What attracted you to Mayo Clinic? Coming from a non-traditional PM&R background, it was my goal to help further the integration of Palliative Medicine and PM&R. Mayo Clinic provided the ideal culture of collaboration and mentorship to help me navigate these relatively unchartered waters. After meeting the various members of the interdisciplinary team, it didn't take long to be convinced that this is a unique first-class institution that fosters not only professional but personal growth. Mayo Clinic's world-renowned reputation drew me in, but the people made me want to stay.

Medical school: St. George's University of London
Residency: Johns Hopkins Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Johns Hopkins General Surgery Preliminary Year

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? When applying for a fellowship, I felt it was important to be somewhere with both resources and a commitment to getting learners to benefit from those resources. I sensed that Mayo and the HPM fellowship really took my growth seriously and wanted to do everything they could to facilitate my career goals not only as a clinician, but also as an educator and researcher. There are so many incredible opportunities to work with amazing physicians, NPs, PAs, nurses, social workers, and chaplains – all of whom are excited to help you grow. I’m thankful every day for the one-of-a-kind opportunities Mayo has given me.

Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH
Residency: Internal Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

What makes this fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? The incredible support of our department and faculty who are eager to teach and provide invaluable guidance and mentorship for our growth, not just in fellowship but also for our future aspirations. They prioritize wellness and balance it with the education curriculum. The 3+1 approach - three weeks for rotations with one week dedicated to education and clinic - is fantastic and prevents burnout. Inpatient teams can function without fellows, allowing us to prioritize our learning. I truly feel like I can make mistakes and challenge myself in a safe environment where everyone is willing to support me and help me grow to be a better palliative physician.

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL
Residency: Family medicine, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL

How has the fellowship program prepared you for your future career in hospice and palliative care? I think the fellowship really started preparing me during residency. Early on faculty knew I was interested in HPM. Their investment increased during my formal time as a fellow and it has been pivotal to my growth. The faculty learned my strengths and weaknesses, ensured prior refined skills were reinforced and challenged me in areas of weakness. The relationships that developed out of mentorships were pivotal and are a key reason I’ve chosen to stay on staff after fellowship. I’m excited to add the title colleague with my current mentors and supervising consultants next year!

Medical school: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Des Moines, IA
Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN