Meet Our Fellows
Our fellows come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Learn more about our fellows.
Xia (Julie) Zhou, M.B., Ph.D.
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I chose Mayo Clinic for the Nephrology Fellowship in Rochester, MN, because of the strong reputation for outstanding clinical and research training. There is an indescribable focus on the educational experience of each trainee. The program will do all that they can to tailor the educational experience to prepare each fellow for the next step in their careers through a strong base training program and supportive mentorship.
Throughout the training, I have enjoyed having first-hand education on multitudes of pathologies that range from bread-and-butter general cases to the complex zebras. As I moved through the training program, it became clear that Mayo Clinic was not training only nephrologists, but also scientists, clinical educators, and the next generation of leaders in the field of nephrology.
I have been asked often what it is like living in the small city of Rochester, MN. I tell people that it is quiet, safe, and little traffic. Rochester has a number of activities available ranging from outdoor markets such as the Farmer’s Market and Thursdays Downtown to hiking and bicycling trails. There are also many intramural sports leagues to join. I personally enjoy relaxing at home when I am not working. Rochester is a great fit for my lifestyle. For those of you who need a nightlife, the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN) are only about 1 hour 20 minutes away to find nearly any experience that you are seeking.
I have received exceptional training during my fellowship and have had a great work-life balance throughout training; particularly because I work in a supportive environment with extremely nice colleagues. I feel that my training goals have been met, and I am prepared to move into the next step of my career: working as a physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic.
Class of 2024
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Mariam Charkviani, M.D.Residency: Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL Why Mayo? I chose the Nephrology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the learning opportunities are unparalleled with a diverse patient base and exposure to unique medical entities that have been instrumental in broadening my clinical understanding. Moreover, the chance to work alongside and learn from world-renowned experts has been an invaluable experience, enhancing both my knowledge and skills. The program’s esteemed reputation in the medical community provided a strong draw as well. Teaching and mentorship are the heart of the program along with a collegial work environment evidenced by the supportiveness of my program leadership, mentors, faculty, and all of the staff. The educational structure is meticulously designed to maximize learning, with a perfect balance of supervision and autonomy with an emphasis on teaching and pursuing your career aspirations no matter desired path. This fosters professional growth and personal well-being. Reflecting on my three years of fellowship, I am immensely grateful for my time here. The experience has been transformative, and if given the choice again, I would unhesitatingly choose the Nephrology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN again. |
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Yesh Radhakrishnan, M.B.B.S.Residency: Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH Why Mayo? I chose Mayo Clinic for my nephrology fellowship because of my interests in glomerular diseases and the opportunity to work with experts in glomerular diseases, diverse pathologies, funded research opportunities during the second year. What solidified my decision to train here further was the remarkably collegial and welcoming environment that I experienced from all the staff during my interview. |
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Moldovan Sabov, M.D.Residency: Canton Medical Education Foundation, Canton, OH What have you enjoyed most about your training? The excellent balance between learning and working. We had fantastic team of attendings, residents and students and it was real pleasure to work with them all. |
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Julie Zhou, M.B., Ph.D.Residency: AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL Why would you recommend Mayo Clinic’s Nephrology Fellowship Program? The program strives to train the fellows to become outstanding nephrologists, top scientists, excellent clinical educators, and leaders in the nephrology field based on the trainee's career goal. |
Class of 2025
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Paul Davis, D.O.Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS What is living in Rochester, MN, like for you? Rochester is a great place to be with a family. There are many children-friendly activities in town, and it definitely helps to be within driving distance to Minneapolis-St. Paul. |
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Oscar Garcia Valencia, M.D.Residency: University of Miami, Miami, FL What are enjoyable things you like to do in Rochester, MN, when you are not working? I love playing soccer and there is a big community interested in that. It is great to meet other people at these matches. I also enjoy going on walks/runs along the river and paddleboarding. I also got into pickleball recently! |
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Poemlarp Mekraksakit, M.D.Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX What makes Mayo Clinic’s Nephrology Fellowship program special? People! I don't think you can find any Nephrology program with 40 nephrology consultants. This is very special. I can learn from the best and real experts in glomerular disease who have seen countless patients. I have a dedicated program director and education coordinators who work countless hours for us. I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from a lot of great colleagues, as well as international visiting clinicians. |
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M. Salman Sheikh, M.D.Residency: University of Nevada, Reno, NV Please share your overall view of living in Rochester, MN, and being a Nephrology Fellow at Mayo Clinic. Living in Rochester, Minnesota and being a nephrology fellow at Mayo Clinic has been an immensely rewarding experience. Rochester offers a welcoming and very comfortable environment that complements the fulfilling training at Mayo Clinic. Being part of Mayo Clinic, with its unparalleled resources and supportive atmosphere, has allowed me to grow professionally and personally, shaping me into a confident and competent nephrologist. Overall, this journey has been an incredibly enriching one, and I feel privileged and honored to be a part of such a prestigious program in a city that feels like home. |
Class of 2026
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Yasir Abdelgadir, M.B.B.S.Residency: Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center/SGH, Detroit, MI Why would you recommend Mayo Clinic’s Nephrology Fellowship program? The faculty are leaders in their fields. The working/learning environment is supportive. The program is director is very considerate and will tailor the training to achieve your goals, especially in the second year. |
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Sreyoshi Alam, M.B.B.S.Residency: UMass-Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA Please share your overall view of living in Rochester, MN, and being a Nephrology Fellow at Mayo Clinic. I love the hospital, and I love the people. My colleagues have also become my friends outside of work. The program cares about the well-being of the fellows. |
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Sury Balakrishnan, M.B.B.S.Residency: St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for Nephrology Fellowship? I really loved my time here when I had come for a year of research in transplant nephrology prior to starting internal medicine residency. Everyone was so helpful and collaborative, not to mention very down to earth no matter how much they have achieved in their career! The experience made me fall in love with nephrology and inspired me to become a transplant nephrologist as well.
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Harshil Fichadiya, M.B.B.S.Residency: Rutgers Health/Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ How is Mayo Clinic helping you reach your career goals? The staff and faculty are extremely supportive. The program provides ample exposure in all the subsets of nephrology to be confident and competent by the end of fellowship. |