The most important indicator of the success of a training program is found in the outcomes of the graduates upon completion of their training. Learn more about our alumni, what they loved about our program, and what they have gone on to accomplish after graduation.

Words from past alumni

Diana Encalada Soto, M.D.

Class of 2023

Current position: MIGS Faculty, University Southern Florida Health, Tampa Bay, FL 
Medical school: Universidad de Cuenca Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Cuenca, Ecuador
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology - Bronx Care Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, NY
Accolades and publications: Inaugural Lucy, Anarcha, Betsey ACOG Mentee 2024. PubMed

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Learning from a group of fantastic MIGS-trained surgeons with a MIGS-focused practice. This allows me to hone my abilities not only in surgical procedures but also in delineating multidisciplinary care for complex benign gynecologic conditions that I will be managing for the rest of my career.

What makes this program unique? The high surgical volume makes this program unique. As a referral center, we manage complex endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and the whole breadth of complex gynecology. I have also had the opportunity to train with a double-trained MIGS and REI surgeon which is a fantastic plus. Additionally, I have learned to surgically manage Mullerian anomalies and approach my surgical plans with fertility in mind. 

What was living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you? I enjoyed the pace of Rochester. It is a very safe, calm, and family-friendly city. Lots of young professionals live here and I loved my commute each morning (it was less than five minutes)!

Adela Cope, M.D., M.S.

Class of 2021

Current position: Assistant Professor, Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, MN
Accolades and publications: I was the program's first fellow! Now I'm the Associate Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic. PubMed

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for fellowship because of my excellent experience as a resident here.  I love the people that I work with and feel well supported to reach all of my goals in both my personal life and career. The surgical experience is strong and varied, the support for research is unmatched, and the sense of community I share with my fellow trainees and colleagues brings me joy.

What makes this program unique? The vast breadth and depth of surgical experience. The ability to individualize rotations to tailor our education to meet our learning goals with cross-departmental experiences.

What was living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you? Rochester is an easy city to live in.  It’s super easy to get to and from work every day and although winter is real here, the city tends to manage it well.  I personally enjoy the farmer’s market in the summer (as well as the limited dates in the winter), going to trivia with my friends, lifting weights at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, and hanging out after work with my coworkers.  It is not too far from the twin cities, which is great because my husband and I love going to concerts and music festivals.  The music scene is also starting to pick up in Rochester, though, so we don’t always have to make the drive to go to a show!