What drew you to Mayo Clinic for your residency training?

I rotated at Mayo Clinic as a visiting medical student and witnessed first-hand the emphasis on trainee learning and unparalleled patient care. I knew this was a collegial, welcoming environment that would support me in fulfilling my career goals. I am privileged to learn from and treat a diverse patient population with a breadth of pathologies ranging from bread and butter to rare-once-in-a-career cases. I have also been provided with endless opportunities to support my academic and research interests, which mirrors the experiences of the residents I worked with during my clerkship as a medical student.

Tell us about your residency experience as an international medical graduate.

Intern year is tough wherever you train, and it is extra difficult being far away from home as an International Medical Graduate. Since day one, I have been so well-supported by my co-residents and residency leadership. I am thankful for the community I have built over the past year which has truly become my home away from home.

What advice would you give to an international medical graduate looking to complete their residency training in the US?

Prioritize excellent clinical training and professional development, but do not compromise culture or work-life balance. Make sure you choose a program where residents are genuinely happy to be at and actually want to be friends with one another. These people will become part of your extended family, so choose wisely! I firmly believe that you thrive where your hard work is nurtured and your program is genuinely invested in your personal and professional development, which has been the case for me.

What do you like most about this residency program?

I know you may hear this a lot, but the people are truly the best thing about my residency program. I love connecting with my patients and their families, my co-residents, clinical and research mentors, research collaborators, and allied health staff members. It’s my favorite part of every day and a big part of what makes training at Mayo Clinic so great.

Is there anything that surprised you about Rochester?

It’s so easing living in Rochester! It has all the conveniences of a mid-sized city without the traffic and long commute times of a larger city. There’s always a new hiking trail or restaurant to explore, and spring here is absolutely beautiful.