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Meet Our Residents

The program accepts approximately six residents each year. Learn more about residents in the Family Medicine Residency in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Class of 2025

Ricky Aguayo, D.O.

Ricky Aguayo, D.O.
Hometown:
Burley, ID
Medical school:
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
About me:
I grew up in Burley, Idaho, and went to Boise State University where I majored in Human Biology. I then worked in the mental health field for three years as a psychological rehabilitation specialist before transitioning to a scribing position. During these six years, I found my joy in family medicine serving small communities and I went on to attend the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. In my free time, I like to spend time with my girlfriend and family. Growing up with the mountains a short drive away, I also enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as camping, rafting, mountain biking, and trail riding.

Alexander Mortensen, M.D.

Alexander Mortensen, M.D.
Hometown:
Dexter, MI
Medical school:
Central Michigan University College of Medicine
About me: 
I grew up in Southeastern Michigan and attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate and graduate education where I majored in Neuroscience and received my Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology. I have always been passionate about and set on family medicine. I look forward to the opportunity to practice full-spectrum care. Some of my hobbies include skiing, canoeing, golf, and board games!

Jenna Mullins, M.D.

Jenna Mullins, M.D.
Hometown:
Coralville, IA
Medical school:
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
About me: 
I enjoy growing houseplants, working in the garden, working out, playing D&D with friends, and spending time with my sweet cat Luna. Clinically, I am interested in behavioral health and working with under-resourced populations. I love working with adolescent and LGBTQ folks and hope to combine inpatient and outpatient practice eventually.

Harsh Patel, M.B.B.S.

Harsh Patel, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Vadodara, India
Medical school: Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, India
About me: Being a person who likes making new friends, I have always enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know different personalities. I love spending time with my family and exploring the city. I enjoy playing volleyball, chess, and occasionally writing blogs. The things that highly impressed me about the program were the values and the trust that Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, has among the residents and the faculty members, which was reflected during the interviews. I am excited to be a part of the La Crosse community and look forward to joining the wonderful team of physicians.

Tejal Shelat, M.B.B.S.

Tejal Shelat, M.B.B.S.
Hometown:
Nairobi, Kenya, and Anand, India
Medical school:
Lady Hardinge Medical College
About me:
I felt an instant connection the very first time I met with the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and really appreciated how kind and compassionate everyone was on interview day. I am very excited to join your wonderful team and look forward to receiving excellent training for the next three years. I would like to practice full-scope family medicine and have special interests in community outreach and population health. Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities, nature and wildlife photography, stargazing, and trying my hand at gourmet cooking.

Jiwan Toor, D.O.

Jiwan Toor, D.O.
Hometown:
Vancouver, B.C.
Medical school:
William Carey University of Osteopathic Medicine
About me:
In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I hope to practice in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Medical interests include sports medicine, preventative medicine, and OMM.

Class of 2026

McKayla Dinwiddie, M.D.

McKayla Dinwiddie, M.D.
Hometown: New Melle, Missouri
Medical school: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
About me: I grew up in a small town about an hour west of St. Louis. As the youngest of four, I have always loved being surrounded by family, which led to me wanting to care for other families as well.

Hina Rmsha Alfia Khan, M.B.B.S.

Hina Rmsha Alfia Khan, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Medical school: Deccan College of Medical Sciences, India
About me: I knew I had found the perfect environment to work in and learn from the incredible group of physicians at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. My interest is to practice full-spectrum family medicine with an emphasis on preventive care. 

Rachel Leonard, D.O.

Rachel Leonard, D.O.
Hometown: Kingston Springs, Tennessee
Medical school: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Missouri
About me: A positive person by nature, I aspire to spread as much joy as possible. I found my purpose within family medicine and couldn't pass up the opportunity to be “everybody’s doctor. I am really looking forward to the next three years of training and a lifetime of serving my community.

Kelsey Rolefson, D.O.

Kelsey Rolefson, D.O.
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Iowa
About me: I am thrilled to be joining the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency program in La Crosse. During my interview, it was readily apparent that they genuinely care about the education and well-being of the residents. I know I will be fully supported as I pursue my interests in rural health, acute care, and geriatrics.

Josh Scheil, M.D.

Josh Scheil, M.D.
Hometown: La Crescent, Minnesota
Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School
About me: I chose family medicine because I had a great family medicine doctor at a young age who left a lasting impression. On getting more exposure, I love caring for people of all ages, from newborns to grandparents. In addition, I value the relationships that are built with patients.

Max Wetzel, M.D.

Max Wetzel, M.D.
Hometown: Barre-Mills, Wisconsin
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
About me: I grew up on a pig farm outside La Crosse, Wisconsin. We often traveled to Clark County, Wisconsin, and Friend, Nebraska, to visit relatives and go hunting. I always dreamed of going to Madison to become a doctor and am passionate about rural medicine and working with Spanish-speaking communities. I'm drawn to family medicine due to the ability to make lifelong connections with my patients. The Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program in La Crosse was my favorite residency interview because of my interactions with the staff and residents.

Class of 2027

Bennett Harmelink, D.O.

Bennett Harmelink, D.O.
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
About me: I am very excited to be joining Mayo Clinic in La Crosse. I hope to provide comprehensive care to a rural community, and I am confident I will be well-trained after my time at the Mayo Clinic. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

Kaitlyn Ihle, M.D.

Kaitlyn Ihle, M.D.
Hometown: West Salem, Wisconsin
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin - Wausau
About me: Having grown up in West Salem, I've developed a deep love for this community, and I'm thrilled to return and serve the place that shaped me. This residency quickly became my top choice due to its tight-knit environment within a renowned health system. I find joy in hiking, biking, and kayaking adventures with my husband and our cherished dog, Sammie. Gardening and baking are also passions of mine, and I'm delighted to use fresh eggs from my chicken coop. My goal is to practice both inpatient and outpatient full-spectrum family medicine with an emphasis on community involvement and preventative care.

Kaitlyn Ihle, M.D.

Alexandra Nelson, D.O.
Hometown: Clearwater, Florida
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
About me: I am deeply committed to caring for my patients as if they were my own family members, and I have special interests in preventive healthcare and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Family medicine is an especially unique field because we have the pleasure of offering longitudinal care to all ages, allowing us to be present with patients in any stage of their life. It is of special importance to me to serve medically underserved populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. As a lifelong Floridian with family roots throughout Wisconsin, I am eager to train in La Crosse and relish in the beautiful seasons that this region has to offer! Some of my favorite pastimes include baking, gardening, taking entirely too many photos of my cat Cabbage, and hiking with my husband.

Khyati Patel, M.B.B.S.

Khyati Patel, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Surat, India
Medical school: Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research
About me: I chose Mayo Clinic- La Crosse due to its people. Throughout my time as an observer, everyone exhibited a warm reception and displayed genuine interest in getting to know me personally. I observed exceptional faculty members who were dedicated to fostering the professional development of the residents. In my free time, I relish outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring local cafes alongside my husband. I am also a culinary enthusiast. Following my residency training, I aspire to practice both Inpatient and Outpatient family medicine.

Austin Phippen, D.O.

Austin Phippen, D.O.
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Medical school: University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
About me: Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse has remained my top choice since my days at UWL, where I had the privilege to shadow several program graduates and observe first hand the exceptional care they delivered to their patients. I enjoy all aspects of family medicine and value the opportunity to cultivate long-lasting relationships with my patients. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, playing hockey, working out, and exploring new restaurants with my wife.

Jadin Schiller, M.D.

Jadin Schiller, M.D.
Hometown: Brainerd, Minnesota
Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth
About me: I was born and raised in small-town Minnesota and am the oldest of 4 girls. I met my husband, Cole, during college in Duluth, MN where we enjoyed canoeing, hiking, paddle boarding, fishing, and everything outdoors. We are excited for our time with the Mayo Lacrosse Family Medicine Residency program as it is in a beautiful area and the community was very welcoming and supportive during the whole interview process. I am excited to continue to pursue family medicine with special interests in sports medicine, pediatrics, and holistic medicine.