Tiffany Wu, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking new recipes, yoga, and exploring hidden gems in Minnesota!

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hanging out with my co-fellows (who've turned into family), visiting the farmer's market, and listening to performances by local musicians

Why Mayo: Beyond the incredible opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research and innovation, we have unparalleled mentorship from leaders in the field who are extremely supportive of fellows' goals and pursuits. The kindness and collegiality across the division, department, and community truly make Mayo a wonderful place to learn and work.

Future plans: I will be staying at Mayo Clinic to complete an advanced fellowship in transplant hepatology.

Johnny Zheng, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Michigan

Hobbies: I love watching movies and playing video games. I am a TECH fanatic. When not scoping or seeing patients, I spent time building a top-end gaming rig, my own home theater and streaming service, a Network Attached Storage (NAS), and a smart home system. 

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Even though I grew up in a metropolis in China with a population of 6 million, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of Rochester. Mayo Clinic is a vibrant presence that brings in people from all over the world while maintaining the intimacy of communities. Summer is most gorgeous, but we do outdoor activities all year long. Every weekend there are numerous free activities organized by community individuals and groups. We love taking our kids to hike, bike, and camp, and really enjoy the Olmsted County Fair. Authentic Asian food/ingredients can be accessed through "secret" community markets and I'd be happy to introduce you to the group!

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo for its outstanding clinical training and unparalleled research opportunities. At this world-class referral center, fellows learn alongside legendary clinicians and research pioneers to care for the most complex cases. Intra- and inter-disciplinary care takes place on a regular basis to enrich learning. There is a perfect balance between clinical workload and protected learning time. Mayo is at the forefront of clinical and translational research. Just go to DDW or ACG to appreciate Mayo's deep roots in the soil of gastroenterology. All fellows get 12 months of protected research time and collectively we are a very productive bunch!

Future plans: I will be continuing at Mayo Clinic for advanced training in esophageal diseases. My career vision is to become a clinical investigator, with a research focus on personalizing management of upper GI motility disorders such as gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, eosinophilic gastritis, and duodenitis.

Katie Dunleavy, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Hobbies: Singing opera, painting, yoga/barre, Ted Lasso, Great British Bakeoff

Favorite things to do in Rochester: On the weekends, you can find me at the Rochester Farmer's Market, hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, or hanging with friends at a local brewery.

Why Mayo: Learning from patients with complex diseases, world experts, and staff who truly put patients first is a privilege. Many of the Mayo Clinic values mirror my training in medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Mayo Clinic is unique because there is an incredible level of mentorship, support, and kindness from everyone you meet!

Future plans: Staying at Mayo Clinic for an Advanced IBD year.

Khushboo Gala, M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Louisville

Hobbies: Running, cooking plant-based food, hiking, and walking

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Run or walk in the many tranquil neighborhood parks, dinner at Thai Pop or Forager, and live music at Thesis or Little Thistle

Why Mayo: Mayo has it all - incredible clinical exposure to a wide array of pathology, great research opportunities, and most importantly (in my opinion), absolutely amazing mentors and educators who truly care. It is truly a fellowship beyond compare!

Future plans: I am hoping to do a fellowship in advanced endoscopy next. Long-term, I hope to combine my interests in interventional GI, healthcare delivery, and medical education during my academic career. 

Laurens Janssens, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Playing drums, collecting records, going to concerts/festivals, and supporting local (micro) breweries

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Attending the (surprisingly numerous) music events at different venues (usually breweries and DIY-venues)

Why Mayo: I first came to Mayo as an international medical student for a one-month rotation in internal medicine. I had no intention to pursue training in the United States then, but the superb quality of the clinical teaching pushed me to obtain my USMLE's and apply to Mayo Clinic for residency. Fast-forward three years and my choice for fellowship was very easy thanks to the incredible organization of Mayo as an institution, the approachability of the 80+ GI faculty, and the culture that strongly emphasizes patient care above all.

Future plans: I have a profound interest in pancreatic diseases, both benign and malignant. I want to pursue a career in academic medicine that combines advanced pancreatic procedures (ERCP, EUS) with medical pancreatology.

Ahmed Kurdi, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Hobbies: In my free time, I like playing the alto saxophone, biking, hiking, camping, cooking for friends, photography, and listening to a broad range of music genres. 

Favorite things to do in Rochester: I like exploring new parks and camping grounds, going kayaking, planning road trips to explore the midwest after having lived in New England, cookouts with friends in the summer, and ice skating in the winter.

Why Mayo: Training at Mayo is a blessing I will always be grateful for. It comprises a well-balanced program between clinical training and research and offers autonomy in managing a wide range of pathology, as well as the privilege of learning from leaders in the field.

Future plans: Trained as a physician-scientist, my passion is to pursue a career in academia with clinical care for patients with IBD while being at the forefront of basic and translational research in mucosal immunology.

Daniel Penrice, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Running, riding bikes, golfing, exploring local breweries, watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Biking on the Douglas Trail, enjoying a beer at Little Thistle, and playing golf at the countless nearby courses

Why Mayo: As an internal medicine resident at Mayo, I found the clinical experience, research opportunities, and work-life balance to be everything I wanted in a medical training program, and I was thrilled with the opportunity to stay for the Gastroenterology Fellowship.

Future plans: I plan to complete a Transplant Hepatology Fellowship next. 

Siri Urquhart, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Cooking/baking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with friends and family

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going to the Farmer's Market, Thursdays Downtown, and visiting local pizza farms and wineries during the summer months. I like to drive down to the bluffs near La Crescent, Minnesota, as well as to local apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall. I go ice fishing in the winter and in the spring, I visit the local Amish community for my flower and garden planting needs!

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic truly embodies the three shields (patient care, education, and research) remarkably well. Not only do you have exposure to bread-and-butter gastroenterology and hepatology cases, but you are able to see (and manage!) complex patient cases throughout your time as a fellow. The collegiality and camaraderie amongst fellows, faculty, and staff is second to none. Everyone truly places the needs of the patient first. Endless research and educational opportunities, as well as support, abound at Mayo Clinic so that you may find your area of interest as you begin your career as a gastroenterologist and/or hepatologist!

Future plans: I will be pursuing an Advanced IBD year at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

KP Vantanasiri, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota

Hobbies: Watching soccer, Formula 1, and tennis

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hiking the trails and trying new restaurants

Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic's unwavering dedication to patient care and unparalleled mentorship are the main reasons why I chose to train here. This special place offers unique, integrated, patient-centered care and exceptional clinical training. These are the roots of Mayo's success in becoming one of the most trusted health organizations in the world.

Future plans: Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship

Lillian Wang, M.D.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Hobbies: Playing piano, reading, and trying new recipes

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going to the farmer's market on Saturdays, trying new restaurants with friends, and watching sunsets by the lake

Why Mayo: I chose to stay at Mayo for fellowship training not only because of the unparalleled opportunities to learn from the giants in the field (who are all enthusiastic and brilliant teachers), but also for the incredibly supportive and collegial environment fostered by the fellowship program and the entire GI division.

Future plans: Interventional endoscopy

Raseen Tariq, M.B.B.S.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, New York

Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, and watching TV

Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring hiking trails, trying new restaurants, and listening to live music

Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic for the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty, along with exceptional mentorship and robust research opportunities.

Future plans: I'm interested in pursuing a career with a focus on IBD and C.difficile. I am also interested in the use of artificial intelligence in health care.

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.