The Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida, draws trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. While all our trainees have a love of learning and a compassionate approach to patient care, they come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Learn more about our current fellows.

Paulette Coombs, D.O. (PGY-6)

What is living in Jacksonville like for you?

Jacksonville is a great place to live. I completed my clerkships in medical school here in Jacksonville and truly enjoyed it, and I am excited to be back here for these two years. My favorite thing to do during my free time is eating great food with my friends and family. Jacksonville has an awesome selection of restaurants for when we choose to go out. I also love that I'm just around the corner from the beach.

What makes the MIGS fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique?

The GYN team here is made up of expert surgeons in gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, and MIGS, which allows for high surgical volume and exposure to complex pathology. Our team is able to provide high quality, innovative medical and surgical options for our patients. The high volume and variety of treatment options creates an excellent and comprehensive learning experience. 

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Why did you choose to specialize in MIGS?

During residency training, my passion for gynecologic surgery grew to a point that I could not imagine pursuing any other career path. Compared to other gynecologic subspecialties, I found the pathology, innovative treatment options, and patient population specific to MIGS to be most intriguing. During my training, I realized that MIGS is the specialty where I can best serve my patients.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

I had the opportunity to learn from a Mayo Clinic alumnus during my residency training. Her excellent surgical skills and high surgical volume was admirable. I was also able to rotate here as a visiting resident. During this experience, I was integrated into their GYN team and felt well-supported as a learner. In the short time I spent here as a resident, I was able to grow in my skills and research knowledge. The comprehensive surgical experience and supportive atmosphere is what made Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, my number one choice for fellowship training.

What does your future look like right now?

Following fellowship, I aim to be part of an academic gynecology program, focusing on advanced pelvic pathology including endometriosis, pelvic masses, and pelvic pain. I look forward to utilizing innovative technologies that I've learned here at Mayo, including new medical management options, vNOTES, and radiofrequency ablative therapies to tailor treatment plans that will best serve my patient's individual needs.

Melissa Cantave, M.D. (PGY-5)

Why did you choose to specialize in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS)?

I chose to specialize in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery after my rotation during third year of residency. Being able to improve a patient’s quality of life with the skills and expertise of a MIGS surgeon really attracted me to the field. I am also passionate about women’s health, social justice, advocacy and the growing opportunities to advocate for patients in MIGS.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

I was drawn to the Mayo Clinic because of how welcoming the faculty and fellows were during the interview process. I knew that I would get excellent surgical training with complex, challenging cases at a place like Mayo.

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What makes the MIGS fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique?

Being able to work one-on-one with urogynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, and MIGS surgeons who are experts in their fields makes the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery fellowship at Mayo unique. In addition, the surgical volume and complexity adds depth to fellow’s training and exposure. 

What is living in Jacksonville like for you?

Living in Jacksonville has been great so far; I just need to get acclimated to the Florida heat. I am excited to explore the area with friends and lounge on the beach in my free time. 

What does your future look like right now?

The future is bright and endless! I hope to continue my career as a MIGS surgeon at an academic institution where I can teach residents and fellows but also provide excellent care to my patients. I hope to grow as a leader and researcher in improving healthcare disparities, especially in gynecological surgical care.