Manik Aggarwal, M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic

Hobbies: I find joy in traveling and photography (architectural and landscape). I like to stay active, play and follow cricket and soccer, and I am more recently learning about football.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: My favorites include Rochester's numerous parks and hiking trails, as well as trying out new restaurants. I have also enjoyed connecting with a diverse group of people from all over the world. 

Why Mayo: The focus on education and access to world-class faculty was apparent to me on my interview day. I had several mentors who were trained at Mayo, and speaking to them made the decision easy for me. The depth and breadth of research and clinical opportunities coupled with a track record of strong mentorship made Mayo my top choice.

Future plans: I am still discovering all that GI has to offer, but I am inclined towards studying the gut-liver axis and metabolic diseases, including NASH.

Gerardo Calderon Manrique, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Watching and playing soccer, cooking with my wife, and traveling.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: There is soccer happening at least four times per week. It is nice to meet other residents and research fellows during these matches.

Why Mayo: Being surrounded by world-renowned faculty who make you feel part of the Mayo family from day one is impressive. Everyone is really committed to supporting your career and shaping you into a world-leading expert in your area of interest.

Future plans: I am interested in procedures and will likely pursue a career in advanced endoscopy.

Saam Dilmaghani, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Anything music, coffee, cooking, board games, and traveling (particularly to places where I don't speak the language).

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I enjoy trying out the newest restaurants and cafes, rock climbing, yoga, and walking in my neighborhood.

Why Mayo: Without question, Mayo Clinic (including the Division of GIH) exemplifies research productivity, compassionate clinical care, and outstanding educational experiences. However, what struck me the most was the degree of enthusiastic collaboration and mentorship between faculty and staff of all years in training. I knew this environment would provide the best opportunity to lay the foundation for my future career.

Future plans: I plan to become a specialist in neurogastroenterology, motility, disorders of the gut-brain axis, and clinical research methodology.

Camile Kezer, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Gardening, home decor, hosting parties, water sports, classical ballet.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: My favorites include walking around downtown Rochester with my son, pup, and husband, going to the dog park, and going out to eat at different patio restaurants.

Why Mayo: The needs of the patient truly come first at Mayo Clinic and this attitude of shared decision-making, empathy, respect, and teamwork permeates all aspects of the institution, including the trainee environment. Here, not only do we have the opportunity to learn from world leaders in our field, but also from exemplary role models who demonstrate humility, interest, and compassion for patients, trainees, and other valued members of our health care team alike.

Future plans: I plan to continue on to a transplant hepatology fellowship with research dedicated to alcohol-associated liver disease.

George Marek, M.D., Ph.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Florida

Hobbies: I enjoy road biking, gardening, hand tool woodwork, and time with my wife and two children.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: We like Quarry Hill and Oxbow Park, biking on the Douglas trail, and taking our kids to places like Cascade Lake Park.

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic is a place that lets me learn from experts on a day-to-day basis, usually by knocking on their doors and breaking down complex medical problems. I have both fantastic support and autonomy to take good care of my patients while also developing as a researcher and physician educator.

Future plans: I will be working on applying digital pathology computer vision in gastrointestinal disease. I plan to practice general gastroenterology in an academic setting.

Kathryn Schmidt, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Utah

Hobbies: Travel, hiking, backpacking, hot yoga/yoga sculpt, skiing, photography, plant-based cooking, graphic design, and hosting friends.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I'm still getting to know the area, but, so far, I love Thursdays Downtown, getting together with my co-fellows for homemade brunch, and exploring the outdoors. I know I will love winter here as well, and I am excited to do the Polar Plunge with my co-fellows (theme to be determined!). 

Why Mayo: Mayo is unique in that they emphasize a culture of "disruptive learners," innovation, and a collaborative, growth mindset. I was so excited to get to be a part of and contribute to a community that is always looking to improve the practice of medicine. I also chose Mayo to work with physicians who are the leaders in their fields, yet so humble, approachable, and excited to teach.

Future plans: I love general hepatology and transplant hepatology, but I am still exploring the many areas within GI. I am also interested in AI and innovative ways to advance and improve patient education. 

Elida Voth, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Peloton, travel, relaxing at our family lake cabin, and chasing around my toddler.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I love going to local breweries, the farmer's market, and Thursday's Downtown, as well as walking the Douglas Trail, and hiking at Whitewater State Park.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo for the culture and standard of care. I am grateful to receive world-class clinical training in a place where experts in every subspecialty are thrilled to teach trainees and provide mentorship and support. The needs of the patient truly come first here. 

Future plans: Academic general GI

David Chiang, M.D., Ph.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Hobbies: I like being outside - hikes, walks, dog walks, exploring the latest bar/restaurant in the city (or the nearby Twin Cities). Inside, I enjoy board games, cooking, baking, and making cocktails and wine.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I'm still new to the area, so I'm looking at what's around and it seems like there are a ton of natural parks and hikes here! 

Why Mayo: I found a place that had the mentors I wanted (for research and clinical practice) at Mayo. I connected with them during my interview and in subsequent meetings. Mayo is the best place for me to grow into becoming the best physician-scientist I can be, and it comes with a host of opportunities to nurture that growth. The consultants here are incredibly open to my reaching out and asking them questions, and I really like the city and the vibe. I love my first year/co-fellow class, too! (Mayo's best-kept secret is that we are the coolest fellowship class).

Future plans: I'm hoping to go into IBD on a physician-scientist pathway doing translational and basic science research! Clinically I'm interested in immune therapies, regulatory T cells, immune monitoring and modeling of disease, diversity in clinical/scientific practice, and training.

Brett McGettigan, M.D., Ph.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Southern California

Hobbies: I enjoy cycling, golf, climbing, cooking, and playing with my 3-year-old daughter. I also enjoy watching basketball and the stock market.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Being outdoors in the warm weather! The golf courses in and around Rochester are great as are the trails for walking, running, or biking. There are great family-oriented activities that are often free including the Oxbow Park, Zollman Zoo, and the Quarry Hill Nature Center. Thursdays on First has a great atmosphere and good food.

Why Mayo: The quality of both clinical and research training is vast and second to none. My co-fellows and the faculty create a great learning atmosphere and set Mayo apart from the other institutions that I considered.

Future plans: Academic medicine. I intend to spend a majority of my time working in basic and translational liver research. My interests are primarily in immunometabolism and innate immunity.

John Damianos, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital

Hobbies: Tennis, travel, cooking, Greek food, linguistics, and board games.

Why Mayo: Mayo has the perfect mix of outstanding patient care, innovative and practice-changing research, and a dedicated commitment to education. This is fueled by Mayo's guiding philosophy of patient-centered care and enhanced by its world-renowned faculty. The culture is one of intellectual curiosity and humility, always striving to figure out how we can advance clinical care. I am particularly excited about the substantial clinical and research efforts to further our understanding of the gut microbiome and how to harness it to prevent and treat disease. 

Future plans: Gut microbiome therapeutics, nutrition, inflammatory bowel disease, and disorders of gut-brain interaction.

Tommy Fredrick, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, baking (specialties are pies, cookies, and lemon bars), playing board games, and enjoying all the local Rochester breweries.

Why Mayo: I was lucky enough to do my residency here at Mayo, and during my residency was amazed by the collaborative atmosphere and quality of teaching provided by the GI department. Every fellow and consultant I worked with showed a passion for education and getting trainees involved in research. I felt incredibly supported by the department and loved being able to learn from the experts within each unique aspect of gastroenterology. 

Future plans: My research interests are in the mechanism and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, and in particular focusing on immune checkpoint inhibitor induced colitis. I am hoping to further explore the role of the microbiome in incidence and severity of immune checkpoint-inhibitor induced colitis as well as response to treatment. 

Caroline Matchett, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Traveling, Peloton, hiking, collecting records, and photography.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic for my GI fellowship training because of its exceptional culture and standard of care. The institution's commitment to patient needs is evident, and the renowned experts in every subspecialty are enthusiastic about teaching and providing mentorship to trainees like me. The collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and support, while the opportunity to work alongside legendary clinicians and engage in cutting-edge research ensures a solid foundation for my future career. Mayo Clinic's dedication to patient care, unparalleled mentorship, and its reputation as a world-class referral center for complex cases make it an ideal choice for fellows seeking comprehensive clinical training and research opportunities. 

Future plans: Portal hypertension. I am also passionate about medical education and professional identity formation research.

Krystal Mills, M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine

Hobbies: Dancing, musical theater productions, art exhibitions, reading, traveling, and learning new cultures.

Why Mayo: I was drawn to the ethos of Mayo Clinic which emphasizes patient-centered care. The focus on innovation highlights a system that is intentional about meeting the healthcare needs of our dynamic world. There’s a genuine interest in providing me with world-class training in gastroenterology and hepatology while equipping me with the ideal mentorship and resources for honing my niche career interests.

Future plans: Gastrointestinal neoplasia, health disparities.

Shuji Mitsuhashi, M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University

Hobbies: Bouldering, lead climbing, outdoor climbing, camping, hiking, road trip, traveling, and Kendo martial arts.

Why Mayo: One of the key reasons I chose Mayo Clinic is because it houses the mentors who I deeply desired for both my research endeavors and clinical practice. It was clear from my interview that the Mayo Clinic program genuinely prioritizes the well-being and growth of its fellows, ensuring a superb educational experience encompassing education, research, and clinical training.  I truly connected with the faculties and current fellows during the interview and made me want to work with them! I am truly excited about the world-class clinical training that awaits me at Mayo Clinic, and I am incredibly grateful for this remarkable opportunity.

Future plans: I am still debating between a transplant hepatology or an advanced endoscopy fellowship. I am also interested in medical education, driven by my love for teaching and sharing knowledge with others!

Eugene Nwankwo, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University

Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, reading non-fiction books, economics, and finance.

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic strives to educate trainees and practice medicine at the intersections of clinical practice, innovative research, and world-class education. This goal forms the backbone of our GI curriculum through which we are exposed to a wide range of pathologies and procedures. I chose Mayo for its collaborative culture, excellent mentorship, and top-class clinical training. I am thankful to spend the next few years learning in the midst of world-renowned experts at the forefront of their fields.

Future plans: I am interested in exploring and providing solutions to alleviate disparities in the access and delivery of healthcare for underserved and marginalized populations in gastroenterology and hepatology.

June Tome, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Traveling/exploring new countries, spending time with my family in Spain, hiking, downhill skiing, and spending time outdoors.

Why Mayo: I am grateful to continue training at Mayo Clinic for the incredibly collaborative culture, outstanding patient care, as well as unparalleled mentorship and research opportunities. It is a privilege to learn from leaders in the field who are committed to your success.

Future plans: Microscopic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and artificial intelligence in GI.

Kara Jencks, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Michigan

Hobbies: Poetry, painting, exercise, cooking vegetarian meals, board games, playing with our two cats and dog, and camping/hiking.

Why Mayo: The opportunities awarded at Mayo are unmatched at other places, especially with the protected research time and ability to pursue a funded master’s degree. Mayo is one of the world's expert hubs for neurogastroenterology and translational research, which is my career focus. Plus, the environment is forward-thinking, and everyone seems to be inclusive and kind, so far. The PD is also great!

Future plans: Brain gut axis, translational neurogastroenterology, LGTBQ+ health.

Ryan Alexander M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Playing golf and basketball. I am also a serious Detroit sports fan and watch every Lions game religiously. I also have a 2-year-old Doberman that I frequently take to the park.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic gastroenterology for the culture, excellent teaching, and the balance of clinical duties, endoscopy, and research time. The culture is one of personal and professional growth, and I feel comfortable calling any of my consultants with a G.I. question. The ability to be taught and mentored by a variety of sub-specialists is a unique opportunity. Lastly, the transition from clinic and consult heavy in the first year, primarily research in the second year, and primarily endoscopy in the third year was suitable for me.

Future plans: I want to be an academic gastroenterologist, hopefully at Mayo, and have a balance of clinical duties, including esophagus clinic and esophageal manometry as well as allocated research time for clinical trials related to the esophagus.

Mouhand Mohamed M.B.B.S., M.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Brown University 

Hobbies: My wife and I are blessed with a beautiful boy and girl, and we love spending our free time together as a family. We enjoy exploring kid-friendly activities like playgrounds, water parks, museums, and restaurants. I also enjoy making new friends, watching short videos or movies, and chatting over a cup of coffee!

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because it offers exceptional training with direct guidance from world-renowned GI experts. The chance to learn from such esteemed consultants while caring for patients with complex conditions from around the globe was appealing. Additionally, working alongside intelligent and dedicated co-fellows who share a similar passion for patient care, continuous learning, education, and research is incredibly motivating. This learning environment will undoubtedly help me reach my full potential!

Future plans: While I’m eager to explore all that GI has to offer, I envision myself working in a large academic setting, focusing on IBD and other autoimmune/inflammatory conditions affecting the GI system. I aim to contribute to excellent patient care, education, global health training, innovation, and impactful research.

Jessica Atieh M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, going to music festivals, and more recently learning Spanish.

Why Mayo: I initially came to Mayo Clinic for a one-month rotation in endocrinology as a medical student, and later returned for a research fellowship in neurogastroenterology after completing medical school. I was deeply impressed by the Mayo way and the inspiring, down-to-earth mentors I met here. The emphasis Mayo Clinic places on patient care, coupled with its strong support for trainee growth and career development, drew me back after my residency.

Future plans: My goal is to become a clinical investigator in neurogastroenterology.

Alex Ticho M.D. Ph.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: I love being outside at Rochester's many parks and trails. I spend as much time as I can on my bike, whether it's mountain biking or riding around the neighborhood with my daughters in the Burley.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because of the value the institution places on putting our patients first. As a physician scientist, Mayo is one of the best places to learn how to take exceptional care of patients and how to conduct research that addresses their needs.

Future plans: I'm planning a career in academic gastroenterology as a physician scientist, spending part of my time in clinic and part of my time running a research lab.

Sarah Khan M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic 

Hobbies: I love to read and visiting independently owned bookstores brings me joy. I also love spending time with animals, outdoors and trying new restaurants with family and friends. I love travel: it is my goal to visit 1-2 new countries every year.

Why Mayo: When I interviewed, Mayo felt like a dream to me. Every conversation I had with each attending just opened my eyes to how supportive this environment is towards any potential interest a fellow could have academically. The collegial and unique culture was evident to me even virtually, and I looked forward to the opportunity to explore my interests as a fellow. I also appreciated how serious a priority fellows' education is, and how the division is set up around fellows' schedules.

Future plans: I hope to pursue a transplant hepatology fellowship and care for sick patients with cirrhosis. I am particularly interested in critically ill patients with liver disease and look forward to learning how I can help improve the road to transplant in these patients.

Adedayo Okanlawon JR M.D.

Residency: 

Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

Hobbies: I really enjoy cooking, particularly BBQ. In another life I would've gone to culinary school. I also love listening to entrepreneurial podcast, any and everything Texas A&M athletics, and playing pick-up basketball in my free time.

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo GI because I love the culture, the environment, and the commitment to education and trainee career advancement. Everyone here is so invested in your success and helping you accomplish your goals both short term and long term.  I also love the intradisciplinary collaboration and collegiality. Everyone who works at Mayo is treated with respect and the work each of us does is all focused on ensuring the needs of the patient are met.

Future plans: I am interested in pursuing a career in advanced endoscopy or General GI. I hope to work in an academic center where I can be exposed to new novel techniques and also be able to teach the next generation of physicians as well.

Ankit Chhoda M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health

Hobbies: I like to paint with watercolors and hike with my husband and our dog "Laddu." We also like to cook(not always good...lol).

Why Mayo: I was impressed by patient-first ethos of the institution. Moreover, the profound breadth of knowledge and skills intertwined with humility resonated with me.

Future plans: I aim to pursue academic gastroenterology with focus on pancreatic disease.

Hanna Erickson M.D., Ph.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, exploring different breweries, trying new recipes, cheering on the Minnesota Gophers, delving into the Lord of the Rings lore, and spending time outdoors.

Why Mayo: I knew I wanted to train at a place where I could have both top-notch clinical training and have the support to develop a research program that would be the steppingstone to a long and fruitful career. What truly set Mayo apart was how genuine, passionate, and brilliant everyone is and at the same time that they show a commitment not only to clinical training and research but also to seeing and treating you as a whole person. On my interview day, I felt that I was seen not only as a potential trainee but as a potential future colleague.

Future plans: I aim to become an academic physician-scientist specializing in the care of patients with liver disease and performing research focused on understanding the metabolic pathways that contribute to the pathophysiology of liver disease.