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Meet Our Residents

Residents in classroom

Our residents come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Read more about their backgrounds and interests outside of the residency.

From the chief residents

We are honored that you would consider our program to further your medical training. As recent alumni of this residency ourselves, we can attest to the program’s comprehensive medical education, clinical work, and mentorship. We are humbled to continue this work as chief medical residents, where we lead by example that “the needs of the patient come first.”  

As internal medicine residents, we strive to become leaders in each of Mayo Clinic’s three shields: patient care, education, and research. The complex and exceptional clinical care provided by our institution attracts patients worldwide - and we are honored to serve them as trainees. As chief medical residents, we provide direct teaching to our residents in the wards and clinics, develop our didactic curriculum by incorporating resident feedback, and serve as mentors to help them navigate their personal and professional development.

Mayo Clinic provides a multitude of opportunities to immerse oneself in career exploration, interdisciplinary teamwork, medical education, clinical and research mentorship by world-class physicians. We take pride in the warm, collegial atmosphere that is maintained by our physicians and interdisciplinary team members. Additionally, we enjoy serving the local community of Jacksonville, Florida through our partnerships with community outreach clinics in underserved areas. Our campus truly offers a unique opportunity to foster one’s professional interests in a family-friendly setting right by the beach. We hope to have the opportunity to elaborate on all the qualities we love about Mayo Clinic and why it is an incredible place to train. 

Cheers,

Michael Acevedo Monsanto, M.D.
acevedomonsanto.michael@mayo.edu

Krista Grennan, M.D.
grennan.krista@mayo.edu

Matt Kornas, M.D.
kornas.matthew@mayo.edu

Dylan Scott, M.D.
scott.dylan@mayo.edu

Meet our chief residents

Michael Acevedo Monsanto, M.D.

Michael Acevedo Monsanto, M.D.Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Medical school: University of Puerto Rico Medical School Campus
Career/fellowship interest: Cardiology, critical care

About me: Training at Mayo Clinic has been an honor, particularly because I have been immersed in the institution’s three-shield mission of patient care, research, and education. Mayo’s culture of collaboration, unwavering commitment to putting patients first, and dedication to innovation create a uniquely inspiring environment. As a chief medical resident, it is a privilege to support Mayo Clinic’s core values while fostering a collegial learning environment for the next generation of physicians. Following my chief year, I plan to pursue fellowship training in cardiology and critical care medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking risotto, homemade pasta, sushi, and Puerto Rican cuisine, spending time with my family, as well as playing basketball and acoustic guitar.

Krista Grennan, M.D.

Krista Grennan, M.D.Hometown: Succasunna, New Jersey
Medical school: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Career/fellowship interest: Endocrinology

About me: My time at Mayo Clinic has been incredibly transformative and rewarding. I am honored to serve as one of the chief residents this academic year. I am excited to be able to give back to a program that has played such an important role in my growth as a physician. Mayo Clinic's three-shield approach to patient care, research, and education, combined with its culture of collaboration, has shaped both my professional development and future career goals. As chief resident, I look forward to supporting our residents, contributing to medical education and research initiatives, and fostering a positive learning environment. After completing my chief resident year, I plan to pursue fellowship training in endocrinology and a career in academic medicine with interests in research, medical education, community outreach and inclusion initiatives, and mentorship. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, cooking, baking, playing pickleball, watching soccer (especially Chelsea F.C.), cheering on Penn State sports teams, playing video games, and spending time with my family, friends, and tuxedo cat.

Matthew Kornas, M.D.

Matthew Kornas, M.D.Hometown: Waterford Township, Michigan
Medical school:
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Career/fellowship interest: Palliative medicine, hematology/oncology

About me: My training at Mayo Clinic has been transformative both personally and professionally as I define my career in medicine. I have valued the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned multidisciplinary teams dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care while fostering the “RICH TIES” values that define our institution’s culture of mentorship and service. Such experiences have shaped my interests in medical education, patient safety, and quality improvement. As a chief medical resident for the internal medicine residency program, I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor trainees and support the development of future physician leaders and patient advocates. Following my chief residency year, I plan to pursue a career integrating palliative medicine and medical oncology care for patients with advanced diseases. Outside of medicine, I like staying active through playing beach volleyball, golf (in its many forms), and pickleball. I also enjoy hosting board game nights with friends and have a personal goal to explore our U.S. national parks.

Dylan Scott, M.D.

Dylan Scott, M.D.Hometown: Ringgold, Georgia 
Medical school: Medical College of Georgia
Career/fellowship interest: Hospital internal medicine

About me: My time at Mayo Clinic has been the most enriching experience of my medical journey. The culture at Mayo promotes education and collaboration among some of the brightest minds in medicine, fostering tremendous growth as a physician. The Mayo Clinic motto, “The needs of the patient come first,” will stay with me throughout the rest of my career, as every other piece falls into place when this one ideal is upheld. I am honored to serve alongside my exceptional colleagues as one of the chief medical residents and to continue promoting Mayo’s three shield philosophy. After completing my chief residency, I plan to pursue a career in academic hospital medicine with a continued focus on resident education, including the development and implementation of simulation and ultrasound curricula. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing percussion, video games, traveling with my wife, playing soccer, and spending time with my two dogs.

Class of 2027

Chase Cottle, M.D.

Chase Cottle, M.D.

Hometown: Tifton, Georgia

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: In my free time I enjoy fishing, golf, trying new restaurants with my wife, and watching sports, especially the Georgia Bulldogs. I am interested in gastroenterology. 

Mario El Hayek, M.D.

Mario El Hayek, M.D.

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: American University of Beirut

 

About me: I’m a longtime Liverpool FC supporter and enjoy both playing and watching soccer. Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife, whether we're at the beach, trying new recipes (I’m a burger addict), or catching a good show on TV. I'm interested in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Kin Fentie, M.D.

Kin Fentie, M.D.

Hometown: Gondar, Ethiopia

Medical school: Trinity School of Medicine

 

About me: I was born and grew up in Ethiopia, I came to the U.S. nine years ago. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work as a travel nurse in more than 9 states, including Jacksonville, FL. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

Emily Gansert, M.D.

Emily Gansert, M.D.

Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Medical school: Florida State University College of Medicine

 

About me: As a former University of North Florida Osprey, I am so excited to be back in Jacksonville. I enjoy traveling, hiking, photography, cooking, and trying new restaurants. After residency, I am interested in a fellowship in allergy and immunology, but I am looking forward to exploring the other subspecialties during residency as well!

Madeleine Howard, M.D.

Madeleine Howard, M.D.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota

Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School

 

About me: My clinical interests include women's health, lifestyle medicine, hospital medicine, and medical education. Outside of medicine, I love going to the beach, my Peloton bike, reading (I try to read 50-100 books per year), cross stitch, pottery, and playing with my Boston Terrier, Doc!

Mohamed Ibrahim, D.O.

Mohamed Ibrahim, D.O.

Hometown: Venice, Florida

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

About me: I’m a proud Florida native that grew up in a small town on the west coast of the sunshine state. I spent a lot of my childhood visiting my extended family in Egypt where I immersed myself in our culture and traditions. In my free time, my wife and I love to travel and explore new cuisines, go to the beach, boogie board, and spend time with our baby boy in the outdoors. Professionally, I hope to pursue a career in cardiology with a particular interest in structural heart disease.

Demarcus Ingram, M.D.

Demarcus Ingram, M.D.

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Medical school: Meharry Medical College

 

About me: I enjoy participating in competitive sports, cooking and traveling.

Jessica Laenger, M.D.

Jessica Laenger, M.D.

Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida

Medical school: Florida State University College of Medicine

 

About me: I'm so grateful to have landed at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, for residency! I have an abundance of academic interests, which is why I’m electing to pursue a career in general internal medicine. I have particular passions for providing care in underserved populations, global health, medical education, lifestyle medicine, and cardiology. I'm eager to continue exploring my many professional interests and discovering new interests through my remaining time at Mayo. In my spare time, I enjoy staying active, reading, baking, singing, playing guitar, and contemplating beauty (especially in nature, art, and music).

Azalfa Lateef, M.D.

Azalfa Lateef, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Medical school: Medical University of South Carolina

 

About me: My current academic interests include cardiology, innovation and medical education. In my free time, I love trying out new restaurants, baking/cooking, reading or shopping!

Megan Mansour, M.D.

Megan Mansour, M.D.

Hometown: Loveland, Ohio

Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine

 

About me: I am so excited and humbled to continue my medical training at Mayo Clinic in Florida. My academic interests include gastroenterology, hospital medicine, medical education, and quality improvement. In my free time, I enjoy walks on the beach, spending time with my family, playing with my ragdoll cat, Murphy, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. O-H!

Valandrea Merilan, M.D.

Valandrea Merilan, M.D.

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Medical school: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

 

About me: I cherish spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I love golfing, working out, diving into good books, having movie nights, and exploring the vibrant restaurant scene around Jacksonville. My academic passions currently include hospital medicine, primary care, community engagement, and innovation. Looking ahead, my long-term career goals are to promote diversity in medicine and serve medically underserved communities.

Camily Morales Lopez, M.D.

Camily Morales López, M.D.

Hometown: Peñuelas, Puerto Rico

Medical school: Ponce Health Sciences University

 

About me: In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, cooking, romantic TV shows, going to the beach, and running. I am interested in Cardiology but am still open to exploring other subspecialties. My other interests include women's health, medical education, and serving in underserved communities. I am driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, combining my clinical interests with community outreach and education.

Brandon Parker, M.D.

J. Brandon Parker, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Medical school: Florida State University College of Medicine

 

About me: I am interested in hematology/oncology, and I enjoy running, photography, hiking, and traveling.

Guy Robinson, M.B.B.S.

Guy Robinson, M.B.B.S.

Hometown: London, United Kingdom

Medical school: Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

 

About me: Coming from the UK, I chose to move to Jacksonville to pursue a residency at Mayo Clinic because of its deep-rooted values and desire to provide the best patient care in the world. I am excited to take full advantage of all the opportunities this residency program offers, notably in academia, innovation and community engagement. Not to mention the sunshine, palm trees and no longer requiring high-dose vitamin D supplementation. Outside of medicine, my passion is writing music and playing guitar.

Rachel Fricker Sauls, M.D.

Rachel Fricker Sauls, M.D.

Hometown: Hahira, Georgia

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: I enjoy watching gymnastics, rooting for Georgia football (Go Dawgs!), reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach. In my free time, I love hanging out with my husband, family, and friends. Currently, I am interested in pursuing a career in rheumatology. My long-term career goals include providing healthcare to medically underserved populations.

Marisa Zayat, M.D.

Marisa-Nicole Zayat, M.D.

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine

 

About me: Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family, and our friends. I love exploring new restaurants, cooking new recipes, and traveling. I completed Mayo Clinic's Clinician Educator Pathway and am passionate about medical education and mentorship. I am excited to pursue a chief resident year (2027-2028) followed by a career in academic GI. Fun fact: I interviewed at Mayo Clinic in Florida on my six-year dating anniversary, got engaged later that same day, and my husband and I were married on that very same date one year later. It has become a wonderful annual reminder of both my personal and professional journey to Mayo Clinic! 

Class of 2028

Headshot of Karam Albdour, M.D.

Karam Albdour, M.D.

Hometown: Amman, Jordan

Medical School: University of Jordan

 

About me: One of my most memorable experiences during medical school was my time at Mayo Clinic. Seeing firsthand how Mayo’s values shaped every aspect of patient care is what drew me back to train here. My academic interests include cardiology, nephrology and research. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading about physics, exercising, and playing video games and board games with friends.

Headshot of Brunelda Aristilde, M.D.

Brunelda Aristilde, M.D.

Hometown: Margate, Florida
Medical school: 
Florida State University College of Medicine 

 

About me: I was born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and raised in North Broward area of South Florida. In my free time I enjoy reading, attending live performances and hanging out with my family and friends. I’m currently exploring different career interests and keeping an open mind as I continue to grow in residency. My long-term goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to medically underserved populations.

Headshot of Ricky Ashby, M.D.

Frederick Ashby, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Chuluota, Florida
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine

 

About me: In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and children, traveling, hiking, gardening, carpentry, aquaponics, working on cars and on computers, and learning new skills in general. I grew up in a Florida town so small, it didn't even have a traffic light when I lived there. I wanted to pursue medicine because, although we have made so much progress as a society, there is still such a great need domestically and internationally. There are few careers as rewarding as being someone's physician. My long-term goal is to be a hematology/oncology physician. I chose Mayo Clinic to train because the patient is the focus of everything we do. The faculty and administrators support this value at every step of the way, even before you step foot on campus. There is a unique sense of comradery and excellence that celebrates what everyone can bring to the table, and it inspires everyone to bring their best. 

Headshot of Paul Borgman, M.D.

Paul Borgman, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

 

About me: I am a Jacksonville native and proud graduate of both the University of North Florida and Florida State University College of Medicine. I have dreamed of returning to Mayo Clinic since I completed brief stints there as an undergraduate at UNF. I previously worked in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Department of Cancer Biology at Mayo Clinic through undergraduate programs offered by the institution. In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching Florida State sports (football, basketball, baseball), and reading about different areas of science/technology.

Headshot of Fady Botrous, D.O.

Fady Botrous, D.O.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Medical School: Kansas City University

 

About me: I was born in Egypt before moving to Toronto, where I grew up. I moved to Kansas City for medical school, and now I am enjoying the sunshine and beaches of Jacksonville. My interests are in cardiology, specifically in advanced imaging. Outside of the hospital I spend my time trying new food spots with my wife as well as playing basketball, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Headshot of Camacho Fontanez, Nicole, M.D.

Nicole Camacho Fontanez, M.D.

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

Medical School: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

 

About me: I chose Mayo Clinic for its strong commitment to education, innovation, and exceptional patient care. I pursued internal medicine because I enjoy solving diverse medical problems while building meaningful, long-term relationships with my patients. My academic interests include women's health, cardiology, and medical education, with a long-term goal of increasing diversity and equity in medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy oil painting, exploring different foods and cultures, and spending time with my friends and family. 

Headshot of Ali Dakroub, M.D.

Ali Dakroub, M.D.

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Medical school:
American University of Beirut

 

About me: I chose Mayo Clinic for my internal medicine residency because of its exceptional reputation in research and patient care. I plan to pursue a fellowship in cardiology. My academic interests include cardiovascular imaging, outcomes research, and the application of causal inference methodologies to address critical gaps in cardiovascular medicine. I am also interested in epidemiological trends, patient-reported outcomes, and healthcare disparities. Beyond academics, I enjoy outdoor activities, jogging, spending time with friends, and exploring new places.

Headshot of Tarek Dawamne, M.D.

Tarek Dawamne, M.D.

Hometown: Damascus, Syria, and Houston, Texas

Medical School: Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine

 

About me: I moved to the U.S. during the latter part of high school and went on to study chemical engineering and then medicine at Texas A&M University. I’m incredibly grateful to be continuing my journey at Mayo Clinic in Florida as an internal medicine resident, surrounded by such supportive and inspiring colleagues and mentors. I’m deeply passionate about innovation in healthcare and committed to community outreach, believing that combining these two branches can lead to improving the status of our healthcare system. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, baking everything from pizzas to cookies, and diving into new hobbies whenever I get the chance!

Headshot of Paulamy Ganguly, M.D.

Paulamy Ganguly, M.D.

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Medical School: Texas A&M University, EnMed Program

 

About Me: I was born in Delhi, India and moved to the United States in 2013 with my family. I have a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Georgia Tech, and received my M.D. and Master of Engineering from Texas A&M. My interests lie in hospital medicine and cardiovascular care, with a focus on developing solutions that bridge clinical practice and technology. Outside of medicine, I enjoy singing and relaxing with Bollywood movies, which help me stay connected to my cultural roots and maintain balance in a busy academic life. A fun fact about me is that I speak three languages. 

Headshot of Fernando Gil Lopez, M.D.

Fernando Gil Lopez, M.D.

Hometown: Los Mochis, Mexico
Medical School: Universidad de Guadalajara

 

About me: My academic interests include gastroenterology and hepatology, but I enjoy all things medicine-related. Outside of medicine, I am passionate about history, movies, basketball and soccer.

 

Headshot of Crystal Gomez Estrada, M.D.

Crystal Gomez Estrada, M.D.

Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico

Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University

 

About me: I enjoy hiking with my labrador, Brocco, being outdoors, reading, watching K-dramas, baking, and starting the day with a good cup of coffee. My interests include gastroenterology, health equity, and women’s health. I hope to build a career that integrates clinical care with meaningful outreach and mentorship.

Headshot of Jakob Hamilton, M.D.

Jakob Hamilton, M.D.

Hometown: Bradenton, Florida

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine

 

About me: Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of art and science — a curiosity that ultimately led me to a career in medicine. As a Florida native and the first person in my family to become a physician, I was drawn to internal medicine because I believe it blends analytical problem-solving with evolving human connections. I have a particular interest in oncology and hope to one day combine my research background in nutritional biochemistry and metabolism with my clinical practice. Outside of medicine, I am a concert musician and enjoy both playing and composing on the piano, organ, and harpsichord.

Headshot of Coral Holt, M.D.

Coral Holt, M.D.

Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

 

About me: Growing up at the beach, I could not be more excited to train at Mayo Clinic in Florida. My academic interests include lifestyle medicine and community health. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing soccer and pickleball, plant-based cooking, and spending time on the water.

Headshot of Alicia Hou, M.D.

Alicia Hou, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine

 

About me: I enjoy playing piano, playing pickleball, participating in water-based activities like swimming and sailing, watching anime or comedy shows, and trying new things together with friends! I am interested in hematology/oncology and still exploring other subspecialties.

Headshot of Alina Maleski, M.D.

Alina Maleski, M.D.

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: Before pursuing medicine, I worked as a management consultant in both the U.S. and the U.K., specializing in oncology program design and strategic planning. My move into medicine was motivated by a desire to build deeper, more personal connections with patients and to have a more direct, meaningful impact on their care. My career interests include hematology/oncology and bringing advanced care to those with limited resources and access. Outside of work I enjoy Pilates, cooking (and eating!), and going to the beach with my husband and our dogs, Gary and Linda.

Headshot of Daniel Matloff, M.D.

Daniel Matloff, M.D.

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Medical School:
University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

 

About me: I am very excited to be completing my Internal Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida! My academic interests include gastroenterology, quality improvement, and research. In my free time, I enjoy making homemade ice cream, exercising, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the beach.

Headshot of Ryan Morse, M.D.

Ryan Morse, M.D.

Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

Medical School: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

 

About me: I spent most of my life in the Houston area and am a huge Texas A&M football fan. I came to work at Mayo in order to learn medicine from some of the best clinicians in their fields, as well as participate in groundbreaking research. In my spare time, I enjoy basically anything outdoors including swimming, running, and hanging out at the beach. My career interests include pulmonology and critical care medicine.

Headshot of Zach Neil, M.D.

Zachery Neil, M.D.

Hometown: Cumming, Georgia

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: I attended undergrad at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and completed medical school at Mercer University. I chose internal medicine because I enjoy solving complex problems and building long-term relationships with my patients. I was drawn to Mayo Clinic in Florida for its strong mentorship, team-oriented culture, and focus on patient-centered care. My clinical interests include cardiology and preventive medicine. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy working out, exploring new restaurants, and finding the best ocean views in Jacksonville.

Headshot of Loretta Ngoe, M.D.

Loretta Ngoe, M.D.

Hometown: Douglasville, Georgia

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

 

About me: What drew me to Mayo Clinic in Florida was its combination of a supportive atmosphere, an excellent clinical education, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. I also have a passion for community engagement, quality improvement, and narrative medicine. When I’m not working, I enjoy Cameroonian cooking, outdoor walks, attending concerts/plays, and singing (fun fact: I was a part of my medical school’s a cappella group)! 

Headshot of Janelle Tanghal, M.D.

Janelle Tanghal, M.D.

Hometown: Manila, Philippines 

Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine

 

About me: I originally grew up in the Philippines before immigrating with my family near New Port Richey, FL. I'm very close with my family and we love to cook and eat all types of food. I was drawn to Mayo because of its commitment to excellent patient care and opportunities for innovation. Academically, I'm interested in gastroenterology, hospital medicine, and medical education. Outside of the hospital I love swimming, cooking, finding new restaurants, reading fantasy, and crocheting.

Headshot of Amelia Tochtrop, M.D.

Amelia Tochtrop, M.D.

Hometown: Carrollton, Georgia

Medical School: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: I am from a small town in Georgia and I attended college at UGA - GO DAWGS! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, urban hiking and exploring local culinary flavors. I am interested in lifestyle medicine and cardiology.

Headshot of Micah Vander Griend, M.D.

Micah Vander Griend, M.D.

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine

 

About me: When I’m not out on a long run or hunting for the next great hiking trail, you can usually find me tending to my ten crested geckos—each with their own quirky personality. I’m excited to be part of the Mayo Clinic community and to grow both personally and professionally alongside an incredible team (including my wife, who’s also a resident here!) It’s a privilege to train in a place where curiosity, collaboration, and compassion are part of everyday life.

Headshot of Bryan Vega Sanabria, M.D.

Bryan Vega-Sanabria, M.D.

Hometown: San Germán, Puerto Rico

School: Ponce Health Sciences University

 

About me: Professionally, I aspire to pursue a career in cardiology. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, cooking (especially grilling barbecue) and planning travel.

 

Headshot of Don White, M.D.

Donnell White, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Monticello, Arkansas

Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans

 

About me: Outside of medicine, I enjoy visiting national and state parks, traveling, beach walks/runs, working out, and exploring new restaurants in Jax. I plan to pursue a career in hematology/oncology as a clinical investigator/innovator focused on developing and translating innovative therapies into meaningful improvements in patient care. My interests include clinical research, early-phase clinical trial development, medical innovation, and the implementation of new technologies and treatment strategies in heme/onc. I am also interested in designing more accessible, equitable models of cancer care, particularly for patients living in rural and underserved communities.

Class of 2029

Ariel Alberto, M.D.

Ariel Alberto, M.D.

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Medical school: Case Western Reserve University

 

About me: I was born in Havana, Cuba, and moved to Miami, Florida, at a young age. I love the sunny weather and am happy to be back in Florida for residency. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cycling and am in the process of slowly building up my garage gym. I tend to jump around hobbies every six months or so, but right now I enjoy stargazing (aiming to get into astrophotography), reading, playing drums and starting a houseplant collection.

Yusuf Amawi, M.D.

Yusuf Amawi, M.D.

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Medical school: Florida State University

 

About me: I am interested in rheumatology and inspiring patients to make lifestyle choices that positively impact their health. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling in my free time.

Luke Arney, M.D.

Luke Arney, M.D.

Hometown: Fincastle, Virginia

Medical school: Virginia Tech Carilion

 

About me: Being an small-town, outdoorsy, extroverted guy from rural Virginia, I am ecstatic to have moved to Jacksonville with my wife and our 1st little boy. I grew up playing numerous sports before focusing on a few—wrestling, jiu jitsu, and golf. I sometimes (poorly) play the guitar and banjo, as my primary hobby has been studying medicine in recent years. However, I am incredibly excited to restart old hobbies to soon teach our little boy.

Mark Atallah, M.D.

Mark Atallah, M.D.

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: American University of Beirut

 

About me: Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, I'm excited to continue my medical training at Mayo Clinic. I hope to pursue a career in cardiology with interests in cardiovascular imaging, prevention, and clinical research. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, playing basketball and volleyball, traveling with friends, and watching soccer (until CR7 retires).

Brea Bonin, M.D.

Brea Bonin, M.D.

Hometown: Zachary, Louisiana

Medical school: LSU Health New Orleans

 

About me: When I'm not in the hospital, you can usually find me cooking or baking, gardening, crocheting, or at the gym. At least 90% of my camera roll is pictures of my Pomeranian, Mr. Cookie, and I'll take any excuse to show him off! While I'm excited to experience the full breadth of internal medicine here at Mayo Clinic, I have particular interests in hospital medicine, cardiology, and critical care. Before deciding to pursue medicine during undergrad, I planned to become a teacher, and that passion for education has stayed with me. I ultimately hope to pursue a career in academic medicine and help train the next generation of physicians!

Brian Branstetter, M.D.

Brian Branstetter, M.D.

Hometown: Gulf Breeze, Florida

Medical school: Florida Atlantic University

 

About me: I love watching movies, and I write reviews on the app Letterboxd. I also enjoy watching anime, reading manga, hiking, and playing video games like Rocket League. I am interested in infectious disease, especially vector-borne diseases, and global health.

Ritesh Chandrasekaran, M.D.

Ritesh Chandrasekaran, M.D.

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Medical school: Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine

 

About me: I have a strong interest in quality patient care, lifelong learning, and well-timed snacks. I picked to train at Mayo Clinic for it's unwavering dedication to delivering the highest quality patient care and consistently putting the patient first. My professional aspirations include becoming a cardiologist. Outside of work, I play chess to stay sharp, support Arsenal and FC Barcelona to stay humble, and is always on the lookout for my next great snack. I believe strategy is useful in both medicine and soccer—though outcomes are sometimes equally unpredictable.

Katherine Cohen, M.D.

Katherine Cohen, M.D.

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Medical school: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

 

About me: I am very excited to be a Mayo Clinic resident! I was born and raised in Miami, attended Rice University in Houston, and completed a gap year working at NSU MD before continuing my medical training at UCF College of medicine. When I am not working, you can find me reading a fantastical book or playing board games with my husband Kevin Ruiz, an internal medicine resident at Orlando Health. I am also a proud cat mom of a beautiful FIV+ cat and her gangly younger sister. If you have pets of your own, the best way to make my day is by showing me pictures of your pets!

Caity DeCara, M.D.

Caity DeCara, M.D.

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Medical school: Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont

 

About me: I’m originally from Long Island, New York, where I developed strong opinions about pizza and a deep appreciation for bagels. I attended the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont where I was fortunate to train in a deeply supportive environment that was foundational in shaping how I think and care for patients today. I am humbled to begin my training at Mayo Clinic, where I have already been so impressed by the warmth, humility, and dedication of the people I’ve met. My clinical interests include endocrinology, with a particular focus on women’s health and metabolic health, with a focus on obesity medicine and preventive care. Some of my hobbies outside of medicine, include enjoying long beach runs, exploring new fitness classes, and attempting to surf on my own, with varying degrees of success and dignity.

Amelia Inclan, M.D.

Amelia Inclan, M.D.

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Medical school: University of Florida College of Medicine

 

About me: I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my undergraduate, majoring in biology and classics. I then returned to my hometown for medical school at the University of Florida. I am interested in medical education and women's health and am exploring different subspecialties. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughter, our families and friends, and our dog, Mocha. I am so thankful to be able to grow as a physician at Mayo Clinic!

Sweeney Irizarry Perez, M.D.

Sweeney Irizarry Perez, M.D.

Hometown: Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Jacksonville, Florida

Medical school: FSU College of Medicine

 

About me: I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, as a teenager. After spending several years throughout Florida pursuing my medical education, I am grateful to be back in Jacksonville training at such a wonderful institution. Clinical excellence and putting patients first are values that deeply resonate with me and are a big part of why I chose Mayo Clinic. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. Their smiles refill my cup every day and remind me why caring for others is such a privilege.

Jack Lambert, M.D.

Jack Lambert, M.D.

Hometown: Ty Ty, Georgia

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine

 

About me: In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and our pup! Some of my hobbies include sports (especially UGA football), reading, staying active, and cooking/grilling. I am interested in pursuing a career in cardiology and look forward to the well-rounded training Mayo Clinic provides!

Alan Martin, M.D.

Alan Martin, M.D.

Hometown: Homestead, Florida

Medical school: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

 

About me: I feel incredibly blessed to join Mayo Clinic in Florida and become part of such a kind, united, and compassionate medical community where we have the opportunity to impact lives. I have interests in hematology/oncology as well as primary care because of the strong interpersonal longitudinal relationships we can cultivate in those fields. As someone from South Florida, I love going to the beach, trying out new restaurants (always looking for the best tacos), rock climbing, and spending time with my wife.

Kayli Nail Janda, M.D.

Kayli Nail Janda, M.D.

Hometown: Newcastle, Oklahoma

Medical school: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

 

About me: I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with my husband, and exploring new areas with my dog. I love trying new restaurants and going to estate sales. My academic interests include all things gastroenterology and hepatology.

Manav Nayeni, D.O.

Manav Nayeni, D.O.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Medical school: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

About me: I am very grateful to land at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. My interests in medicine include cardiology, innovation, and medical education. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy football and basketball, cooking, and traveling.

Michael Newcome, M.D.

Michael Newcome, M.D.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota

Medical school: University of Minnesota

 

About me: I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergraduate studies (Go Irish!) and completed medical school at the University of Minnesota. My professional interests include gastroenterology, pulmonary/critical care, and humanism in medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy playing guitar and staying active with cycling and soccer.

Eric O'Hara, M.D.

Eric O'Hara, M.D.

Hometown: Dacula, Georgia

Medical school: Medical College of Georgia

 

About me: Outside of medicine, I enjoy golf, running, cooking, traveling with my wife, and supporting the Georgia Bulldogs. I am currently interested in gastroenterology.

David Ogburn, M.D.

David Ogburn, M.D.

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Medical school: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

 

About me: Academically, I am interested in pursuing a career in hematology/oncology, and I hope to incorporate my interest in working with individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities into my clinical practice. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, watching sports, fantasy football, and reading sci-fi/fantasy books.

Himani Patel, M.D.

Himani Patel, M.D.

Hometown: Brunswick, Georgia

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine Savannah

 

About me: I grew up in the small town of Brunswick, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia for undergrad. I am excited to be at Mayo Clinic for its collaborative culture and the opportunity to tailor my training to my career interests. My career interests include critical care, hospital medicine, and medical education. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, hosting friends, going on walks, watching mystery shows, and doing arts and crafts.

Jinal Patel, M.D.

Jinal Patel, M.D.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe

Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine

 

About me: Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching Formula 1 (Team McLaren!), exploring new coffee shops, hiking, and going on daily walks. My academic interests include cardiology and medical education, and I hope to combine these passions to make a meaningful impact on my patients while contributing to the future of healthcare.

Grayson Roth, D.O.

Grayson Roth, D.O.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Medical school: Midwestern University

 

About me: I was born and raised in Jacksonville, and as Mayo Clinic celebrates 40 years in Florida, I am humbled and excited to serve patients as part of the Internal Medicine Residency program. My academic interests include hospital medicine, quality improvement, and clinical research aimed at improving patient care and outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, trying new coffee shops, cheering on the Jaguars, and exploring all that Jacksonville has to offer.

Kyara Sosa, M.D.

Kyara Sosa, M.D.

Hometown: Cape Coral, Florida

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

 

About me: My academic interests include cardiology, caring for underserved communities, women’s health, and medical education. Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking desserts and sourdough bread, exploring local farmer’s markets, and spending time at the beach with my fiancé and my Maltese, Mila.

Ashton Taylor, M.D.

Ashton Taylor, M.D.

Hometown: Waycross, Georgia

Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine Savannah

 

About me: Outside of the hospital, I love reading, cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants. I also love spending time with family, friends, my fiancé, Ethan, and our two cats, Ellie and Thea. My academic interests include gastroenterology, geriatrics, and community engagement/service learning.

Melissa Usoz, M.D.

Melissa Usoz, M.D.

Hometown: Los Gatos, California

Medical school: University of South Carolina Greenville

 

About me: Outside of medicine, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors, whether I'm in the gym, taking walks with my German Shepherd, Apollo, or training for HYROX races. I'm especially excited to be back by the beach in Jacksonville. Academically, I'm passionate about women's health, innovation, medical education, and clinical research, and I plan to pursue fellowship training in hematology/oncology.