Meet Our Fellows

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Our fellows and faculty foster a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Training can be challenging, but our program is close-knit and each resident brings a dedication to providing stellar patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience.

Meet our fellows and learn why they chose Mayo Clinic's Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship in Rochester, Minnesota.

Brittany Kimball, M.D.

What aspects of the Mayo Clinic fellowship do you feel are unique: A hallmark of Mayo Clinic’s fellowship program is its fellow-led continuity clinic, a rare feature among academic fellowships, which allows us to build meaningful, longitudinal relationships with patients under the mentorship of disease-specific, world-renowned faculty. Equally distinctive is the flexibility to shape your own training. Whether your interests are broad or highly specialized, accessible mentors provide support and resources. For example, my interest in adolescent and young adult cancer care and survivorship has been met with unique opportunities to participate in clinical care, national committees, and research, which have allowed me to pursue my passion and cultivate a meaningful niche in this field.

More importantly, mentorship has expanded my sense of what’s possible. It has given me the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas, supported my success in applying for grants, and helped me navigate opportunities for national presentations and collaboration.

Hometown: Circle Pines, MN
Residency: University of Minnesota

Olisaemeka Ogbue, M.B.B.S.

Tell us about mentorship in fellowship: Mentorship has been a key part of shaping my path as a physician-scientist during fellowship. At Mayo Clinic, I’ve been fortunate to work with mentors who not only bring deep expertise, but who are genuinely invested in my growth. Their guidance has helped me think more clearly about my research direction and how to translate clinical questions into meaningful studies.

Hometown: Nnobi, Anambra, Nigeria
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Fairview

Dhauna Prasad Karam Prasad, M.B.B.S.

What drew you to Mayo Clinic? The outstanding values, medical education, and the exceptional people drew me to Mayo Clinic in 2018, when I joined Mayo Clinic Health System practice as an internist. Since then, I have grown as a person and physician, transitioning to the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship in 2023. The excellent teachers here shape my life for the better and I will be forever grateful to the institution for creating this place of magic!

Hometown: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Residency: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/Chicago Medical School

Jabra Zarka, M.D.

What aspects of the Mayo Clinic fellowship do you feel are unique? For me, the continuity clinic is the heart of what makes Mayo Clinic’s fellowship unique. It’s where I learned what it really means to be a hematologist-oncologist. Early on, making decisions for my own patients was intimidating, but that responsibility is exactly what built my confidence. I became their primary oncologist, built real relationships, and came to understand how meaningful that trust is. It still amazes me that patients come to Mayo and see ME as their doctor. Knowing I’ve had a real impact on someone’s cancer journey is hard to put into words. Just as special is the culture. Mayo Clinic has a humility and sense of purpose you feel everywhere, and people from all over the world come to Rochester to be part of it. Mayo Clinic hasn’t just trained me—it has fundamentally shaped the kind of oncologist I hope to be.

Hometown: Dhour Shweir, Mount Lebanon, Lebanona
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Class of 2026

	Erica Andres, M.D. Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
	Ryan Augustin, M.D. Hometown: Eagan, MN Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Why Mayo: Mayo provides one-on-one mentorship with disease-specific experts, unmatched administrative support, unique autonomy in a fellow-run clinic, and an overall immersive clinical experience.
	Isla Johnson, M.D. Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
	Dhauna Prasad Karam, M.D. Hometown: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India Residency: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/ Chicago Medical School Why Mayo: Growing up in India, I have always looked up to Mayo Clinic as the place where people go for "Medical Miracles." So when I was pursuing my residency in Chicago, I was constantly evaluating opportunities at Mayo Clinic. Initially, I joined the Mayo Family as an Internal medicine physician and experienced the extensive research advances and unparalleled teamwork firsthand. Also, the ability to learn from world renowned disease experts accentuated my dream of being a trainee at Mayo. Hence it was natural that I chose to pursue a hematology oncology fellowship at mayo Rochester and the learning has been extraordinary. You know you made the right choice when you are learning from professors who are on the cover page of renowned hematology oncology textbooks every day! This is where guidelines are written, drug discoveries are made, above all patients are treated with utmost respect and compassion. I am grateful to be a trainee here and will make the choice again anytime.
	Brittany Kimball, M.D. Hometown: Circle Pines, MN Residency: University of Minnesota Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because of the welcoming atmosphere. I appreciated the opportunities for mentorship. I was also drawn to the format of the continuity clinic which promotes true continuity with our fellow patients.
	Savannah Liddell, M.D. Hometown: Orlando, FL Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: The combination of excellent compassionate clinical training with vast research opportunities led me to choose Mayo.
	Rosalyn Marar, M.D Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center
	Nicole McLaughlin, M.D. Hometown: Lino Lakes, MN Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: Emphasis on clinical skills and experience, autonomy in managing own patient panel, location/closeness to family.
	Syeda Mina, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Arizona Residency: Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ Why Mayo: For its values, reputation, and mentorship availability.
	Clifford Csizmar, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Sandypoint, ID Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic for the unparalleled combination of patient care, research, and educational opportunities. Mayo Clinic cares for local, national, and global patients, thereby providing a comprehensive exposure to diverse pathologies. Importantly, fellows serve as the primary hematologist or oncologist for their own patient panel, which enables longitudinal relationships with patients and families while also enriching the educational experience. There is also robust institutional and extramural support for basic, translational, and clinical research, all of which are bolstered by renowned and enthusiastic mentors. As part of the Clinician Investigator Training Program, the fellowship was readily able to accommodate my protected time for bench research. Moreover, the fellowship maintains a keen focus on education, with didactic sessions led by experts in each subspecialty. Indeed, graduates from the fellowship are well equipped to transition into general community and sub-specialized academic practices alike. Finally, these opportunities are provided in a beautiful town with a low cost of living and no traffic, which help facilitate an excellent work-life balance. I would happily choose Mayo Clinic for my residency and fellowship training again!

Class of 2027

	Aldo Acosta Medina, M.D. Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: Mentorship and excellence of care in hematologic disorders including strength in classical heme + malignant heme and BMT.
	Jonathan Day, M.D., Pharm.D. Hometown: St. Elmo, IL Residency: University of Iowa Why Mayo: Mayo combines world class resources and mentorship with the welcoming atmosphere of the Midwest. I felt that everyone here was invested in the mission to provide the best care possible and to help trainees grow as clinicians, educators, and researchers.
	Ayo Falade, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria Residency: Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital Why Mayo: The opportunities that Mayo Clinic offers are unmatchable. I chose Mayo Clinic because of the program's emphasis on clinical competency, the opportunity to teach, dedicated mentorships, and involvement in impactful research that improves patient outcomes. Mayo Clinic offers me everything that I hope for in a training institution. Finally, everyone here has been super nice! From the janitor to the department head!
	Yoshito Nishimura, M.D., M.P.H. Residency: University of Hawaii Hometown: Honolulu, HI Why Mayo: Academic environment with great mentors.
	Olisaemeka Ogbue, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Nnobi, Anambra, Nigeria Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Fairview Why Mayo: Ultimately, I chose the Mayo Clinic for its world-class, state-of the-art cancer care and the collegial, collaborative spirit of its staff. I was thrilled by the prospect of my own continuity clinic panel of patients which will enrich my skills for independent practice.
	Emma St. Martin, M.D. Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Residency: Stanford University Why Mayo: Having gone to medical school at Mayo, I knew that the supportive culture, close mentorship from world experts in hematology & oncology, dedicated focus on patient care, and broad research opportunities within the program are all top-notch and I was so excited to return for my fellowship training. I was also drawn back to MN because of the proximity to my husband’s family and the ease of living in Rochester with our young children. Mayo is the perfect place for me professionally and personally.
	Michael Storandt, M.D Hometown: Moorhead, MN Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: There were a few reasons to choose Mayo. First and foremost, the people. The faculty and other fellows are incredibly kind and supportive. Additionally, Mayo places a strong emphasis on high quality clinical training at an academic center, which prepares you to practice in any setting after graduation.
	Jana Wieland, M.D. Hometown: Oldenburg, Germany / Honolulu, HI Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose Mayo for the amazing clinical and research opportunities and the chance to learn from leaders in the field. It really stood out to me as a place that combines world-class training with a strong focus on patient care, education, and collegiality.
	Alexander Xiao, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: New York City, NY Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic for fellowship because I completed my residency here and experienced firsthand the extraordinary culture of collaboration, compassion, and clinical excellence. It felt natural to continue my journey in a place where I’ve grown so much, both professionally and personally. Coming from NYC, I have also genuinely appreciated living in Rochester and experiencing the joys and conveniences of smaller-town living.
	Jabra Zarka, M.D. Hometown: Dhour Shweir, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Why Mayo: I've always been intrigued by the Mayo Clinic. Growing up, even back home, it was known to me as the best hospital in the world. After interviewing here and meeting incredibly down-to-earth mentors, I was struck by the institution's deep commitment to patient-centered care and its strong support for trainee growth and career development. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to experience the "Mayo way" firsthand.
	Aamod Dekhne, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I, too, enjoy placing the needs of the patient first.
	Yuan Yao, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Tianjin, China Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: Excellent clinical training with fellow's own patient panel, brilliant staff who are amazing teachers and mentors, and unparalleled support for research.

Class of 2028

	Deandra Chetram Kern, M.D. Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I was truly impressed by Mayo Clinic’s supportive and friendly culture during my three years of internal medicine residency training and chief year. I knew there was no better place to gain exceptional clinical, research, and medical education experience, all while having phenomenal mentorship and guidance.
	Christopher Ehret, M.D. Hometown: Dallas, PA Residency: Gundersen Health System Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic offers an unparalleled combination of clinical training excellence alongside world-renowned providers, expansive research and career growth opportunities, a warm and inviting collegial atmosphere, and most importantly, an ethos that places our patients’ care above all else.
	Robert Haemmerle, M.D. Hometown: Downers Grove, IL Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I was looking for a program that would both prepare me well clinically and provide excellent research opportunities. I also love the mission of Mayo Clinic and the commitment to doing what is best for the patient. I saw that throughout residency and wanted to continue my training in that environment. There is also a strong culture of respect and commitment to quality teaching. My family loves Rochester, and we have been so well supported by our friends here.
	Jack Korleski, M.D. Hometown: Newark, DE Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic due to the excellent patient care and opportunities to work with world-class mentors.
	Bridget Kuhn, M.D. Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Residency: Cleveland Clinic Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic combines top-tier research and clinical training with mentorship from world experts in the field, all within a welcoming environment that values patient care, collaboration, and learning.
	Jordan Nunnelee, M.D. Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I wanted to continue learning through the collaborative and patient-centered approach here at Mayo Clinic, especially in the hematology and oncology fields where these principles are even more vital.
	Mathias Palmer, M.D. Hometown: Westlake, OH Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I was at Mayo Clinic for residency and had the opportunity to work with many of the fellows and was constantly impressed with the quality of the training and the support of the program. I initially came to Mayo Clinic because I wanted to be part of a community where everyone enjoyed working with one another and collaborated to better healthcare. I have loved my time at Mayo Clinic and am so thankful that I get to stay here for the remainder of my training.
	Vikram Puram, M.D., M.S. Hometown:Edina, MN Residency: Stanford University Why Mayo: Excellent clinical training, support, and discussions with other fellows.
	Robb Scheel, M.D. Hometown: Tulsa, OK Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose to stay at Mayo Clinic for fellowship because I had a wonderful experience here during IM residency. I loved the kind, collaborative culture, and the strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. There are also broad, personalized learning opportunities that can be tailored to my specific interests, along with ample research opportunities in any area. On top of all that, I really enjoy living in Rochester—it’s a wonderful place to raise a family with small children, so staying was certainly a big plus.
	Nick Steinauer, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Omaha, NE Residency:  Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: Highly ranked and renowned institution, geographic location.
	Dongni Yi, M.D. Hometown: Chengdu, Sichuan Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Why Mayo: I chose to stay at Mayo Clinic after residency because of the strong and meaningful connection I’ve built with my research lab. Over the past few years, the lab has become an academic home for me – one where I feel intellectually challenged, deeply supported, and constantly inspired.
	Hadil Zureigat, M.D. Hometown: Amman, Jordan Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Why Mayo: It was clear to me that the program places a strong emphasis on clinical care and fostering autonomy from day one. Allowing fellows to manage their own panel of patients and taking responsibility for their care, with ample support, plays an important role in building the confidence and clinical skills needed to become well-rounded hemato-oncologists. This focus does not come at the expense of academic growth as I observed outstanding support for research, along with a wide range of opportunities for those who wish to pursue scholarly interests. I think this makes the program here at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN extremely unique. Ultimately, what truly sets this program apart are its people. I am surrounded by exceptionally talented and accomplished individuals who are equally kind, humble and supportive.

Class of 2029

	Guleid Hussein, M.D. Hometown:  Abu-Dhabi, UAE, and Toronto, Canada Residency: UPMC– Harrisburg Why Mayo: After working in the Mayo Clinic Health System and sending patients to Rochester, I had already seen how patient-centered the care is from the other side. For fellowship, I was excited about the mentorship, the chance to be part of world-class research, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Most importantly, the people here are kind, supportive, and genuinely seem to enjoy working together.
	George Cholack, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Northville, MI Residency: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Why Mayo: CI program. Excellent research infrastructure, mentorship, and hematology department
	Yianni Kournoutas, M.D. Hometown: Dublin, CA Residency: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic's fellowship is unique because it combines high-quality, rigorous clinical training with world-class research opportunities. The breadth and complexity of patients, the collaborative multidisciplinary culture, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field create an environment that equally fosters clinical excellence and academic growth.
	Mat Schnorenberg, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Mankato, MN Residency: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic offers a rare combination of outstanding clinical training and a translational research environment where world-class science remains closely connected to patient care. Having grown up in southern Minnesota and trained here for residency, Mayo feels both familiar and inspiring to me. Many places emphasize excellence, and many emphasize humility and teamwork, but Mayo brings those values together.
	Rafael Hennemann Sassi, M.D. Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazile Residency: University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital Why Mayo: Because of the excellence in care, research and education. I believe this institution inspires me to learn more and be a better physician every day.
	Steven Tessier, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Lititz, PA Residency: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic offers genuine mentorship from disease-specific experts invested in my growth, extensive clinical and laboratory research infrastructure, abundant internal funding, and a culture where clinical excellence and rigorous research serve the patient, every day.
	Utkarsh Goel, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Nagpur, India Residency: Cleveland Clinic Why Mayo: Opportunity to work in the fellows clinic, and excellent mentorship to grow as a clinician and a researcher.
	Rodrigo Fonseca, M.D. Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico Residency: Mayo Clinic - Arizona Why Mayo:  I chose Mayo Clinic because, during residency, I saw firsthand how much I enjoyed learning in this environment. It is a place with very high standards, but it never felt intimidating to ask questions or admit what I did not know. In a field as complex as hematology/oncology, I wanted a training environment that would challenge me while still encouraging curiosity and growth.
	Bibi Maryam, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan Residency: University of Oklahoma Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because of its unique combination of exceptional clinical training, early autonomy, and outstanding mentorship. The fellow-led continuity clinic was a major draw, as it provides the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients while developing independence. I was also inspired by Mayo Clinic’s guiding principle that the needs of the patient come first, which is reflected in its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to delivering the highest quality care.
	Stephen Lee, M.D. Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Residency:  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Why Mayo: Camaraderie, excellent clinical training combined with immense research opportunities, and the snowy winters!
	Dawid Mehlich, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Krapkowice, Poland Residency: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because of its reputation for excellence in medicine and groundbreaking research that advances patient care. I want to learn in an environment where collaboration, innovation, and compassionate care come together to make a real difference.
	Regina Koch, M.D. Hometown: Rockford, IL Residency: Mayo Clinic - Rochester Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because of my experience training here during residency. I was consistently supported by mentors who made a genuine investment in my growth as a clinician and an aspiring researcher. The close partnerships among hematologists, oncologists, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and the broader multidisciplinary team create an environment where patient care and education thrive.
	Adamsegd Gebremedhen, M.D. Hometown: Asmara, Eritrea Residency: Marshall University Why Mayo: I chose Mayo Clinic because it brings together clinical excellence, scientific discovery, and a culture of collaboration, all in service of every patient. The commitment to advancing oncology and improving cancer care globally made it the place where I wanted to train.