Jennifer Coias, M.D.
Class of 2024

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your dermatology training?

Initially, I desired to train in a place where I would have access to a diverse patient population with a full spectrum of dermatology conditions from the very rare to the very common. During my interviews, it was apparent that Mayo had that and much more to offer! Our robust institution enables us to provide patients with high-quality care that leverages a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration and prioritizes the needs of our patients. Many years ago, when I set out to become a doctor, this was exactly how I envisioned caring for people and I am honored to be a part of this legacy.

Describe the work/life balance in this program.

Our program is exceptionally sensitive to the importance of work/life balance during training. They take our feedback very seriously and make changes in a timely fashion based on our feedback. During my first year, residents were concerned about commuting between the continuity clinic and our downtown location during the lunch hour. Our program completely revamped the continuity clinic schedule to eliminate any commuting between locations during the day. Residents are continually encouraged to communicate openly about our experience in an effort to optimize the training environment and we have regularly scheduled time set aside for this purpose. Our responsive leadership team is committed to wellness and promoting a healthy work/life balance for a diverse group of residents with unique needs and challenges.

What is it like to live in Rochester, Minnesota?

Rochester is among the smaller cities in which I have lived, but I find it to be extremely vibrant and diverse for its size. I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of social groups, community activities, recreational venues, and culinary options this city has to offer. There is no shortage of activities and events throughout the year, but it's also a great place to raise a family and enjoy quiet moments. The city allows you to be as busy as you want to be while making it easy to settle in and relax. These attributes, paired with the light traffic, abundant parking, reasonable pricing, and general ease of navigating around the city, make Rochester a wonderful place to live.

Nasro Isaq, M.D.
Class of 2024

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your determatology training?

The program was well-rounded and offered comprehensive training as it had a strong focus on every aspect of dermatology. There were numerous dermatology subspecialty clinics with exposure to medical and surgical dermatology. In addition, there was a variety of mentors within the fields of medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and dermatopathology. The program was unique that it offered graduated autonomy which allowed residents to gain more autonomy as they advanced their training level. Finally, I also felt that the program was supportive, and the environment was very collegial and family-friendly.

What is your favorite thing about being a dermatology resident at Mayo Clinic?

I love that I get to focus on learning every day and improving my skills and knowledge so that I can provide the best care to my patients. Our faculty are some of the smartest and kindest people I have ever met; they're always excited and willing to teach residents which empowers us to be curious and ask questions. Additionally, residents get along well, we're friends and like being around each other. This makes residency enjoyable.

How is Mayo helping you reach your career goals?

We're encouraged to pursue our passion for dermatology without judgment at the start of our residency. Our faculty are so supportive of any avenue we take. There are abundant resources to help us pursue our career goals, from research to mentorship. If there is something you want to pursue, you can easily become involved and even if that “something” is not available at Mayo, our department is so supportive in finding you one.

Reese Imhof, M.D.
Class of 2025

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your dermatology training?

I was fortunate to attend medical school at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. From my experiences in medical school, I knew that if given the opportunity I would be thrilled to stay at Mayo for the rest of my training. Ever since I first came to Mayo as an interviewing medical student, I have been completely blown away by this place and that feeling has only strengthened over time. The outstanding clinical education, the privilege to learn from brilliant leaders in the field, incredible facilities and technology, and the endless opportunities to be part of exciting research and innovation are all attractive qualities of training at Mayo. However, the most important quality — what I love most about Mayo and what makes this place so special — is the focus on humanistic, patient-centered care. The needs of the patient come first is not just a slogan; it's a core value and I have been constantly inspired by the humble and selfless dedication of folks here who go above and beyond to provide the best care possible to patients.

What is your favorite thing about being a dermatology resident at Mayo Clinic?

The people I get to work with! Everyone in our program and the department is wonderful and I am energized and inspired by them every day.

Describe the work/life balance in this program.

We have excellent work/life balance. This was very important to me in choosing a residency program as I have young children, and having time for my family is very important to me. I strongly feel that as providers, we need to take care of ourselves in order to provide the best possible care to patients. This is a shared value as our program works to maintain work/life balance and prevent burnout.   

How is Mayo Clinic helping you reach your career goals? 

The mentorship I have received at Mayo has been incredible. I have felt completely supported in pursuing my specific interests in dermatology. Whatever your interest may be in dermatology, Mayo provides all the support and resources you could need. We have a large department, and it has been very easy to find mentors within my areas of interest who always have an open door and are excited to discuss career goals, share advice, and involve me in projects.

What is it like to live in Rochester, Minnesota?

Coming from New York there was an initial adjustment period as I had never lived in the Midwest, and I used to think I would always want to live in a large city. That has certainly changed as I love Rochester and have been very happy to live here for medical school, internship, and now residency. Rochester is a wonderful mid-size city. There is a sense of community here that I love. My neighbors are so kind and do things completely unexpectedly such as randomly mowing my lawn during the warm seasons or snowplowing my driveway in the winter, leaving food at our door, and handing down toys for my kids. "Minnesota nice" is a real thing! Rochester is also much more affordable than other places I have lived. There are plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops (with more popping up all the time), as well as beautiful trails, parks, and nature.

Is there anything that surprised you about Rochester?

I was pleasantly surprised that Rochester is much more diverse than I expected. As a lifelong New Yorker that was important to me, particularly raising my children to be in a diverse and welcoming community. Also, the winter is really not so bad, you get used to it!

Michael Zhang, M.D.
Class of 2025

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your dermatology training?

I chose Mayo Clinic for its emphasis on patient care and its track record of producing high-impact research. Being able to see bread and butter pathologies in addition to the once-in-a-lifetime diseases is a privilege that we have at Mayo Clinic. Also, I wanted to train with world-renowned leaders in the field who are changing the field of dermatology.

What is your favorite thing about being a dermatology resident at Mayo Clinic?

So far it's been my amazing co-residents and faculty. They've done an amazing job at sculpting a kind, talented, fun, and diverse cohort of residents. Additionally, all of the faculty are incredibly supportive teachers and are so approachable with any questions that we may have.

Describe the work/life balance in this program.

Work/life balance in the program has been phenomenal. I've always been able to finish my work before leaving the hospital or clinic. I think the level of work and expectations are very reasonable, and I haven't had to sacrifice my own wellness to complete it. We have one of the largest residency programs in the country, which allows calls to be split up among more residents.

What is it like to live in Rochester, Minnesota?

Rochester has been a beautiful place to live thus far (check back with me in the winter!). It has terrific restaurants, outdoor walking/biking trails, and events such as Thursdays Downtown or the Farmers Market. I also love that there is no traffic and that I can get to any place in 10 minutes or less.