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Meet Our Residents
"Welcome!
As chief residents, our primary role is to focus on resident education, wellness, and advocacy. We are thrilled to support our residents in learning, research, and clinical development and help them to achieve their career and personal goals. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding our program."
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Holly Thomson, M.D.
Words from our residents
Our residents come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. See what a few of our residents have to say about our program, the campus, and the community.
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Hesham Abdalla, M.B.B.S.
“What makes training at Mayo Clinic amazing is their dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care fostering an extremely motivating and supportive environment for all. We also benefit from working with world-class physicians across various specialties, while gaining exposure to a wide array of complex cases, which creates an outstanding atmosphere for learning. As an aspiring cardiology fellow, I was pleased to find an abundance of research opportunities, invaluable mentors, and strong program support for conference attendance. The program leadership is tremendously supportive, regularly seeking resident feedback to ensure our success, well-being, and work-life balance. All in all, this is a truly remarkable program that I encourage all medical students to strongly consider."
Medical school: Alfaisal University
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Matt Biondi, M.D.
“The Mayo community is unique, and you quickly feel a part of the family. The care team, from administration to nursing to attending physicians, is so helpful and invested in your success. During my first week here, I could sense that the environment was different from anywhere else I had worked and that the spirit of collaboration and community was a reality. Being in a smaller program means being able to pick research mentors and have plenty of opportunities at our fingertips for retrospective/prospective studies, clinical trials, medical education, and career interests. Everyone is readily available for help and support, from fellow residents to the associated program directors and program directors. Being at Mayo is truly a unique and excellent experience!”
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
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Ashlyn Brown, M.D.
“Training here has been an absolute dream! I could not be more grateful for the wonderful community, clinical training, and educational opportunities. I am so thankful for the amazing exposure to high acuity patient care through many different rotations including wards, inpatient cardiology, and ICU rotations. The curriculum is structured in a way that equips trainees to feel comfortable assessing and managing very complex and medically challenging patients. The support from program leaders and hospital staff is unparalleled. The environment at Mayo is encouraging and fosters growth in all areas, for all levels of training. Mentorship is readily available, and educators are constantly looking for ways to teach and help connect trainees with research projects.
Medical school: West Virginia University
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Pierce Claassen, M.D.
“Having the opportunity to train as an internal medicine resident physician at the Mayo Clinic has been a true blessing. Since I rotated at the hospital as a visiting sub-intern during my fourth year of medical school, I was fortunate to witness a glimpse of the program's culture prior to residency. This month-long experience had me sold! The Mayo Clinic is an incredible institution. The renowned patient care, education, and research is only possible because of the culture of collegiality and mutual respect among the physicians, scientists, and allied healthcare professionals who all work together to meet the needs of their patients. I am so grateful to be a part of the Mayo Clinic family."
Medical school: Washington State University
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Albert Chong, M.D., M.P.H.
“Mayo Clinic Arizona is a place where the phrase ‘I don’t know’ is embraced as an opportunity to learn, teach, and grow. I can say without doubt that the people here are wholly dedicated to the success of both patients and each other. The internal medicine residency here offers a balanced exposure to common and complex pathologies, patients with and without means, and clinical and research opportunities. Our 4+4 block schedule fosters wellness as both a physician and human being.”
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
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Amany Elshaer, M.B.B.S.
“I consider myself fortunate to have been accepted into the Internal Medicine Residency program at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, where I have the opportunity to train alongside world-class physicians. My aspiration has always been to immerse myself in an atmosphere of constant innovation and growth, and that is precisely what I discovered at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. This institution offers an array of remarkable educational prospects, abundant research opportunities, and a variety of enriching extracurricular activities, fulfilling all my expectations. If I were to pinpoint my favorite aspect of being part of Mayo Clinic, it would be the sense of community. Everyone within the program exudes enthusiasm for each other’s achievements, and our program leadership, who is tremendously supportive, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our success.”
Medical school: Alfaisal University
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Alex Gonzalez, M.D.
I was drawn to Mayo Clinic Arizona for a variety of reasons. First of all, the resources here are second to none. The culture of Mayo Clinic is legendary for being extremely welcoming and warm. I love living in Phoenix and being in a community that has everything you could need, from hiking to sports teams (my personal favorite and a must on places where I applied), to everything in between. I felt that the resources, location, and the PEOPLE that the residency program picks are why I was drawn to apply here, and ultimately chose to be here.”
Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine
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Aileen Lee, M.D.
“As a medical student, I did an away rotation at Mayo Clinic Arizona. What sold me was the warm, inclusive culture that reminded me of a community hospital, yet had the resources, medical complexity and expertise of a globally renowned institution. In those four weeks, I thrived because I felt so safe to learn. As a resident, this continues to be true. Even during the busiest of days, my attendings are eager to teach, and everyone - from senior residents to nursing staff - is there to support me.“
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson
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Samarth Rawal, M.D.
“If I had to choose a single word to sum up Mayo Clinic culture, it would be 'supportive'. Whether it is asking a consultant for clinical advice, a member of the teaching faculty for academic guidance, or any interaction at any level with staff at Mayo, everyone is kind, compassionate, and more than willing to take the time to provide help. Even a couple of months into my residency training, this culture has made me feel so welcome and encouraged to grow as a learner.”
Medical school: Carle Illinois College of Medicine at UIUC
Class of 2025
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Jeremiah Bearss, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Matt Biondi, M.D. |
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Ashlyn Brown, M.D. |
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Cody Cunningham, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Sandra Elmasry, M.D. |
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Amany Elshaer, M.B.B.S. |
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Amogh Havanur, M.D., M.P.H. |
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Avanika Mahajan, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Michael O’Shea, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. |
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Srekar Ravi, M.D. |
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Juliana Savic, M.D. |
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Bobak Seddighzadeh, M.D. |
Class of 2026
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Hesham Abdalla, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Manchester, England Medical school: Alfaisal University Professional interest: Cardiology, research, medical education Hobbies: Soccer, weightlifting, late night drives |
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Adam Bacon, M.D. Hometown: Orinda, California Undergraduate: University of Oregon Medical school: University of California, Davis Professional interest: Medical education Hobbies: BBQ, weightlifting, golf |
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Tara Ballouz, M.D. Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Undergraduate: University of Michigan Medical school: Western Michigan University Professional interest: Hematology/oncology Hobbies: Hiking, rock climbing, pickleballing |
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Isabela Chang, M.D. Hometown: West Covina, California Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona Professional interest: Hematology/oncology Hobbies: Hiking with my puppy, baking, acrylic pour art, and traveling |
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Nathan Chow, M.D. Hometown: Fremont, California Undergraduate: Hofstra University Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona Professional interest: Generalist Hobbies: Cooking, reading, sports |
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Kevin Chung, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago Graduate school: University of Chicago Booth School of Business Medical school: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Professional interest: Hematology/oncology, healthcare quality improvement, health new venture development Hobbies: Golf, chess, video games, restaurants, HIIT/cycling |
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Pedro be Borba Engster, M.D. Hometown: Lajeado – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Medical school: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Professional interest: Cardiology Hobbies: Weightlifting, coffee-making, chess |
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Maximilliano Diaz Menindez, M.D. Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico Medical school: Anahuac University Professional interest: Rheumatology, immunology, medical education, health equity Hobbies: Theater, opera, traveling, tennis |
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Rodrigo Fonseca, M.D. Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico Medical school: Universidad Anáhuac School of Medicine Professional interest: Hematology/oncology Hobbies: Ice hockey, tennis, going to concerts, playing the piano, occasional attempts at cooking |
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Danielle Green, M.D. Hometown: San Clemente, California Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno Medical school: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Professional interest: Critical care, medical education Hobbies: Staying active, collecting vinyl records, quality time with family and friends, concerts, movies |
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Whitney Harris, M.D. Hometown: Caldwell, Idaho Undergraduate: Brigham Young University Medical school: University of Washington Professional interest: Hematology/oncology Hobbies: Hiking, reading, amateur nature photography, making friends with dogs |
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Brian Parker, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: Mesa, Arizona Undergraduate: Brigham Young University Graduate school: University of Utah David Eccles School of Business Medical school: University of Utah School of Medicine Professional interest: Primary care, insulin resistance, preventative medicine Hobbies: Entrepreneurship, all the sports, adventures with my golden retriever |
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Tala Shahin, M.D. Hometown: Tucson, Arizona Undergraduate: University of Arizona Medical school: University of Arizona, Tucson Professional interest: General internal medicine Hobbies: Fostering kittens, gaming, crossword puzzles, racquetball, cooking, weightlifting |
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Taylor Viggiano, M.D. Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona Undergraduate: Brown University Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona Professional interest: Medical education, preventative medicine, nutrition Hobbies: Live music, spin, boxing, meditation |
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Winston Wang, M.D. Hometown: Palo Alto, California Undergraduate: Stanford University Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona Professional interest: Inpatient medicine, cardiology Hobbies: Board games, volleyball |
Class of 2027
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Haya Al Any, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Undergraduate: Arizona State University Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Professional interest: Hematology/oncology, rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Hobbies: Travel, faith, and advocacy for mental health care |
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Leticia Assad Maia Sandoval, M.D. Hometown: Brasilia, Brazil Undergraduate: Universidade de Brasilia Medical School: Universidade de Brasilia Professional Interest: Hematology/oncology Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, board games, running, and meditation |
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Wale Babalola, M.D. Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria Undergraduate: Minot State University Medical School: University of North Dakota Professional Interest: Cardiology, hematology/oncology Hobbies: Soccer |
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Albert Chong, M.D., M.P.H Hometown: Sunnyvale, CA Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles Medical School: Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Professional Interest: Allergy/immunology, gastroenterology, mental healthcare, public health Hobbies: Board games, coffee, dining out, live music, tennis, hiking, golf |
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Pierce Claassen, M.D. Hometown: Clarkston, WA Undergraduate school: Washington State University Medical school: Washington State University Professional Interest: Gastroenterology and hepatology, colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, rural healthcare access Hobbies: Playing acoustic guitar, country music, agriculture, upland game hunting, long-distance running, cast iron cooking, and spending quality time with my wife |
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Sofia De La O Bahr, M.D. Hometown: Saltillo, Mexico Undergraduate school: University of Kansas Graduate school: University of Kansas School of Medicine Professional Interest: Cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology Hobbies: hiking, outdoors, plants, trying new food/restaurants, traveling, staying active, being a mom |
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Luke Dreher, M.D. Hometown: Goodyear, AZ Undergraduate school: University of Arizona Graduate school: Boston University School of Medicine Professional Interest: Cardiology Hobbies: Hiking, lifting, football, baseball, basketball |
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Ryan Gassner, M.D. Hometown: Wausau, WI Undergraduate school: University of Wisconsin, Madison Graduate school: Medical College of Wisconsin Professional Interest: Pulmonology/critical Care, gastroenterology Hobbies: anything outdoors, football, basketball, baseball, cooking/grilling, trying new restaurants, acoustic guitar, hunting, fishing, country music |
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Alejandro J. Gonzalez, M.D. Hometown: Laredo, TX Undergraduate school: Notre Dame Graduate school: Baylor College of Medicine Professional Interest: Gastroenterology Hobbies: Sports, country music, food
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Wallace Klein Schwengber, M.D. Hometown: Itapiranga, Brazil Undergraduate school: N/A Graduate school: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Professional Interest: Clinical research, evidence based medicine, cardiology Hobbies: Sports, bodybuilding, spending time with family and friends |
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Aileen Lee, M.D. Hometown: Eugene, OR Undergraduate school: Georgetown University Graduate school: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Professional Interest: Geriatrics, general internal medicine, health disparities, medical education Hobbies: Boba, running, creating 30-second video food reviews |
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Samarth Rawal, M.D. Hometown: Chandler, AZ Undergraduate school: Arizona State University Graduate school: Carle Illinois College of Medicine at UIUC Professional Interest: Clinical artificial intelligence, clinical research, entrepreneurship, clinical informatics Hobbies: Singing Indian classical music, the Beatles, hiking, running |
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Julianna Smith, M.D. Hometown: Kingman, AZ Undergraduate school: Arizona State University Graduate school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine- Arizona Professional Interest: Cardiology, Pulmonology/critical care, health disparities Hobbies: Netflix, coffee, pickleball, volleyball, music
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Hunter VanDolah, M.D. Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Undergraduate school: Creighton University Graduate school: Georgetown University Professional Interest: Cardiology Hobbies: Hiking, camping, playing with my golden retriever Cooper
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Kevin Zhou, M.D. Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Undergrad: University of Washington, B.S in Microbiology Medical School: Washington State University, M.D. Professional Interests: Infectious disease, street medicine, health equity |