PGY5

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

Why Rural Track: I was born in a city, but my husband grew up in a very rural location. We would love to end up living and working in a similarly remote setting when our training is done. There is also no single area within general surgery that has captured my interest; I want to a generalist. I welcome the challenge of matching my interests and skills with a community’s needs by staying creative and adaptable.

PGY3

Medical school: Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

Why Rural Track: I chose the Rural Track because I wanted to become the most well-rounded and capable general surgeon possible. This program offers the unique privilege of training with world-class surgeons in Rochester, MN, while also gaining hands-on experience in community hospitals. The exposure to a wide variety of bread-and-butter general surgery cases in rural settings has been instrumental in building my skill set as a resident. The integrated community and rural surgery track truly prepares you to meet the needs of any community with excellence.

Research/PGY3

Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

PGY2

Medical school: Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Rural Track: The Rural Track presented the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my dream of becoming a broad-based general surgeon and bringing world-class healthcare to my hometown in Iowa. As a small-town native, I always felt the calling to bring top-tier medical care to rural communities, and training at Mayo Clinic — widely regarded as the best hospital in the world — will allow me to gain the expertise to manage both simple and complex cases. I'll learn to serve underserved populations and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in Iowa, ultimately ensuring that my community has access to the same top-tier care. This opportunity will not only enhance my surgical skills but also enable me to create a lasting impact in my home state, combining the best of Mayo Clinic with the needs of rural Iowa.

PGY1

Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine

Why Rural Track: I chose Mayo’s Rural Track because it will give me the opportunity to continue to serve rural communities while participating in the exceptional education Mayo is known for. My goal is to return to practice in a rural Wisconsin area where I can offer compassionate, tailored care close to home while working to advocate for rural residents whose voices are often not heard. I can continue to explore my passion for rural healthcare while gaining tools to serve these communities. I have seen and navigated the disparities that rural residents endure, including the lack of access to funding and more advanced resources. I firmly assert that rural communities deserve equal access to medical services. This is a vital component of healthcare that Mayo’s Rural Track will equip me to join the fight in fixing.