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.

Jarius Garner, M.D. 

Medical school: Morehouse School of Medicine  
About me:  I’m originally from Kennesaw, GA and completed my undergraduate education at Howard University and medical education at Morehouse School of Medicine. My passion for neurosurgery began with the untimely passing of my grandfather to glioblastoma. Since then, I’ve dedicated my early career to scientific investigations in neuro-oncology with the goal of specializing in cranial and spine oncology. I’m excited to continue my neurosurgical training at Mayo Clinic and further develop into a neurosurgeon-scientist. Outside of the hospital, I am a film and travel photographer, lover of soccer and football and avid outdoorsman. 

Ali Mohamed, M.D.  

Medical school: Florida Atlantic University 
About me:  I was born in Philadelphia but spent most of my life in Florida. I spent five years at the University of Florida, where I studied biology and applied physiology and kinesiology, completed a master's degree in entrepreneurship, and was named a Social Impact and Sustainability Scholar in Business. I also received a grant to help establish sustainable vaccine delivery infrastructure for underserved communities through a local clinic network, an experience that shaped my interest in applying ideas across disciplines to practical problems in health care. I spent the next five years at Florida Atlantic University, where I completed medical school and earned a master's degree in data science and analytics as a National Science Foundation fellow. During that time, my research focused on neurosurgery, artificial intelligence, health policy, access to care, education, and clinical outcomes. Outside of medicine, I enjoy writing, philosophy of science, photography, reading, and experimenting with different ways to brew coffee. I am excited to begin neurosurgical residency training at Mayo Clinic in Florida.