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 and Medical 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 and medical 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 and medical 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 and Medical 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.

Ryan E. Brown, M.D.

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Internal Medicine Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland Ohio 

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona because it brings together everything I was looking for in a training program. As someone born and raised in Arizona, I have always hoped to return home and serve the community that shaped me. Mayo’s commitment to world-class, patient-centered care and innovation makes it an ideal place to develop as a well-rounded clinician.  I am excited to be part of Mayo Clinic’s broader research enterprise, with the opportunity to learn from and contribute to cutting-edge work that can ultimately translate into better care for patients. It is important to me to train in a system that keeps patients at the center of everything it does, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be building my career in the place I ultimately call home.

Heidi Kuznia, M.D. 

Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine

Internal Medicine Residency: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic for fellowship because of its exceptional clinical training, the opportunity to learn from nationally and internationally recognized experts, and its strong commitment to career development. I knew that training at Mayo would provide me with a rigorous clinical foundation, along with mentorship and opportunities to explore my interests and prepare for any career path I pursue. Most importantly, I was drawn to Mayo’s deeply patient-centered culture and its guiding value that “the needs of the patient come first.” Since arriving, I have felt incredibly supported by my faculty and co-fellows, and I am grateful to be part of such a welcoming and collaborative community. After many years of medical training in colder climates, the Arizona sunshine is certainly an added bonus! I feel very fortunate to be training at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and look forward to continuing to grow as a physician, colleague, and advocate for my patients.

Jia Yi Tan, M.D. 

Medical School: Universiti Malaysia Sabah Sekolah Perubatan

Internal Medicine Residency: Saint Michael's Medical Center Saint Michael's Medical Center

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic in Arizona because of its commitment to exceptional patient care and its dedication to the growth and well-being of its trainees. I also value the opportunity to learn from leaders and experts in their respective fields. What truly set Mayo apart, however, was its collegial and collaborative culture. It is an environment where I know I will be supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally.

Karam Zakharia, M.D. 

Medical School: Syrian Arab Republic - University of Damascus

Internal Medicine Residency: St Joseph University Medical Center 

Internal Medicine Residency: Tulane University School of Medicine 

Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic's Hematology and Oncology Fellowship because of the opportunity to learn from recognized experts while caring for patients with highly complex and challenging conditions. I believe this exposure will provide me with broad, rigorous, and well-rounded training, preparing me to manage even the most difficult cases with confidence in the future. I was also drawn to the program’s flexibility and its ability to support each fellow’s individual career goals, whether in academic medicine or community practice. Most importantly, I was deeply impressed during my interview by the professionalism, kindness, and humility demonstrated by everyone I met. Despite their remarkable expertise and accomplishments, the faculty and fellows were approachable, welcoming, and genuinely committed to patient-centered care.