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.

Zain Afzal, M.D.

Hometown: Upstate, NY

Medical school: Howard University College Medicine

Favorite movie: The original Transformers

Interests: Spending time with family and friends, basketball, volleyball, trying to pick up golf!

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo Clinic because I was really impressed by how the residents and faculty I spoke to seemed to enjoy their time here. I realized that such sentiments weren’t the same across other places. Mayo seemed to be a place where people supported each other and provided the resources to learn and succeed. I can say that after spending even a few weeks here, my expectations have been surpassed, and I think it’s an exceptional place to train and grow.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is one where I can take care of patients in a private clinic. I really enjoy the idea of getting to know people and supporting their health longitudinally. One of the limiting factors is often the lack of time that can be spent with patients due to admin tasks or financial constraints. However, I hope to have a system where things don’t feel rushed and I can provide high-quality care.

Juan Campos, D.O.

Hometown: Chelsea, AL

Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite movie: The Other Guys

Interests: Playing soccer, going to the beach, trying new places to eat!

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo Clinic for several reasons, but ultimately it is the commitment to excellence and the culture that fosters respect, compassion, innovation, and excellent patient care that drove me to Mayo Clinic. During my interview experience, I immediately felt those values reflected in everyone I spoke to and felt that this was exactly the culture and training environment I needed.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be a combination of outpatient family medicine with primary care sports medicine and serving as a team physician for local school teams.

JT Exum, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, GA

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine

Favorite movie: Anything Marvel!

Interests: Spending time with friends and exploring different places and trying new things!

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic stood out to me for its strong reputation for clinical excellence. Growing up in South Georgia, Mayo Clinic has always been a respected institution in the area, and many of my friends and family members have received excellent care here. Seeing that impact firsthand made me want to train at Mayo in an exceptional, patient-centered environment. I wanted a residency that would prepare me to confidently care for the wide range of conditions my patients may present with. Mayo Clinic's first-class training and collaborative culture made it an ideal place for me to train.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be outpatient clinic-based with a panel of diverse patients and pathologies. I enjoy the wide breadth of family medicine!

Madison Flowers, M.D.

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Medical school: Florida State University College of Medicine

Favorite movie: The Lion King

Interests: Watercolor painting, needle point, going to the beach!

Why Mayo? I chose the Mayo Family Medicine Residency Program because it offers outstanding clinical training and educational opportunities within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is broad-spectrum outpatient medicine.

Hannah Hagewood, M.D.

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis

Favorite movie: The Secret Life of Walter MItty

Interests: Hot yoga, cross stitching, reading, playing piano and cooking!

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo Clinic because of the warmth and camaraderie I felt on interview day! The residents seemed genuinely happy with the program, and Mayo provides wonderful resources and opportunities for their residents. Being at such a hub for clinical practice, research, and patient care is an unmatched opportunity for Family Medicine residency. Also, the location near Jacksonville Beach is wonderful! It's great to decompress on the beach after a long day, and the area has lots of great restaurants, yoga/Pilates studios, and beautiful places to visit.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is full spectrum outpatient Family Medicine with a focus on Lifestyle Medicine and women's health.

Jeremiah Oluwadamisi, M.D.

Hometown: Nigeria

Medical school: Windsor University School of Medicine

Favorite movie: Interstellar

Interests: Playing soccer, working out, watching sunsets, and wildlife documentaries.

Why Mayo? The three shields of Mayo Clinic, symbolizing Patient Care, Research, and Medical Education, align with the nature of physician I aspire to be: one who sees a patient beyond a diagnosis, as a human being worthy of respect and dignity. This commitment to putting patients first while developing well-rounded physicians was clear to me from my very first interaction with the program. The environment was welcoming, and the faculty were genuinely interested in who I was as a person, not just as an applicant. That kind of culture is rare, and it told me everything I needed to know about the kind of physician this place would help me become. I want to be the best family physician I can be, and there is no better place to pursue that than at the best hospital system in the world, Mayo Clinic.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is still taking shape, but I know it is one where I care for patients across the full spectrum of life, acutely and chronically, from pediatrics to geriatrics. I'm drawn to the continuity of family medicine, the ability to know a patient not just in a single encounter, but across years and life stages. That full-spectrum, relationship-driven model of care is what pulled me toward this specialty in the first place.

Rikesh Patel, D.O.

Hometown: Huntsville, AL

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn

Favorite movie: The SpongeBob Square Pants Movie

Interests: Playing video games, watching basketball, going to car shows, and trying new restaurants.

Why Mayo? Before interviewing, I was drawn by the learning opportunities, complexity of patients, and culture. As soon as I hopped off of my interview, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be. Seeing how the faculty and residents all interacted with us and each other drew me in. I knew that this program would provide every tool I needed to be the physician that I strive to become. Also, being right at the beach is really nice too.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice would be longitudinal care with focuses on lifestyle, preventative care, and chronic disease management.

Radmehr Rahemiour, D.O.

Hometown: Toronto, CA

Medical school: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Favorite movie: The Dark Knight

Interests: Trying cultural foods with friends, cycling, and drumming.

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo Clinic because of its excellence in patient care, education, and research, as well as its supportive team environment. The patient always comes first, and Mayo Clinic embodies this tenet in every aspect of its work. Every day, whether in the inpatient or outpatient setting, Mayo Clinic’s unwavering attention to detail and dedication to addressing every concern of every patient is truly admirable. Moreover, I wanted to be part of a residency program that provides exceptional education so that I can later deliver outstanding care to my patients as an attending physician. Mayo Clinic demonstrates the highest quality of medical education and training for its residents. Another reason I knew Mayo Clinic was the right fit for me was its cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence research in medicine and the resources it offers to contribute to this field of research. Lastly, what truly sets Mayo Clinic apart is that, despite its status as one of the top hospitals in the world and its many leaders in their respective specialties, the people who work there are among the most supportive and empathetic individuals. They continue to support me every day as I strive to become a better physician.

Ideal practice: My ideal practice is an outpatient clinic where I can provide excellent, comprehensive care to every one of my patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status or cultural background. It is my dream that all of my patients feel fully understood, empathized with, and cared for. Additionally, alongside my clinical career, I would like to create an artificial intelligence model that is accessible to the public and helps facilitate earlier cancer diagnosis.