The Cytopathology Fellowship draws 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 fellow and learn about their experience in the program.

Alaa Hrizat, M.D.

Medical school: Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Background: I am originally from Palestine. I completed my medical degree at Al-Quds University and residency training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. I am currently a Cytopathology fellow at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. My interests include cytomorphology, digital pathology, and global pathology education.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic for its high case volume, diagnostic complexity, and advanced digital pathology resources. The interview process was welcoming and well-organized, reflecting the program’s commitment to education and mentorship. Mayo’s reputation as a leading tertiary referral center aligned closely with my goals to develop diagnostic confidence and gain exposure to complex cases in a supportive environment.

Brittney Thiele, M.D.

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Thiele grew up in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. She received her medical degree from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona and is concurrently completing an AP/CP residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She is thrilled to be joining the Cytopathology team as a fellow this year! Her research and academic interests include pulmonary neoplasia, process improvement for pulmonary cytology molecular testing, digital pathology innovation, and medical student education.  Outside of work, she can be found performing in local community theatre productions, visiting aquarium stores with her husband to expand their ever-growing collection of fish, or reading a book while cuddling her dog, Misty. 

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I was drawn to the Cytopathology fellowship at Mayo Clinic for numerous reasons, including the excellent teaching by consultants, the opportunity to regularly practice cytologic-histologic correlation by signing out core needle biopsies corresponding to FNA smears, and the patient-centered culture of Mayo Clinic.

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.