Fellows from the Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Meet one of our fellows and learn about their experience and our program.

Maryam Shahi, M.D.

Medical school: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Residency: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Background: I earned my medical degree from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran and began my career as a general practitioner serving underserved communities. In 2011, I moved to the United States to continue my training, completing residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and a Cytopathology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. I subsequently pursued fellowships in Oncologic Pathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Gynecologic Pathology at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

In 2020, I joined the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, as a consultant in Anatomic Pathology. Given my clinical and research interests in tumors of the female genital tract—particularly endometrial carcinoma and uterine sarcomas—I felt a growing need to deepen my knowledge in molecular diagnostics. This led me to take a sabbatical to pursue a fellowship in Molecular Genetic Pathology, with the goal of further integrating molecular testing into diagnostic and clinical care.

I was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, and speak Farsi/Persian (native), English (fluent), and Portuguese (basic). Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, weightlifting, playing tennis, and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic for my Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship because of the institution’s unparalleled integration of clinical practice, research, and education. Having already been part of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology as a consultant in Anatomic Pathology since 2020, I’ve experienced firsthand the breadth and complexity of the case material we see here. The volume and diversity of molecular testing, paired with access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise, make this an exceptional place to deepen my knowledge.

Additionally, having colleagues who trained here and spoke highly of both the educational experience and the supportive environment further solidified my choice. The fellowship is structured in a way that allows for both a comprehensive foundation and opportunities to pursue specific areas of interest, which for me includes molecular applications in gynecologic cancers and sarcomas.

Mayo Fellows Association (MFA)

The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) offers a peer and social support network for residents and fellows and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The MFA also holds an annual resident and fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support.