Sophie Barnwell, M.B., Ch.B.

Hometown: Leicester, United Kingdom

Medical school: Keele University School of Medicine, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Favorite movie: Elf

Interests: Amateur home renovation, making/eating pizza, traveling, trying new restaurants

Why Mayo? I was excited for the emphasis on high-quality education and the ability to connect with world leaders in any specialty you’re interested in.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be a mix of outpatient and lifestyle medicine.

Trent Davis, M.D.

Hometown: Cedar Bluff, VA

Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

Favorite movie: Forrest Gump

Interests: Surfing, weightlifting, golfing, playing pickleball, cooking, traveling, going on walks with my wife and our dog

Why Mayo? To me, Mayo clinic felt like the place where I would get the best possible training in family medicine, while still getting to enjoy my life outside of work. People come from all over the country to be treated at Mayo Clinic, so we get to see some extremely complex patients. There is also an astounding number of resources that Mayo Clinic has to offer for their learners, which is great. The faculty and staff are extremely kind and ready to teach every single day. Lastly, my wife and I love being able to live by the beach!

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be clinic-based, but as broad-spectrum family medicine as possible. I love getting to see a little bit of everything in medicine.

Jeremy Denenberg, D.O.

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, SC

Favorite movie: Into The Wild

Interests: Hiking, backpacking, disc golf, tennis, spending time with my wife and dog, cooking, gardening, personal finance, ancestral living, regenerative agriculture

Why Mayo? While interviewing, I was immediately impressed by the friendliness of the residents and faculty. The dedication to education and cutting-edge clinical practice was also attractive to me. Not to mention the beautiful Mayo campus and access to so many unique educational resources.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be starting a direct primary care practice with a focus on metabolic health and health optimization, combining philosophies of traditional, integrative, and functional medicine.

Franciela Golden, D.O., M.S.

Hometown: Caxias do Sul, Brazil

Medical school: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meridian, ID

Favorite movie: The Devil Wears Prada

Interests: Reading, cooking, biking, spending time with my family, going to the movies, all-things-Disney

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic has an incomparable culture of empowerment, respect and inclusion that inspires me to focus on the care of our patients, while continuing to learn from a supportive and innovative environment.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would include academic medicine, teaching, and outpatient clinic with diverse and underserved population.

Christina Hanos, M.D.

Hometown: New City, NY

Medical school: Albany Medical College, Albany, NY

Favorite movie: Show - The Office (who has time for movies in residency??)

Interests: Spending time with my wonderful husband and family, enjoying the outdoors, all things animals, ice cream (of course!)

Why Mayo? On interview day, I was blown away by the genuine, down to earth personalities I was faced with, together with their candor and passion for family medicine and serving their community. To this day, the positive attitudes I initially met have shown true and have left me incredibly grateful for my colleagues during the challenging time of residency. Additionally, our program leadership has demonstrated adaptability and support of residents in various ways, allowing us to broaden our goals and aspirations and ultimately, accomplish them. Finally, Mayo Clinic’s dedication to patient care, education, and research is something I have found invaluable to my development as a physician.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be caring for a diverse array of patients and pathology in the clinic or emergency room setting with a focus on pediatrics, mental health, procedures, and preventative medicine both in and out of the hospital.

Blake Hodges, D.O.

Hometown: Snohomish, WA

Medical school: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa, AZ

Favorite movie: Indiana Jones I and III

Interests: Sports (especially basketball), fitness, TV shows, chocolate, paddle boarding

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic offers a broad, multidisciplinary foundation of family medicine exposure, while simultaneously allowing the flexibility to pursue individual interests. Lectures are often provided by leaders in their respective fields. Additionally, the program has a positive culture in which faculty are approachable and residents truly support one another!

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be providing quality, compassionate care to patients within my community on an outpatient basis, with an emphasis on sports medicine.

Tyler Janitz, D.O.

Hometown: Modesto, CA

Medical school: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Favorite movie: The Longest Yard

Interests: Spending time with family, all things sports, relaxing at the beach, real estate, frozen yogurt

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic's world class prioritization of always putting the needs of the patient first always, the institutional standard of approaching patients with empathy while working to instill hope through clinical practice, the opportunity learn from some of the best physicians and educators in the nation, and the immaculate vibes of faculty and co-residents.

Ideal practice: Family Medicine clinic, Sports Medicine Clinic with Event and Team Coverage, Academic Medicine Teaching Students/Residents and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.

Luke Lowell, M.D.

Hometown: Pebble Beach, CA

Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

Favorite movie: The Usual Suspects

Interests: Sports - love playing basketball, golf, tennis currently, and enjoy going to the beach for walks or a swim in warm water

Why Mayo? Amazing teamwork culture. Beautiful campus with excellent resources and near the beach!

Ideal practice: To be determined.

Ruth Obayemi, M.D.

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Medical school: Windsor University School of Medicine, St. Kitts

Favorite movie: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Interests: Creative writing, Cooking, Outdoor Running

Why Mayo? As an institution, Mayo has maintained a reputation as a paragon of excellence in healthcare for over a century and I knew that training in this strong culture would transform my practice as a physician. Right from the first interactions I had during my interviews, I have felt seen and completely supported by the faculty in this journey to becoming a Mayo physician- one who, in the pursuit of excellence, is committed to lifelong learning and puts the needs of the patient first.

Ideal practice: A community-based practice with a focus on strengthening behavioral aspects of chronic disease management. My goal is to optimize patient participation in their own care through education to achieve and sustain improved outcomes.

Christabel Opara, M.D.

Hometown: Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Medical school: St. George’s University, Grenada

Favorite movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; Forest Gump

Interests: Music creation/singing, weightlifting, exploring new places and things

Why Mayo? Why not Mayo? It’s the best place to learn and explore all your academic and career interests. The faculty and residents are unanimously enthusiastic about resident growth and success. Mayo is a great platform to commence medicine because of the extensive options available between clinical medicine, academic medicine, and research. The balance of work efficiency, learning and wellness are only some of the pearls that make the experience here worthwhile.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be family obstetrician.

Palak Patel, D.O.

Hometown: Queens, NY

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton

Favorite movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Interests: Listening to audiobooks, traveling, spending time with family and friends

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of innovation and research, and I am eager to contribute to and be part of this leading-edge environment. I aspire to advance the field of artificial intelligence in medicine and leverage this knowledge to improve patient care.

Ideal practice: Chronic disease management with a focus on palliative care, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine.

Lauren Pedersen, M.D.

Hometown: Barbourville, KY

Medical school: University of Louisville School of Medicine

Favorite movie: Wall-E

Interests: Pilates, plants, podcasts, book annotation, Trader Joe’s, reality TV, petting dogs

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo for its strong organizational values, culture of kindness, and excellence in teaching. Mayo’s commitment to its core principles creates a positive work environment in which both patients and providers thrive. Plus, its proximity to the beach is an added bonus.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice focuses on providing holistic and compassionate care, with a special interest in disability medicine, chronic disease management, behavioral health, and lifestyle medicine.

Erika Robertson, M.D.

Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS

Medical school: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA

Favorite movie: Anything with zombies, superheroes, and/or magic (can't think of one with all three, but that would be epic

Interests: Functional fitness, snuggling with my three dogs, music (playing and listening), reading fantasy novels, creating new healthy recipes with my husband

Why Mayo? The values of Mayo Clinic (primarily, putting the patients' needs first) shone through during my interview and are now even more apparent in my daily life here. When the patient is put at the forefront, there is no room for ego or competition. It’s all about working together to provide the best possible care. This collaborative environment not only fosters a strong sense of community among colleagues but also drives innovation and excellence in patient outcomes.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is one where I am a self-sufficient family doctor whom patients can rely on for both simple and complex issues. I envision being deeply embedded in my community, extending my skills beyond the clinic walls to contribute where I'm needed. I also aim to be a leader in lifestyle medicine and illness prevention, empowering my patients to actively participate in their wellness and achieve lifelong health.

Katelyn Romero-Arathoon, D.O.

Hometown: Pickering, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: William Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite movie: Tangled; Billy Madison

Interests: I was a former semi-professional soccer and ice hockey player and competed in Division I athletics, so I love sports. I also love to go on walks and be home with my husband and my dog. I adore travel and learning more about people’s nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures.

Why Mayo? Choosing the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program here in Jacksonville, Florida, was driven firstly, by the incredible experience I had meeting the residents, faculty, and staff and realizing how supportive they all are to each other. I loved to hear and visibly witness the camaraderie between everyone- the uplifting spirit was palpable and one I wanted to be a part of as a resident. Of course, in addition, there is an unparalleled legacy of medical excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse patient population that ensures a comprehensive clinical experience. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my aspirations to become a skilled, compassionate Family Medicine Physician. Additionally, the program’s commitment to wellness and continuous personal and professional improvement offers an ideal environment for growth and provides the base for us to make contributions to advancements in Family Medicine.

Ideal practice: Currently, I would love to incorporate as many aspects as possible of Family Medicine that I can so I can provide the most comprehensive care to an underserved and diverse patient population. I dream to serve patients in both English and Spanish, to focus on holistic care including the ideals of lifestyle medicine, mental health, occupational health, urgent care, and I hope to support future doctors by incorporating academic medicine.

Mereze Roy, D.O.

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite movie: Seabiscuit

Interests: Tennis/pickleball, horse-riding, yoga, indoor plants, Taylor Swift, food, travel

Why Mayo? As a family medicine resident at Mayo Clinic, I chose this institution for its exceptional mentorship, robust research opportunities, and the chance to take care of patients with complex medical conditions. After having rotated here as a medical student, I witnessed firsthand the exceptional patient care, commitment to the local community, and dedication to healthcare equity that Mayo Clinic embodies. Mayo Clinic's tailored approach to residency training supports my goal of pursuing a sports medicine fellowship, ensuring comprehensive training and personalized support to achieve my career aspirations.

Ideal practice: My ideal future practice is centered around Sports Medicine with a focus on research in regenerative injection therapies. I am committed to advancing the field through innovative treatment approaches that enhance the body's natural healing processes. By combining regenerative techniques with osteopathic manipulative medicine, I aim to provide effective, non-surgical solutions for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. My goal is to deliver personalized care with excellence, compassion, and respect, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment to meet their unique needs and achieve optimal health.

Drew Sanclemente, M.D.

Hometown: Middletown, DE

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Favorite movie: Can't say I have one

Interests: Anything outdoors, the beach, surfing, photography, paddle boarding with my mini doxies, reading, hiking, rec sports, meeting all the dogs

Why Mayo? When selecting a residency program there were three key areas for me: culture, opportunity, and location! During my interview day, it was clear residents were happy and felt supported by a fantastic group of faculties who demonstrated genuine interest in their well-being! The opportunities at Mayo within research, procedural training, and career development were unmatched. Finally, no matter where you end up, residency involves long hours. Mayo is 10 minutes from the beach. Some days, it’s nice to stop by on my way home to dip my toes in the ocean. Jacksonville has countless restaurants, beer gardens, state parks, and trails. No matter what you like, there is something to do!

Ideal practice: I would love to practice both family and sports medicine! Ideally, I will split my time 50/50. I have a special interest in Women’s Health and Lifestyle Medicine within primary care and would love to focus my primary care time in these avenues.

Ashlyn Brothers, D.O.

Hometown: Spring Hill, FL

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton, FL

Favorite movie: All the Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly movies

Interests: Training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, exploring nature trails/preserves, and spending time with my two dogs

Why Mayo? Amazing program leadership that advocates for their residents, patient-centered culture, endless unique learning opportunities and educational resources.

Ideal practice: Outpatient clinic-based with emphasis on patient-centered primary care, sports medicine, and lifestyle medicine.

Emily Cannon, M.D.

Hometown: Miami, FL

Medical school: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Favorite movie: Princess Diaries, and any rom com

Interests: Hosting sports watch parties with my husband, cooking nourishing meals, going to the beach, reading books about lifestyle medicine and minimalism, and spending time with my nieces and nephews.

Why Mayo? Even in a virtual setting, I immediately felt the warmth and others-focused spirit of the Mayo Clinic community. The faculty weren’t just interested in my accomplishments; they genuinely wanted to know me as a person, and their humility and connection with one another stood out. I loved seeing a family-oriented culture where residents and faculty truly know each other and shared life outside of work. It was clear that this was a place where people valued excellence without ego and supported one another like family. I was especially drawn to the presence of board-certified Lifestyle Medicine faculty and the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in nutrition and preventive care, while also learning from true experts in the field and gaining exposure to cutting-edge therapies.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice as of now would be outpatient full-spectrum family medicine, with a focus on lifestyle medicine.

Madison Kreitz, D.O.

Hometown: Fleming Island, FL

Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - South Georgia campus

Favorite movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Interests: Running, hiking, and hanging out with my husband and dog

Why Mayo? Amazing community of people committed to the needs of the patient.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be full spectrum outpatient family medicine.

Johanna Mosquera, M.D.

Hometown: Quito, Ecuador

Medical school: Universidad de las Americas

Favorite movie: Star Wars Episode III The Revenge of the Sith

Interests: F1, weightlifting, swimming (all sports besides tennis lol), movies, and going to the theater

Why Mayo? Coming from South America, I have always been inspired to experience the places where outstanding research, education, and patient care come together. These are the same values I strive to uphold in my own practice. My journey has been somewhat unconventional, as I began my career in research and loved every second of it. I have always known that my true calling is in Family Medicine, where I can build lasting relationships and truly be someone’s doctor.

During my time doing research, I developed a deep appreciation for the Family Medicine Department. The unique culture at Mayo Clinic stood out to me, really showing that there is a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on patients’ lives in many different ways. Over the past year, I have witnessed firsthand how everyone, from physicians to staff and volunteers, shares this vision. This sense of shared purpose has made me feel that I truly belong here.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be a blend of patient care in the clinic, research, and education. I am passionate about both research and teaching, and I hope to continue these pursuits alongside my clinical work. At the same time, I truly enjoy every moment I spend interacting with patients. Currently, I have a strong interest in sports medicine and women’s health. A practice that combines sports medicine, women’s health, and lifestyle medicine would be the perfect fit for me. While this may seem like a broad combination of specialties, I am excited by the possibility of integrating these areas into my future practice.

Michelle Omega, M.D.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA

Favorite movie: Inception

Interests: Weightlifting, escape rooms, Rubik’s cube, and badminton

Why Mayo? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic because of its unwavering commitment to putting patients first with extraordinary respect and comprehensive care, combined with its scientific excellence and dedication to the highest standards of medical practice. The faculty's dedication to teaching and collaborative learning across specialties creates an unparalleled training environment with access to world-class resources and mentorship.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice will center on full-spectrum Family Medicine with an emphasis on preventative care and patient education in weight management, nutrition counseling, strength training, and lifestyle interventions that can profoundly impact patients' quality of life.

Aryanna Singam-Focht, D.O.

Hometown: Mesa, AZ

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC

Favorite movie: Crazy Rich Asians, Moulin Rouge, and Little Women

Interests: Exploring new restaurants/coffee shops, traveling with family, barre/pilates/yoga classes, embroidery, and swing/ballroom dancing with my husband

Why Mayo? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for its culture of collaboration, commitment to resident wellness, and dedication to medical excellence. After my interview day, I left feeling confident that the faculty would fully support my growth into the physician I aspire to become. It truly feels like the ideal place for my training—not only for its mission to place patients at the forefront of all care, but also due to Mayo Clinic’s vast resources and strong support for resident learners. Jacksonville also had equally great professional opportunities for my husband, and living 15 minutes from the beach is an exciting change for us.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is a mixture of inpatient and outpatient in a rural, academic setting.

Abasi Udoyen, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: Eket, Nigeria

Medical school: National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine.

Favorite movie: John Wick

Interests: Classified

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic's undisputed, unparalleled, and unquestionable commitment to patient care, combined with its exceptional expertise and resources that ensure healthcare delivery is never compromised, was a key deciding factor. Additionally, living in the SUNshine state, close to the beach is the perfect finishing touch.

Ideal practice: TBD

Noah Wacker, D.O.

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

Favorite movie: Interstellar and Step Brothers

Interests: Spending time outside, playing guitar, traveling, pickleball, and kitesurfing

Why Mayo? The supportive atmosphere and camaraderie among the residents and faculty at the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program has been incredible. Since starting here, it has been clear that the program not only values collaboration and mentorship, but also consistently puts the needs of the patient first in all aspects of care. The wonderful climate and close proximity to the beach is the cherry on top.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice includes providing wholistic longitudinal care in an outpatient clinic setting.