Seyi Abidoye, M.B.B.S.

Medical school: University of Lagos College of Medicine

Internal medicine residency: Northeast Georgia Medical Center (2020-2023)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: The training at Mayo Clinic has been an incredible experience so far. The program provides hands-on exposure to a wide variety of cases. The faculty members are not only experts in their fields but are also exceptionally approachable and supportive, creating an environment of continuous learning and professional development. Additionally, I greatly appreciate the camaraderie among the fellows in the program. Finding mentors and research projects has been smooth and rewarding. The faculty are approachable and invested in our growth, providing excellent guidance and resources. This support has been crucial in developing my research skills and shaping my career.

Rodolfo Morales, M.D.

Medical school: Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Facultad de Medicina

Internal medicine residency: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-DHR, Edinburg, TX (2020-2023)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: What I appreciate the most about the Hematology Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona is the consistently supportive and friendly environment fostered by fellows, faculty, and staff, alongside a culture and values that prioritize patient needs. What sets this fellowship apart is its unique research opportunities as well as opportunities to rotate in underserved areas, as well as the flexibility to tailor training to your specific professional interests.

Sarah Monick, M.D.

Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Internal medicine residency: University of Chicago (2019-2023)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona for my hematology/oncology fellowship because of the institution's dedication to developing a comprehensive adolescent and young adult (AYA) program and its commitment to improving developmentally appropriate patient-centered care for young adults with cancer across the care continuum. As a Med-Peds trained physician, I have a strong interest in caring for young adults with cancer and conducting patient reported outcomes research to amplify their voices and identify gaps in supportive care services that need refinement. Since arriving, I've had the privilege of working with exceptional female mentors—special shout out to Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Wu—who have greatly fostered both my personal and professional growth. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to train here! 

Kevin Shim, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical school: Mayo Clinic, MN

Internal medicine residency: Washington University, Saint Louis, MO (2019-2022)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: The opportunity to focus deeply on the latest advances in cancer care and biology has been a highlight. The work/life balance is excellent, thanks to the institutional guardrails and support systems in place. Additionally, finding mentors and research projects has been a seamless process, with a wealth of active projects and a strong faculty presence eager to engage in meaningful collaborations.

Cody Eslinger, M.D., M.S.

Medical school: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine 

Internal medicine residency: Mayo Clinic, AZ (2021-2024)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose to come to Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of the research opportunities as well as its status as an NCI designated cancer center. As someone planning to practice in academia, I knew I would be well trained. There’s also no shortage of fun things to do outside of work while living in the Phoenix area.

Ali Hassan, M.D.

Medical school: University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine

Internal medicine residency: University of Iowa Internal Medicine (2021-2024)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: After spending time as a visiting resident with the Hematology/Oncology program here at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, it was clear to me that patient-centered care is the cornerstone of this program along with a healthy learning culture, immensely supportive mentors, and endless opportunities to contribute to the field. I knew that this would be the perfect environment in which I could challenge myself, embrace the unknown, and grow.

Usman Ilyas, M.B.B.S.

Medical school: Pakistan – Rawalpindi Medical College

Internal medicine residency: ISMMS/Queens Internal Medicine (2021-2024)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose to do my fellowship at Mayo Clinic because of its collegial atmosphere and stellar reputation in both clinical practice and research. As Dr. William Mayo said, "The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered." Being one of the NCCN Member Institutions, Mayo Clinic offers high clinical volume and exposure to rare cancers, providing exceptional training. The ample research resources are instrumental for career development and personal growth. Most importantly, the camaraderie between fellows and faculty fosters a supportive culture where I felt I truly belong.

Skyler Taylor, M.D.

Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Internal medicine residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (2021-2024)

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona for the variety of pathology, the excellent clinical education, and the abundance of research support. The genuine willingness of my peers and faculty to help each other for the good of our patients has been a welcoming environment. Additionally, I get to enjoy the beautiful and diverse landscape of Arizona with my family.

Kenny Barker, M.D.

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Internal medicine residency: University of Arizona – Tucson

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose to come to Mayo Clinic in Arizona for the collegiate and innovative environment centered around the goal of providing the best possible care for patients. So far, the mentorship, research opportunities, and support have been second to none. I feel truly grateful to be in a fellowship program aimed at helping me become the best possible hematologist/oncologist I can be. Additionally, the welcoming atmosphere from my co-fellows has been extremely supportive, and getting to be back in my hometown with my partner and family is icing on the cake!

Haley Meyer, M.D.

Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Internal medicine residency: Mayo Clinic in Arizona

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: Having been lucky enough to complete my residency at Mayo, I felt confident there’s nowhere better to train than Mayo. You are surrounded by people who want to see and help you succeed. Mayo also has all of the resources and opportunities one would need to succeed regardless of career path.

Kanishka Uttam Chandani, M.B.B.S. 

Medical school: Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College India

Internal medicine residency: New York Medical College/Landmark Medical Center

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: What drew me to Mayo Clinic in Arizona was the unparalleled support that fellows receive. Here, no dream is too big or too small. The program truly invests in helping you achieve your goals. While placing a strong emphasis on fellow development, the program never loses sight of its core value: patient-centered care. I was genuinely awestruck by the seamless collaboration between clinical and para-clinical teams, all united by a shared commitment to doing what’s best for the patient.

From my interview day, I felt an incredible sense of camaraderie among the fellows and faculty. In my time here so far, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the sharpest, most humble, and refreshingly down-to-earth individuals  people who are not only brilliant clinicians and global leaders, but also deeply passionate about teaching, making even the most daunting concepts in hematology/oncology feel approachable. Moreover, the resources available for conducting research are outstanding, and whether you're interested in patient outcomes, clinical trials, or even applications of AI in medicine — Mayo Clinic in Arizona has it all! This program is the perfect blend of diverse pathology, top-tier education, rich research opportunities, and, most importantly, truly exceptional people. It's everything I had envisioned in a dream fellowship.

Diana I. Zamora Quintanilla, M.D.

Medical school: Universidad de Ciencias Medicas Andrés Vesalio Guzmán (UCIMED) Escuela de Medicina, Costa Rica

Internal medicine residency: Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic because of its world-renowned reputation and the incredible opportunity to collaborate across all three sites in Arizona, Florida, and Rochester, Minnesota under one NCI designation. The strength of its transplant program, the access to meaningful research, and the culture of academic excellence made it stand out immediately. I’ve always been interested in transplant, survivorship, and integrative approaches to care, and Mayo gives me the support and flexibility to explore all of them. As a bonus, I was also able to pursue integrative oncology training alongside my hematology/oncology fellowship, which has been a perfect fit for my goals. Arizona also offers so much outside of work, and I wanted to be somewhere that supported growth both professionally and personally.