Our fellows come from a variety of backgrounds. One of our fellows shared about their journey.

Danial Shaikh, M.D.

Medical school: Ziauddin Medical College, Pakistan

Residency:  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, BronxCare Health System, NY

What attracted you to gastroenterology? Early immersion in my father's gastrointestinal surgical practice coupled with the analytical thinking required of medical disciplines naturally sparked my interest in gastroenterology. It became evident to me that this field presented a unique opportunity to tackle a diverse range of disorders spanning multiple organ systems. As a kinesthetic learner, I found the procedural-based nature of gastroenterology to be particularly attractive. The hands-on aspect aligns well with my learning style, enabling me to actively engage in performing procedures while enhancing my cognitive abilities in the field.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training due to its distinguished reputation in medical education, research, and patient care. The opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty in an exceptional environment for professional growth and learning was a major attraction for me.

What makes Mayo Clinic's Interventional Endoscopy Fellowship unique? Mayo Clinic's Luminal Intervention Fellowship stands out as a one-of-a-kind program in the field of luminal and third-space endoscopy. Its uniqueness lies in offering a structured curriculum within the United States, guided by thought leaders, eliminating the need for overseas training and unstructured workshops. It allows fellows to develop expertise in procedures such as ESD, EMR, POEM, luminal EUS, and endo bariatrics.

What does your future look like right now? Currently, my goal is to pursue a career in academic medicine, with a particular focus on advanced tissue resection. I'm enthusiastic about further developing my skills, gaining valuable experience, and making meaningful contributions to the field through research, teaching, and patient care.