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.

Toni Horton, D.O. (PGY-6)

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

I’ve always been passionate about women’s health, which is why I went into OBGYN as a field. Throughout residency, I realized I really enjoyed working with the patient population that the field of MIGS serves. 

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

All the faculty and fellows within the department of gynecology during the interview process were so warm and welcoming! I knew I wanted to train somewhere where I felt supported, and I immediately got that feeling during my interview. 

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What makes the MIGS fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique?

You really get a wide breadth of training here at Mayo Clinic while working with MIGS surgeons, urogynecologists, and gynecologic oncologists. Without an OBGYN residency, it allows you to work one-on-one with the attending physicians and scrub into all the cases each day.

What is living in Jacksonville like for you?

Living in Jacksonville has been great. My fiance and I love exploring the area, as Jacksonville is huge with lots to do!

What does your future look like right now?

I recently got engaged, so I plan to get married within the next two years. After fellowship, we will be staying in the Jacksonville area for an additional year and see where life takes us from there!

Paulette Coombs, D.O. (PGY-5)

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 atmostphere 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.