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Meet Our Residents

Resident chiefs 2026-2027
2026-2027 Chief Residents

From the chief residents

Welcome to Mayo Clinic’s Emergency Medicine Residency!

As chief residents, we are excited to share why we love training in Rochester, Minnesota. At Mayo Clinic, the needs of the patient always come first, and the spirit of collegiality and camaraderie make coming to work a joy.

Our residents manage an incredible breadth of pathology, from the “bread and butter” of emergency medicine to highly complex cases. We run all emergency department airways, share trauma leadership and procedures with surgery, and participate in three cadaver-based labs each year focused on airway management, critical procedures, and extremity injuries.

Our program supports nearly any pursuit that helps residents achieve their goals as educators, community physicians, researchers, or future subspecialists. Residents hold national and regional leadership positions within ACEP, EMRA, and ABEM, and funding for research and conference travel is widely available through departmental and institutional grants. Each year, interns also have the opportunity to attend a national conference together for learning, mentorship, and bonding. Elective time allows residents to individualize their training with experiences at institutions such as  Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the Tuba City Navajo Reservation.

As a four-year program, we offer dedicated tracks in education, research, leadership, community practice, and subspecialty fellowships. Our graduates have gone on to launch residency programs, pursue fellowships in aerospace medicine, underseas and hyperbaric medicine, ultrasound, informatics, pediatric emergency medicine, critical care, EMS, toxicology, and sports medicine, join community practices, and teach at academic institutions across the country. Residents are paired early with mentors who help guide both personal and professional development throughout training.

Most importantly, our program feels like family. Faculty and staff know us as individuals and actively support our goals both inside and outside the hospital. Diversity, inclusion, and wellness are priorities, with institutional support for parenting, paid family leave, and lactation spaces. Outside of work, residents enjoy game nights, outdoor activities, and the welcoming Rochester community.

Mayo Clinic’s three shields of patient care, education, and research are reflected in every aspect of our training experience. We look forward to meeting you, learning about your goals, and sharing what makes Mayo Clinic such a special place to train.

Kylea Barnes, M.D.; Rebecca Falzon, M.D.; Obadi Obadi, M.D.; and Meaghan Sievers, M.D.
2026-2027 Emergency Medicine Residency Chief Residents

Our residents

Our residents come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Learn more about them and what they have to say about our program.

Class of 2027

Kylea T. Barnes, M.D.

Kylea Barnes, M.D.

Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University
Hobbies: Reading (mostly fantasy and thrillers), baking, plants, working out, scuba diving
Why Mayo: I wanted to find a place where I would not only learn a lot and have a high volume of patients, but also where I would feel like I was a part of a tight-knit community and actually wanted to be friends with my co-residents outside of work. Mayo IS the perfect blend of all of that. There is no question that Mayo has the best of the best to learn from. Bread and butter, trauma, super medically complex patients? Mayo has it all and a lot of it. From my interview day, I knew the people here care about each other and exude an environment that is fun, non-judgmental, and supportive.

Rosanna Chorro Bas, M.D.

Rosanna Chorro Bas, M.D.

Hometown: Xàbia, Alicante, Spain
Medical school: Universitat de Valencia
Hobbies: Animal rescue, developing medical simulators with my husband and brother, running, CrossFit, and home remodeling.
Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic for its excellence in education and collaborative culture. The infrastructure and resources available here are unparalleled, offering access to state-of-the-art technology and a wide variety of complex clinical cases, providing exceptional learning opportunities. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in innovative research projects and collaborate with leaders in the field was a significant motivation for me. The personalized attention to both professional and personal development has made Mayo Clinic feel like a second family to me.

Byrne B. Curl, M.D.

Byrne Curl, M.D.

Hometown: Bismarck, North Dakota
Medical school: University of North Dakota
Hobbies: Hockey, golf, road/mountain biking, camping, hunting/fishing, really anything outside!
Why Mayo: I did a visiting rotation here as a medical student and really loved the people and the work environment. I felt that I would get great training and be well prepared for my future endeavors in medicine.

Rebecca E. Falzon, M.D.

Rebecca Falzon, M.D.

Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan
Medical school: Central Michigan University
Hobbies: Traveling, exploring new cuisines, enjoying the outdoors (skiing, camping, hiking), playing the violin, spending time with my family and friends
Why Mayo: The faculty and support staff at Mayo are exceptional people who care about resident education and well-being. The curriculum focuses on fostering well-rounded clinicians who are skilled and prepared to work in any clinical environment.

Amanda J. Holm, M.D.

Amanda Holm, M.D.

Hometown: Pipestone, Minnesota
Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, camping, running, leatherworking, anything I can do outdoors with my family and dog
Why Mayo: Having grown up in rural Minnesota, Mayo Clinic was the place to go for the best care. While interviewing with Mayo, I found that this excellence extended into the emergency medicine residency as well. All of the residents were very knowledgeable, but more importantly, they all seemed genuinely happy. Mayo provides us the support to become competent emergency providers in a variety of settings, while also supporting our wellness and work-life balance. As someone who plans to return to a rural emergency department, the opportunity to work at the rural health system sites are also invaluable learning opportunities to understand care at single coverage, low resource emergency rooms.

Lisa M. Viltz, M.D.

Lisa King, M.D.

Hometown: San Diego, California
Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Hobbies: Rock climbing, travel, skiing, exercise, reading, baking, and most importantly, spending time with my partner, our dog, and our two cats. 
Why Mayo: When my mom was in college, she worked for a physician who trained at Mayo. I grew up hearing stories about how incredible Mayo Clinic is, and how it's at the forefront of medicine and research. Over the years, I've had family members, friends, and colleagues who have gone to Mayo in their times of need and had phenomenal experiences as patients at Mayo. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to train at a hospital that has had such a positive impact on countless lives, and I truly believe I'll receive the best training in the country here.

Obadi Obadi, M.D.

Obadi Obadi, M.D.

Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Atlanta, Georgia
Medical school: Medical College of Georgia
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling and exploring new countries, cultures, and cuisines (ask me about my most recent travel adventures the next time you see me). I also enjoy watching Judge Judy (Judy Justice)!
Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic is world-renowned for a reason, and the reasons became clear to me during my interview. Everyone at Mayo is deeply committed to the institution's vision and mission, which is evident not only in their treatment of patients but also in their interactions with each other. The motto "The needs of the patient come first" is not just a slogan on the website. It truly manifests in the day-to-day operations of the Mayo Clinic. It is no surprise that patients travel from all over the world to receive treatment here, which is particularly interesting to me as someone passionate about international medicine. The cherry on top was that everyone I met during my interview was genuinely nice and happy!

Sam Sayed, M.D.

Sam Sayed, M.D.

Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Medical school: Burnett School of Medicine TCU
Hobbies: Basketball, billiards, golf and spending time with my daughter, Sophie.
Why Mayo: I chose to do my residency at Mayo Clinic because of its reputation for excellence and innovation in patient care. The institution's emphasis on a high-performance, low-ego, and collaborative environment aligns perfectly with my professional values and aspirations. At Mayo, I can learn from world-class experts who prioritize teamwork and humility, ensuring the best outcomes for patients through a truly integrated and supportive approach.

Meaghan Sievers, M.D.

Meaghan Sievers, M.D.

Hometown: Gary, South Dakota
Medical school: University of South Dakota
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends and it's bonus points if it's at home on the lake! Taking care of my plant babies, anything outside in the sun (pretty sure I'm solar charged just like my plants), live music, skiing, watching NCAA gymnastics, celebrating anything and everything-especially my people, birthdays and Christmas
Why Mayo: Mayo was a household name for me growing up with several loved ones receiving their own medical care here. On the other end of things, I was able to see how Mayo not only gave patients and their families hope but did so with such compassion and heart which is ultimately what made all the difference. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that- to be able to have an impact like that. Having the opportunity to train here and learn from world-class physicians and educators is an incredible honor, and I am so looking forward to taking all that I learn here to benefit my future patients. Beyond that, Mayo has truly unlimited opportunities available to you as a trainee, and I am so excited to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as I can!

Class of 2029

Headshot of Adebisi Adeyeye, M.B.B.S.

Adebisi Adeyeye, M.B.B.S

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Medical school: University of Lagos, Nigeria
Hobbies: TV and film, game shows with a play of strategy, dance, holiday with friends and family
Professional interests: Global health, disaster medicine, medical education, resuscitation science, clinical research
Why Mayo: I chose to pursue emergency medicine training in the U.S. largely because of the disparities I witnessed during my medical training and practice back home. I was determined to find a program that not only supported my interests and long-term goal of advancing emergency care in Africa, but was also genuinely committed to helping me achieve them. During my interview at Mayo Clinic, I knew I had found that place. Hearing the program leadership speak with pride about their past trainees and their aspirations, including those from IMG backgrounds, was incredibly heartwarming. At Mayo Clinic, I know I will be trained to care for patients with excellence, humility, and compassion. And just as importantly, I get to do that alongside an incredible team of faculty, residents, and staff who make every day a privilege.

Headshot of Paul Amstutz, M.D.

Paul Amstutz, M.D.

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Hobbies: Anything outdoors, woodworking, running, evening walks with my wife
Professional interests: Global health, sepsis/infectious diseases, pre-hospital medicine, medical education
Why Mayo: I can't imagine a better place to train! Respect for patients, humble curiosity, and clinical excellence are not just apart of Mayo's mission but are practiced by everyone who works here. During the interview season, I realized that the physician I wanted to be was embodied by the faculty and residents at Mayo Clinic.

Headshot Rachel Bright, M.D.

Rachel Bright, M.D.

Hometown: Bixby, Oklahoma
Medical school: University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine
Hobbies: Hanging out with people I love, working out and playing sports (lifting, yoga, running, jiu-jitsu, volleyball... you name it), horseback riding, taking my rescue dog Lulu anywhere, doing anything outside, reading, learning new languages, and whatever temporary obsession I have (sourdough is slowly fading away, maybe I'll pick up gardening?)
Why Mayo: Hopefully I'm not the last bio so this isn't a super basic answer, but you guessed it... the people! Everyone here is unbelievably kind, and I knew that I would form great friendships, mentoring relationships, and be cared about as a person. Also, there's an opportunity to learn about the newest and best-of-the-best medicine, and I wanted to be a part of that.

Headshot of Kayla Compton, M.D.

Kalyn Compton, M.D.

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Hobbies: Exercise, reading (fantasy and romance), working around the house, putting healthy twists on meals and treats, educational podcasts, anything on a lake
Why Mayo: I had long heard great things about Mayo Clinic, and from my first interactions with the emergency medicine team, I saw why. Here, “the needs of the patient come first” isn’t just a motto — it’s a guiding principle. I was struck by the humility and warmth of the people I met and knew this was a place where I’d be challenged and supported to grow both professionally and personally. I was also drawn to the promise of strong clinical training — shaped by a dynamic curriculum, robust institutional resources, and faculty whose expertise and leadership in the field are matched by their investment in resident development. The alignment between Mayo’s values and my own — particularly its emphasis on clinical excellence and humanistic care — made it the ideal place for my training and I’m honored to be part of this program.

Headshot of Amanda Hill, M.D.

Amanda Hill, M.D.

Hometown: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Medical school: University of North Dakota
Hobbies: Soup season, fantasy football, hiking, orange cats, collecting brewery stickers, weightlifting, scheming up travel plans and hoping my husband approves them
Why Mayo: It was clear to me as a rotating medical student that the staff at Mayo are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. There is a unique variety of resources available here that will allow you to get an individualized residency experience, you can truly make it your own. Mayo is the best in the world for a reason. It is so exciting to get to learn from the very best in emergency medicine!

Headshot of Calvin Kienbacher, M.D

Calvin Kienbacher, M.D.

Hometown: Vienna, Austria
Medical school: Medical University of Vienna
Hobbies: Being outdoors with the dog, BBQ
Why Mayo: I highly appreciate the commitment of all Mayo employees to provide excellent care for our patients together as a team. Mayo offers its residents unique training perspectives in a world-renowned program. These opportunities include my area of focus, emergency medical services.

Headshot of Gideon Poku, M.B., Ch.B

Gideon Poku, M.B., Ch.B.

Hometown: Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana
Medical school: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Hobbies: Watching and playing sports (mostly soccer and NFL), long road trips with my wife, playing chess seasonally and whatever activity involves spending time with friends and family.
Professional interests: Global health, critical care
Why Mayo? Mayo was my first in-person interview, and it immediately felt personal. Shadowing in the emergency department with a resource resident, I saw firsthand the patient-centered teamwork, coordination, and the high-functioning, low-ego culture everyone talks about. What truly stood out was the consistent message: Mayo supports your goals, whatever they are. One thing I heard time and again was to make your aspirations known, and Mayo has the resources and network to help bring them to life. Now that I’m here, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Mayo continually surprises me in the best ways and I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. The support, resources, teamwork, and safety culture are exceptional. Every day reaffirms that I made the right choice. So why Mayo? Why not Mayo?

Headshot of Miguel Renteria, M.D.

Miguel Renteria, M.D.

Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Medical school: Texas Tech University HSC Foster School of Medicine
Hobbies: I love staying active and picking up new hobbies that keep life interesting — whether that’s flying planes, training for a triathlon, or learning a random skill just because it sounds fun. I spend a lot of time outdoors and rarely say no to a hike, run, or pick-up game, especially when it’s with good people. I also love to travel and experience new cultures, food, and perspectives.
Professional interests: Aerospace medicine, global health, ultrasound and undersea and hyperbaric medicine
Why Mayo: Mayo stood out to me from the start, not just because of its global reputation, but because of its deep commitment to excellence without ego. The collaborative, patient-centered culture aligns with how I want to practice medicine. I was especially drawn to the way residents are empowered here, with world-class resources, hands-on procedural training, and leadership development built in. Mayo isn't just a place to train, it’s a place to launch big ideas, work alongside people who inspire you, and an opportunity to become part of something bigger than yourself.

Headshot of Samantha Simpson, M.D.

Samantha Simpson, M.D.

Hometown: Argyle, Texas
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
Hobbies: I love anything crafty or nerdy! I like to crochet and embroider and I’m a pretty big reader (ask me for book recommendations). I am a HUGE Dungeons and Dragons fan and have run my own game for almost eight years now. I also try to grow a garden every year and end up in a one-way war with the local squirrels (next year I have a game plan though!).
Professional interests: Pediatrics, advocacy, street medicine
Why Mayo: I could go on and on, honestly! I loved being here from the very first minute I arrived on my interview day and I truly believe there is no other place in the world that is as supportive, as innovative, and as focused on constantly improving as Mayo is. We have what feels like endless opportunities here to learn, and do it all while focusing on the patient – there's a reason it's the number one hospital system in the world!

Class of 2030

Hanin Ali, M.D.

Hanin Ali, M.D.

Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Medical school:
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Hobbies:
Reading, any runs to Costco or Trader Joe’s, trying new sweet treats, pickleball, watching soccer (go Arsenal), new monthly crafts, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family 
Why Mayo:
I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for its patient-centered mission and culture where the needs of the patient truly come first. The collaborative environment across departments and access to leaders in the field who are humble and eager to teach made it the ideal place for me to grow. I also knew I would be cared for as a person and supported in becoming a physician who prioritizes the humanity of care.

Luke Alley, D.O.

Luke Alley, D.O.

Hometown: Maysville, Kentucky
Medical school:
Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Hobbies:
Playing with my two dogs, Onyx and Finnick, and going to the movies
Why Mayo: 
During my interview day, it checked all the boxes for me; super high acuity, medically complex, sick patients with incredible faculty and residents in a world-class emergency department. Basically, here at Mayo, the opportunities are endless.

Takuma Ishibashi, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Takuma Ishibashi, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Hometown: Yokohama, Japan
Medical school:
The University of Tokyo
Hobbies:
Camping, cycling, hiking, baseball, playing the cajon, making cocktails, and spending time with my wife
Why Mayo: 
Mayo is unique in that it is a world-class academic institution with a network of smaller hospitals across a wide geographic region. This gives us the opportunity to train longitudinally, starting in the intern year, in a great mix of academic and community emergency medicine: an environment that aligns perfectly with my interests in aerospace, EMS, and wilderness medicine.During my interview and subsequent shadow shift, I immediately understood that the motto, “The needs of the patient come first,” is not just a phrase on the wall. Every provider and employee I encountered seemed to genuinely embody that core value and take pride and joy in putting it into practice. Through my conversations with program leadership during the interview, it was also very clear that decisions about the residency — including the transition to a four-year program and expansion of the residency class — are made intentionally with the goal of improving resident education and training. Finally, I was genuinely impressed by the low-ego culture, at the individual, departmental and institutional level, and the commitment to continuously improving all three Mayo shields: clinical practice, education, and research.

Paige Woldt Leach, M.D.

Paige Woldt Leach, M.D.

Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota
Medical school: 
Creighton University School of Medicine
Hobbies:
Reading and listening to audiobooks (romance, fantasy, thrillers, etc!), spending time with my people, doing anything with my dog, Enzo, working out, making the perfect playlist, trying out new hobbies (currently loving learning how to embroider)
Why Mayo: 
Growing up in Minnesota, I always heard Mayo Clinic described as the place people go for the best care, so training here was always the ultimate dream. What stood out to me during my interview, and continues to stand out every day, is how deeply everyone cares, not only about providing exceptional care to patients, but also about teaching and helping one another succeed. I left my interview day knowing that training here would give me the opportunity to become the emergency medicine physician I aspire to be, while also allowing me to tailor my training to my own interests and passions. I feel so lucky to learn from the incredible physicians and educators here at Mayo!

Eduardo Saadi Neto, M.D.

Eduardo Saadi Neto, M.D.

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cochabamba, Bolivia
Medical school: Universidad Privada del Valle
Hobbies: Going to the movies, reading, and all types of sports
Why Mayo: Since my first interaction with Mayo, I knew that I wanted to be part of it. The values deeply resonated with me, and there is no other place I would rather be to take care of patients and advance my career to the next level.

Aiman Shafiq, M.D.

Aiman Shafiq, M.D.

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Medical school: University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health
Hobbies: Traveling, K-dramas, reading, hiking, trying new foods, spending time with friends and family
Why Mayo: The diversity of providers and patients, cutting edge tech and research, family-oriented program that is highly supportive of its resident doctors! 

Waqas Syed, M.D.

Waqas Syed, M.D.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Medical school: Aga Khan University
Hobbies: Competitive video gaming, along with hiking, and traveling to different wonders across globe
Why Mayo: Everyone including the residents, administrators and faculty had the humblest personalities along with world class competency. This culture of excellence and respect within the program really drew me towards it and is something I've grown to appreciate even more while being here.

Malia Szyman, M.D.

Malia Szyman, M.D.

Hometown: Westlake Village, California
Medical school: Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
Hobbies: Running, scuba diving, reading, traveling, my kittens
Why Mayo: The culture of resident wellness!

Mikhail Voskanov, M.D.

Mikhail Voskanov, M.D.

Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Medical school: 
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Hobbies:
Wood whittling, gardening, birdwatching, astronomy and space, spending time in nature, LEGO, travel, and DIY projects
Why Mayo:
Mayo Clinic is a rare place where patient care, education, and research truly intersect, giving physicians the chance to grow from every angle. I want to train among people who are deeply passionate about what they do and to learn from some of the best physicians across specialties. The caliber of training at Mayo is exceptional and inspiring, motivating you to grow as a physician every day.

Micaylen Wolf, M.D.

Micaylen Wolf, M.D.

Hometown: Harrisburg, Illinois
Medical school: 
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies:
Reading thriller and fantasy novels, watching true crime documentaries, attending concerts (anyone from Noah Kahan to Foreigner), attending Orange Theory classes, being a cat mom, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends (including my wonderful co-interns!)
Why Mayo: I chose Mayo for so many reasons! During application season, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the kind of emergency medicine physician I wanted to become. I knew I wanted to leave residency with not only a strong foundation of clinical knowledge, but also the skills and confidence to evaluate, stabilize, and treat any patient I might encounter. From simple acute injuries to life-threatening trauma, common illnesses to the most medically complex patients, I want to feel prepared to care for anyone who walks through the emergency department doors. Mayo’s unique training environment, with experience at both high-acuity academic centers and community health sites, provides the variety and intensity of training needed to achieve that goal. I also wanted to train at a program that truly lives by a mission I deeply share: the needs of the patient come first. During my away rotation here, I also immediately felt at home with the residents and faculty. I felt supported, welcomed, and genuinely excited about the possibility of becoming part of the Mayo family.