The Gastroenterology, Esophageal Diseases Fellowship draws trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. While all our trainees have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Meet our current fellow and learn about their experience in the program.

Current fellow

Wilfor Diaz Fernandez, M.C.

Fellowship: Esophageal Diseases Fellowship, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Hometown: My hometown is in Lima, Peru, where I was born and where my mother and most of my family live. Even though I moved to the U.S. in 2018 for my medical residency and I consider U.S my second home now, Peru will always be my heart and my anchor. It’s where my roots, my memories, and my sense of belonging come from. Every time I return, I’m reminded not just of where I started, but of why I work so hard—to make my family and my hometown proud.
Medical school: San Martin de Porres University, Lima, Peru
Internal Medicine Residency: Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri

What attracted you to gastroenterology? Gastroenterology offers a unique blend of procedural skills, complex diagnostic challenges, and long-term patient relationships. I was drawn to the field because of its diversity—from managing acute conditions like GI bleeding to chronic diseases like cirrhosis. The ability to use endoscopy both diagnostically and therapeutically to eradicate cancer adds a dynamic aspect to the specialty that I find deeply rewarding.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Mayo Clinic’s reputation for excellence in patient care, research, and education made it a clear choice. The collaborative environment, access to world-renowned faculty, and the emphasis on innovation and multidisciplinary care were major draws. I was especially impressed by the institution’s commitment to mentoring and its strong support for fellows pursuing academic and clinical excellence.

What makes Mayo Clinic's Motility Fellowship unique? These fellowships stand out because of their depth and breadth. Mayo Clinic offers unparalleled exposure to complex motility and esophageal cases, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and a high volume of procedures. The opportunity to work closely with experts in the field, engage in meaningful research, and contribute to advancements in care makes these programs truly exceptional.

Did anything surprise you about Mayo's program? What surprised me most was the level of personalization in training. Despite being a large institution, Mayo Clinic fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where faculty genuinely invest in your growth. The interdisciplinary collaboration and the seamless integration of research into clinical practice were also pleasantly surprising.

What is living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you? Living in Rochester has been a positive experience. It’s a welcoming, safe community. The pace of life allows for focus and reflection, and the proximity to nature offers a great balance to the intensity of training. While it’s quieter than larger cities, the quality of life and the supportive environment make it a great place to live and learn.

What does your future look like right now? Right now, I’m focused on deepening my expertise in esophageal diseases, contributing to research, and refining my clinical skills. Long-term, I envision a career that blends academic medicine with clinical practice, where I can teach, innovate, and provide high-quality care to patients with complex GI disorders.