Krishnan Ravindran, M.D.

Medical school: University of Melbourne Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
About me: My academic interests include management of cerebral aneurysms and use of advanced neuroimaging and cerebrovascular disease. Outside of neurosurgery, I enjoy scuba diving, playing the guitar and drums, and traveling.

James Lee, M.D.

Alaa Montaser, M.B., B.Ch.

Medical school: Ain Shams University of Faculty of Medicine
About me: My dream is to become a neurosurgeon who can provide the best care for patients, at the highest level possible. I was fascinated by the neurosurgery training model at Mayo Clinic, and the tremendous clinical and operative experience coupled with research and educational activities. I was impressed by the friendly, yet professional work environment, where all team members maintain the needs of the patient as the utmost priority. Indeed, Mayo Clinic is a perfect fit for my career aspirations.

Gaetano De Biase, M.D. 

Hometown: Rome, Italy
Medical school: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome – Italy
Interests: Spine surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery research
About me: I grew up in Italy and, in 2019, graduated from medical school summa cum laude from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy. Soon after graduation I moved to the U.S., and spent over two years as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Neurosurgery Department at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, working closely with Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa and Dr. Abode-Iyamah. My research focused on spine surgery outcomes, particularly on patient-centered outcomes in awake spine surgery under spinal anesthesia, and I conducted prospective studies that led to a PCORI grant application. Outside of Neurosurgery, I am a concert pianist, I received my diploma from the "St. Cecilia" Conservatory in Rome, and I also enjoy running, especially at the beach, listening to classical music, and playing board games.

Carlos Perez Vega, M.D.

Hometown: Guasave, Mexico
Medical school: Monterrey Tec School of Medicine
About me: I graduated from Monterrey Tec School of Medicine with Highest Academic Honors. Shortly after, I moved to Jacksonville, FL, and joined the Mayo Clinic Department of Neurosurgery as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. The incredible educational/mentorship support and caseload helped me decide to stay here at Mayo for Neurosurgery Residency training. I am personally interested in the treatment and research of brain tumors. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy playing basketball and tennis, as well as learning about Formula 1, movie scripts, and Jazz music. 

Gabriel Bendfeldt, M.D.  

Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Medical school: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
About me: I grew up in Raleigh, NC, and attended NC State (go pack!) for undergrad. I then moved to Nashville, TN, for medical school at Vanderbilt University. I was immediately impressed by the Mayo program here in Florida during interview day, and I’m excited to be the newest addition to the program. I am currently still exploring subspecialty interests and research, but did extensive spine outcomes research during medical school. Outside of the hospital, my interests include music, playing electric and classical guitar as well as banjo, home sound systems, and working out at the gym when I can!

Hashim Syed, M.D.  

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
About me: After growing up in Georgia, I attended Washington and Lee University for undergrad. Following graduation, I lived in Morocco as a Fulbright research scholar before starting medical school at the University of Iowa. I’m excited to begin neurosurgery residency here at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.