Residency: Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA

Why Mayo Clinic: I chose the skull base oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic because of its unparalleled depth and breadth of neurosurgical training—marked by high clinical volume, strong research infrastructure, neuroanatomical mastery, and exceptional mentorship. The program’s emphasis on mastering the full range of open, endoscopic, and combined approaches allows for the development of a truly customized, safe surgical strategy for each patient. Mayo’s collaborative, multidisciplinary environment fosters seamless teamwork among specialties, enhancing both learning, patient care, and a sense of community in this highly challenging yet rewarding subspecialty. Most compelling is the institution’s enduring legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence, which is deeply ingrained in its culture and carried forward by every clinician trained within its walls.

Residency: University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Why Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic for my fellowship because of the opportunity to train under an incredible team of skull base surgeons. Drs. Link, Peris Celda, Van Gompel, and Zadeh are world class as individuals, and the four taken together provide a training experience that is incredibly comprehensive. The case volume and variety that is brought to Mayo Clinic allows for an incredibly rich clinical experience for a fellow, and the resources and support provided allows for ample opportunity for research. It is a privilege to get to be here and learn from the best in the field.