
Hobbies: Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla;

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for its strong clinical training, collaborative culture, and commitment to patient centered care.

Is there anything that surprised you about Mayo Clinic? What surprised me most was how approachable and supportive everyone is.

What do you love most about training at Mayo Clinic? What I love most is the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that consistently prioritizes excellence and teamwork.

Is there anything that surprised you about Jacksonville? Although I haven’t been in Jacksonville for very long, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how close I get to live from the beach, how welcoming people are, and how diverse and delicious the food scene is.

What is living in Jacksonville like for you? Living here has been very enjoyable, and my favorite thing to do is spend time near the water and explore the many great restaurants around the city.

What do you love most about this program? What I love most about this program is that they truly care about your growth as both a doctor and a person. The faculty are approachable, communicative, and genuinely invested in making sure you have academic time and support. They are also very understanding, and that balance of strong training and personal support is what makes the program stand out to me.

What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy staying active outdoors, whether that means water sports or mountain adventures. I also enjoy board games, dancing, traveling, and, most importantly, spending quality time with friends and family.

What does your future look like after competing this program? After completing this program, I hope to continue in academic medicine, as I enjoy teaching and value the opportunity to stay current in the field.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? While I am still exploring my long-term path, I can also see myself incorporating sleep medicine, as it has been a strong personal interest.

Deepak Rajendran Nair, M.B.B.S.

Hometown: Kozhikode, India
Medical school: Armed Forces Medical College, India

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Mayo Clinic's reputation for excellence is well deserved.

What do you love most about training at Mayo Clinic? What stood out to me after joining was the culture of high standards, where people at every level are committed to doing their best for patients and to continuously improving their practice. After a demanding day in the ICU, it is refreshing to take a walk through the atrium and listen to a live piano or clarinet performance. The integration of classical music on campus reflects Mayo Clinic's thoughtful approach to healing—not only for patients, but also for the well-being of everyone who works and trains here.

Is there anything about Jacksonville that surprised you? Having grown up in Dubai and the tropical coastline of India, Jacksonville's warm, coastal climate feels like home!

What is your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville? So far, my favorite thing to do in Jacksonville is an early morning run by the beach to catch the sunrise.

What makes this program unique? I feel what makes this program unique is the perfect blend of high clinical complexity with progressive trust in fellow autonomy. The attendings are always eager to teach and refine a trainee’s clinical decision-making process. Additionally, the emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect creates an environment where learning flourishes.

What does your future look like after completing this program? After completing my fellowship, I see myself as an omni-intensivist ready to tackle the full spectrum and evolving complexities of Critical Care Medicine.

Do you have any hobbies? Outside of the hospital, I enjoy weightlifting, long runs along the beach, and exploring new cuisines through experiments in my kitchen.

Harith Ghnaima, M.B., Ch.B.

Hometown: Baghdad-Iraq/Toronto-Canada
Medical school: University of Baghdad - College of Medicine
Outside interests/hobbies: When I'm not saving lives, you'll likely find me in the kitchen whipping a delicious meal or exploring new wines. I have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoy staying active year-round—whether it's snowboarding, hiking in the spring, playing soccer in the summer, or simply relaxing by the water. I like DIY projects and love building things from the ground up. I'm also a devoted admirer of great art and creativity.

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? There was something truly unique about my interview experience here—it was an exceptionally welcoming environment from the very beginning. The hospital is not only state-of-the-art but also visually stunning. What impressed me most was how friendly and approachable the attendings were, creating a sense of support and collegiality. The fellowship program offers everything I’m looking for: extensive hands-on experience, genuine autonomy, and comprehensive exposure to a variety of intensive care settings, including the MICU, CVICU, NICU, and transplant ICU.

What is living in Jacksonville like for you? Jacksonville has balance suburban life, great food scene (especially if you like seafood!), beautiful beaches and great diverse population!

What makes this program unique? What makes this program truly unique is the balance between a high level of autonomy and a supportive, collaborative environment. The attendings are not only approachable and invested in teaching but also genuinely committed to helping fellows grow into confident, independent clinicians. One of the aspects I appreciate most is how accommodating the program is to each fellow’s individual career goals, whether in academic medicine, advanced subspecialty training, or clinical practice. I was pleasantly surprised by the flexibility in selecting electives tailored to my specific interests and long-term objectives. Additionally, the program promotes a great work-life balance, which has been essential in maintaining both personal well-being and professional development throughout fellowship.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Outside of medicine, I enjoy staying active and creatively engaged. I have a background in the culinary world and previously pursued a career in cooking, which remains a strong passion of mine. I continue to enjoy developing recipes that are both visually appealing and thoughtfully crafted. I'm also a wine enthusiast, particularly interested in old-world wines and the science and craftsmanship behind winemaking. Staying physically active is important to me as well; I enjoy hiking, playing soccer, snowboarding, and working out. I also enjoy taking on different DIY projects in my spare time.

Looking ahead, after completing this program, I envision a career in academic critical care medicine with a focus on cardiac and transplant ICUs, where I can integrate high-level clinical care with teaching, research, and leadership. In 10 years, I hope to be in a position where I’m not only making meaningful contributions at the bedside but also mentoring future intensivists and helping shape the direction of critical care practice in an academic setting.

Katherine Quiza, M.D.

Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
Medical school: Medical University of Lodz
Outside interests/hobbies: Rock climbing, hiking, spending time with family and friends

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for its outstanding reputation in patient care, education, and research, along with its multidisciplinary approach and access to complex cases and advanced resources. What stood out to me most was the humility and approachability of the faculty, the supportive, collegial environment, and the strong emphasis on technology in training. I value the opportunity to work alongside dedicated experts, customize my learning through hands-on clinical experience and research, and contribute to a collaborative, patient-centered team.

What most interests you about living in Jacksonville? I’m looking forward to exploring Jacksonville especially exploring the local food scene, spending time at the beaches, and enjoying the beautiful parks and nature trails throughout the area.

What makes this program unique? What makes this program unique is its renowned clinical excellence, strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to a diverse patient population with complex cases.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Outside of medicine, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends.