Resident testimonials
Watch our testimonial videos to learn more about what life is like as a resident in the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Mankato, Minnesota.
Our residents and faculty foster a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Training can be challenging, but our program is close-knit and each resident brings a dedication to providing stellar patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience.
Watch our testimonial videos to learn more about what life is like as a resident in the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Mankato, Minnesota.
Marijo Botten, D.O.Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA Why Mankato? I loved that the program has such a well-rounded curriculum! Because I want to practice full-spectrum family medicine, it's important that the program I chose could teach me anything and everything. Mayo also allows for each resident to tailor their education to accommodate their medical interests. The Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, has osteopathic recognition and is known for sports medicine, two of my special interests. The faculty and residents were very kind and genuine when I met them, so I know I'll be supported as well as receive a great education during my training. I'm from a smaller town near the Twin Cities in Minnesota, so I'm also very happy to be training close to my friends and family. |
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Nicholas DeVetter, D.O.Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO Why Mankato? I chose the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, because of the amazing support, excitement, and encouragement of the faculty, residents, and clinical staff I met while rotating here as a third and fourth-year medical student. The people and environment here are wonderful and welcoming and I can think of no better place to continue my medical training. I also chose to train in Mankato because of the well-rounding educational experiences coupled with the focus on education in community health, health equity, and social advocacy. I know that by continuing my medical education in Mankato I will continue to grow and learn not only as a physician but also as a person, and I will be well-positioned to serve my patients both at the bedside and in the community. |
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Megan Kindom, M.D.Medical school: St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada, Caribean Why Mankato? Being originally from Minnesota, I wanted to be able to come back home to Minnesota and be closer to family. When I subsequently met the people and learned the goals of this residency program, I felt like everything fell into place. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to support my professional and personal growth. I am so excited to see where this amazing opportunity brings me! |
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Kaleigh Longcrier, D.O.Medical school: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, TX Why Mankato? I am so excited to continue my education with the Mankato family! I was drawn to this program because of the unopposed setting, emphasis on full-spectrum family medicine, and opportunity to practice and learn more about osteopathic medicine. The residents and faculty I interacted with were so kind and thoughtful, I know it will be a great place to learn and grow into the physician I hope to be! |
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Austen Roselius, M.D., J.D.Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN Why Mankato? I decided to do one of my clinical rotations in Mankato during my last year of medical school. I'm thankful I made that choice because my experience during that rotation was exactly what I was looking for in a residency program. From the moment I stepped into the clinic, the residents, faculty, and staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I got to see how well-prepared and efficient the residents were in clinic, and I knew I wanted that same level of training. My wife and I were also looking to move to a place with more of a small-town feel, as compared to the Twin Cities, and Mankato was the perfect fit for us. |
Abdirazak Ali, M.D.Medical school: Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky, Russian Federation Medical interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, women's health, procedures, sports medicine, and rural medicine Personal interests: I enjoy playing soccer, Swimming, watching and listening to science documentaries and podcasts, and learning about other cultures and languages. I love arts and cats. Career goals: To be a full-spectrum family practice physician in Minnesota, and to advocate for preventive medicine and champion women's health across the world.
Why Mankato? I chose Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato because I was impressed with the clinical training opportunities available and the supportive faculty and residents. During my in-person visit, I found the facility aesthetically pleasing and a well-rounded environment conducive to learning with proper access to resources. Mankato is near my home and has a diverse population with tasty cuisine and fun-filled outdoor activities. |
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Abdi Jibril, M.D.Medical school: Windsor University School of Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis Medical interests: Full spectrum family medicine, health disparities, lifestyle medicine, and sports medicine Personal interests: I grew up in a communal environment where everyone supported and looked after each other despite having limited resources. I enjoy being of service to others in need in my community. Soccer is the sport I love playing and watching, and I enjoy swimming and high-intensity interval training or anything workout related.
Why Mankato? During the interview, I felt a warm welcome from the residents, staff, and faculties. What drew me the most to the Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato is the level of faculties devotion to teaching, the supportive environment for the residents, and collegiality among the residents. I am humbled to be a part of a program that offers exceptional clinical skills and participates in outstanding teaching opportunities from the faculties. |
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Mikaela Lake, D.O.Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL Medical interests: Full spectrum family medicine, rural health, community health, women's health, addiction medicine, and OMT Personal interests: I love doing anything outdoors including hiking, biking, kayaking, snowboarding and ice skating. I also enjoy doing crafts, cooking, and weightlifting.
Why Mankato? I applied to Mayo Clinic- Mankato because I was looking for a rural program that is unopposed with osteopathic recognition. The welcoming atmosphere I experienced during the interview process made calling Mankato home an obvious choice. |
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Sarah Larson, M.D.Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN Medical interests: Cancer screening and supporting patients through cancer treatment and survivorship, maternity care, and procedural medicine (including biopsies and minor procedures to remove "lumps and bumps"). As a former surgery resident, I also find it fulfilling to work with patients in the pre-operative planning phases as well as helping them through surgical recovery. It is a privilege to help patients of all ages and stages to set healthy goals and achieve them. Personal interests: I enjoy taking walks with friends and family, crocheting, playing board games, canoeing, and learning French.
Why Mankato? As a fourth-year medical student rotating in Mankato, I was drawn to the warm and welcoming group of residents. The faculty seemed to love teaching residents and I admired their commitment to providing the best care to their patients. I knew that working with such great colleagues would help me to become a clinically excellent and kind physician, and a trustworthy partner in health for my patients. I am excited to get to know Mankato and to become a part of this community! |
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Kalene Mach, D.O.Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN Medical interests: Full-spectrum family medicine with special interests in women’s health, behavioral health, preventive care, LGBTQ+, and underserved/rural medicine Personal interests: I would consider traveling of any kind to be my favorite hobby. I love to explore new places and try new foods whenever possible. I also love to read, hike, camp, and do yoga.
Why Mankato? The Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato was my first choice. This became especially true after my month-long rotation working with the wonderful staff, residents, and faculty at this program. Everyone is so welcoming and approachable. With that, I felt that it provided the perfect environment to continue training to become the most competent and compassionate physician possible. |
Madeline Egan, D.O.Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME Medical interests: Holistic/Integrative Medicine, Osteopathic Manual Treatment, Preventive Medicine, Nutrition, Narrative Medicine, Community Medicine, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Honoring Traditional Healing Practices, Global Health Personal interests: My favorite way to spend time off of work is leaving my phone behind and backpacking in nature with loved ones. I also enjoy playing the baritone ukulele while hula hooping and attempting to sing (it is a workout!). While living in Mankato, I hope to learn gardening skills; my partner and I are working towards having a hobby farm. I also enjoy cross-country skiing, playing cribbage, and experimenting with different plant-based recipes as well as movement and meditation practices to care for my mind/body/spirit.
Why Mankato? Mankato was my first choice for residency because I immediately felt at home when I rotated there as a fourth-year medical student. My positive gut feeling was only further affirmed as I got to know the wonderful, down-to-earth faculty, staff, and residents who were invested in student learning and making us a part of the team. The emphasis on outpatient family medicine in the setting of full-spectrum, unopposed training with opportunities to further OMT skills was also a draw. I am excited and grateful to be a part of the team and community in Mankato! |
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Mohamed Ismail, M.B.B.S.Medical school: Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun City, China Medical interests: Rural family medicine, sports medicine, prenatal care, minor office procedures, acute care and working with underserved/uninsured patients. Personal interests: I love playing soccer for fun and coach youth soccer teams, helping young players develop their skills and sportsmanship. I'm fascinated by technology and always eager to learn about the latest advancements and innovations in this field. I also enjoy learning new languages as a way to immerse myself in different cultures. Spending quality time with my family is very important to me, and we love to travel, camp, and explore diverse cuisines from around the world together.
Why Mankato? I chose the Family Medicine Residency program at Mayo Clinic in Mankato, because of the amazing experience I had during my interview. The faculty and residents made me feel welcome, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the residents, clearly a sign of the program's supportive and nurturing environment. The program's curriculum was thoughtfully designed with dynamism and focus on well-rounded training to prepare residents to practice full-spectrum family medicine. I was also impressed by how attentive program leadership was to resident feedback and made sure to incorporate it into the training. However, what really stood out to me was how everyone was very invested in your training and provided whatever support you needed to reach your academic and career goals. |
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Karlee Nelsen, D.O.Medical school: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Yakima, WA Medical interests: Osteopathic manipulative medicine, procedures, women's health, sports medicine, rural medicine, hospice and palliative care, preventive medicine Personal interests: Hiking is my favorite hobby and has led me to explore multiple state and national parks. In the summer I enjoy gardening and in winter I enjoy tending to my houseplants. I also enjoy painting, cooking, rock climbing, playing board games, and spending time with my dogs.
Why Mankato? I chose Mankato because I was impressed by the quality of education that is accessible and the level of knowledge demonstrated by senior residents. When I rotated with the team I was impressed by the welcoming environment and smooth functioning of the teams. Several of my preceptors spoke highly of the OMM education in Mankato so I knew that I would be in the best place to continue learning osteopathic manipulation. Furthermore, the rural location reflects a community where I hope to practice. |
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Emily Pfieffer, D.O.Medical school:Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA Medical interests: Full-spectrum family medicine with special interests in prenatal and obstetric care, pediatrics, and palliative care. Personal interests: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends! I love to be outside, especially camping and hiking during Minnesota summers! My goal is to visit all the Minnesota State Parks. I also like swimming, watching HGTV, and reading nonfiction social justice books.
Why Mankato? I had the opportunity to complete my third-year rotations in Mankato, and it was an exceptional experience! The faculty and residents made me feel a part of the team by inviting me to their activities like the social justice book club and osteopathic manipulative medicine nights. Moreover, the attendings emphasized patient centered care and were passionate about teaching. The program’s strength is its balance between academic rigor and community focused medicine, while also tailoring training to meet each resident's medical interests. Additionally, the program is situated in southern Minnesota near my hometown, allowing me to spend time with my family and friends. For these reasons, I chose the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System — Mankato as my top choice. |
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Bethany Reyhaus, D.O.Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO Medical interests: Preventative care, LGBTQ+ health, reproductive healthcare, health equity, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), neurodiversity Personal interests: I enjoy cooking various types of plant-based meals, going for walks with my spouse and our dog, swimming, gardening, spending time with family and friends.
Why Mankato? I chose the Family Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato because I wanted to attend a program that is warm and welcoming. Everyone during my month-long rotation was wonderful and open to teaching in a supportive way. The unopposed, full-spectrum training offered will allow me to grow professionally and the community I have found here will help me grow personally. |