Valerie Chen, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate: Stanford University
Medical school: Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Hobbies: Playing bassoon, kimchi making, practicing my latte art, and finding tiny free libraries around town.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hiking at Whitewater State Park, swimming at the Dan, and watching chefs hand-pull noodles at the local Chinese noodle joint.
Why Mayo: I wanted a program with strong research and surgical training that was also really supportive of its residents. There's a big emphasis on teaching at Mayo, with frequent didactics and a primer camp before intern year that focuses on skills like proper knot tying and cervical exams. I was also drawn to the collegial work environment at Mayo and ease of living in Rochester. 
Future plans: REI fellowship.

Courtney McEwen, M.D.

Hometown: Jupiter, FL
Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical school: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Hobbies: Weightlifting, indoor cycling, cooking, and listening to podcasts.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Enjoying the trail system with my pup, getting brunch in town, and exploring local fairs/festivals and the farmer’s market.
Why Mayo: We get the opportunity to learn one-on-one from leaders in our field in a setting that is collaborative and truly patient-centered.
Future plans: Undecided, but possibly generalist practice or an OB Hospitalist fellowship.

Mohammad Salameh, M.D.

Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Medical school: Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar

Hobbies: Running, baking, and spending time at home.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Outdoor walks when the weather allows for it, watching sunrise from wherever I am.
Why Mayo: Growing up in Jordan, Mayo Clinic was very well known as the hospital where our late king, King Hussein, underwent his cancer treatment. I never imagined the opportunity to get my training at this world-renowned institution. At interview, I was even more amazed at what Mayo had to offer — a uniquely welcoming environment, unparalleled training, and people from all walks of life coming to serve patients, improve medicine, and teach. That is why I happily chose Mayo, and I would do it again any day. That and, of course, the DAHLC!
Future plans: My biggest hope is to offer representation in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I hope to give back to my homeland and its people, and to all the places that made me who I am. Subspecialty-wise, I am still exploring and have not settled on one thing yet!

Danielle Strozza, M.D. 

Hometown: Reno, NV
Undergraduate: University of Southern California 
Medical school: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV

Hobbies: Traveling, skiing, trying Costco’s free samples, reading, and baking/decorating for the holidays.
Favorite thing to do in Rochester: Brunching with my co-interns, playing with Kristin’s fur family, and trying new lattes at Café Steam.
Why Mayo: There are the reasons I came to Mayo, in addition to the reasons why I am so happy to be here! I have always been a bit nervous around surgery and I knew at Mayo I would receive unparalleled surgical training. The quality of service and the focus on patient care at Mayo attracted me as a trainee. Being here though is even better than I imagined for so many reasons, one of the biggest being the people. The staff at Mayo makes working here fun and easy. The focus on education was apparent from day one and I know I will leave this institution prepared for any role in OB/GYN I could want. 
Future plans: Being so early on in my residency path I am open to all possibilities, but I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in MFM! 

Kristin Tischer, M.D.

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Undergraduate: University of St. Thomas 
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin

Hobbies: Hiking, golfing, and visiting local breweries.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Hike with my dogs at Quarry Hill park, grabbing a beer at Little Thistle or Forager, and visiting one of the many great local taco trucks in Rochester.
Why Mayo: I chose Mayo because the amount of surgical case exposure is unlike any other program I interviewed at. I love that at Mayo you get exposure to routine OBGYN patients as well as the most complex OBGYN patients. In addition, Rochester is a great city! It has an affordable cost of living, great local breweries, plenty of outdoor activities, and is close enough to the Twin Cities for a day trip when you want to be in a big city. 
Future plans: Gynecologic oncology fellowship.

Ashlyn Byers, M.D.

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: Boston College
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine

Hobbies: I love cooking, baking sourdough recipes, listening to podcasts, reading for my book club, traveling to visit friends and family across the country, and most importantly, spending time with my husband Michael and our daughter Vivian who was born at the end of my second year!
Favorite things to do in Rochester: My favorite way to explore any city is through the restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops! I love getting outside and attending local events like the Rochester Farmers Market, Thursdays on First, and the summer pizza farms.  During the colder months, I have enjoyed winter activities like ice fishing and snowboarding at Welch Village.
Why Mayo: I couples-matched with my husband (DR/IR), so it was important for us to find an institution with top training in both specialties, with a culture of support, collaboration, and innovation — Mayo Clinic had it all! I appreciated the surgical apprenticeship model in gynecology and the complex care provided in obstetrics. Above all, I appreciated Mayo’s core value, “the needs of the patient come first.” Mayo has an excellent culture, from its dedication to patient care to its focus on resident education and wellness. Overall, I saw Mayo Clinic as the best place for my personal and professional success- I could not imagine training anywhere else! 
Future plans: I have loved all aspects of my training in Ob/Gyn. I am still exploring my interests and deciding between generalist and fellowship training.

Leah Grcevich, D.O.

Hometown: Chargin Falls, OH
Undergraduate: Loyola University Chicago
Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies: Spending time with my husband (also a Mayo resident), coaching the Mayo High School Science Olympiad Team, gardening, hosting friends for dinner, and hiking.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Shopping at our great international grocery stores, hiking Whitewater State Park, trying the seasonal coffee at Steam, and watching the “live from the nest” 24-hour Peregrine falcon camera in the spring.
Why Mayo: The supportive and collaborative culture at Mayo is unparalleled. Across specialties our consultants are so willing to teach, connect us with research opportunities, and provide long-term career advice. Also, training at such a high-volume referral center gives us exposure to patients from all over the world with conditions I had never expected to encounter in my practice. I know following graduation, I will be well equipped to treat a broad scope of people and conditions as a generalist, or the research experience and mentorship to pursue fellowship. 
Future plans: Strongly considering a career in gynecologic oncology.

Hannah Kuly, M.D.

Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Undergraduate: The University of Sydney
Medical school: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Running half-marathons, knitting and crocheting, reading fantasy novels, and baking overly large cakes and bringing them in for my co-residents!
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going on runs with my husband along the riverfront trails and eating our way through Thursdays on First.
Why Mayo: Knowing that I would be fully prepared at the end of residency to pursue any career goal I might have, either being a generalist or applying to fellowship. Mayo has some of the best gyn surgery training in the country, and I knew that would be a great foundation.
Future plans: I was on the Air Force scholarship for medical school so my first four years out of residency will be with them! My husband and I would love to be stationed overseas, maybe Japan or Korea.

Elleana Majdinasab, M.D.

Hometown: Wichita Falls, TX
Undergraduate: Midwestern State University
Medical school: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Hobbies: Cooking with my partner, reading library books, Orangetheory, and collecting houseplants.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Discovering fun ingredients at the co-op and farmers market, walking our dog around downtown, badminton club, and fishing and hiking the many surrounding parks and lakes
Why Mayo: I was blown away by the kindness and support shown by our co-residents, fellows, and program leadership as us interns transitioned into our new roles. We get to see some truly amazing cases by virtue of being a major referral center. I love training at a program that prioritizes resident learning. We started with a two-week bootcamp that not only taught us essential skills but allowed our intern class to grow and bond together. Finally, Rochester is the perfect town for me because it has exactly everything I need without the hassles of a larger city. I love walking to work! 
Future plans: I look forward to pursuing a fellowship in REI and a career in academics! 

Malik Mays, M.D.

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergraduate: Macalester College
Medical school: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Hobbies: Bow-tie collector, Cleveland Browns fan, LeBron James enthusiast, weightlifting, and cat dad.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring all the restaurants with my fiancé, planning to pick up pickleball soon, painting classes, and running/biking trails.
Why Mayo: I wanted to find a program that I felt was invested in my growth as a clinician, surgeon, and person. The surgical training is excellent, and we have valuable OR experience early and often. Mayo is also a place that I feel is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine and I am in a place that is willing to address its weaknesses to further improve patient care and the working environment.     
Future plans: Currently undecided, but I am interested in gynecologic oncology and MIGS! I also have plans to stay involved in medical education and diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Lily Dyre, M.D.

Hometown: Billings Montana
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical school: Mayo Clinic, Arizona

Hobbies: Anything outdoors! I enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and camping. I also love to read and bake. 
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying new restaurants and breweries. I am a foodie and think that Rochester has great food!  
Why Mayo: Mayo was my first choice for residency! As a medical student here, I saw how Mayo's values shape every aspect of patient care. I feel so lucky to be part of a care team that really does put the needs of the patient first, and I am continually impressed by the dedication, skill, and passion of Mayo's staff. I absolutely love the OB/Gyn department and feel both supported and challenged. We have the opportunity to learn from incredible physicians and care for patients with complex and interesting medical conditions. I can't imagine training anywhere else! 
Future plans: Undecided but interested in REI or MFM. I want to pursue a career in academic medicine and love medical education.

Tazim Merchant, M.D.

Hometown: Long Island, NY
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Medical school: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Hobbies: hiking, singing, fantasy football
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Enjoy Thursdays’ summer festival and walk on the nature trails!
Why Mayo: Culture and fantastic, individualized training! Mayo is truly the most safe, warm learning environment focused on patient centered care, and my co-residents are so kind and brilliant! I love that we can personalize our training to our interests with multiple electives. We also get significant gyn surgery exposure with continuity of learning and graduated responsibility under the same attendings over a block.
Future plans: Undecided. MFM, generalist, or OB hospitalist

Jordan Nustad, M.D.

Hometown: Shoreview, Minnesota 
Undergraduate: Boston University
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine

Hobbies: Running, hiking, trying new ice cream shops/flavors, going to the Minnesota State Fair.     Favorite things to do in Rochester: Trying new restaurants, exploring the running and hiking trails, going to Thursdays on First with my co-residents.
Why Mayo: Mayo provides a world class education in a very supportive and safe learning environment! I love being able to work and gain knowledge from all of my co-residents, fellows, and consultants.  At Mayo, we also get experience treating a wide variety of pathologies of varying acuities and incredible surgical training.  Additionally, there is a great emphasis on patient centered care and collaboration. I can't imagine training anywhere else!  
Future plans: Right now, I plan to be a generalist OBGYN!

Seth Ramin, M.D.

Hometown: Northfield, MN
Undergraduate: University of Saint Thomas
Medical school: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College  

Hobbies: I am a classic car enthusiast, so I enjoy going to car shows! I also like watching football and hockey, playing fantasy football, and doing pretty much anything that involves the outdoors.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: My wife and I like to take our dogs to the dog park, go out for brunch or dinner, go to the movies, hang out with friends/co-residents, and go to Honkers games.
Why Mayo: There are so many reasons to go to Mayo, but I would say the most important factors were the people and the culture. I wanted to go to a program that fostered a culture that challenges the hierarchy of graduate medical education. Through my experiences as a visiting medical student and now resident physician at Mayo, I have observed that every voice is valued. Our trainees are supported as learners and respected as colleagues.  
Future plans: I plan to complete fellowship training in maternal fetal medicine and critical care medicine.

Ayssa Teles Abrao Trad, M.D.

Hometown: Goiânia, GO, Brazil
Medical school: PUC-SP, Brazil

Hobbies: Snowboarding, scuba diving, reading, attending live concerts, and annoying my cat.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: In the summer, I enjoy relaxing by the pool and playing sand volleyball. During the winter, I love hitting the slopes at Welch with friends for some snow sports.
Why Mayo: Mayo Clinic offers a unique opportunity to pursue any path I choose after residency. The program's commitment to excellence and innovation is unmatched. Most importantly, it is the patient-centered approach and the culture of support and collaboration that truly attracted me.
Future plans: TBD

Leah Heydman, M.D.

Hometown: Gardnerville, NV
Medical school: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Hobbies: I enjoy daily walks and weekend brunch with my husband, 6-month-old son, and dog!  I also enjoy baking, snowboarding, and paddleboarding!  A new hobby of mine is getting together with my co-interns and eating bread pudding made by Donald. 
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Exploring Quarry Hill Nature Center and spending time with my fantastic co-residents!  My family also enjoys regular trips to Costco and Trader Joes.  The Farmers Market, Thai Pop, Freddy’s Bakery, and Thursday’s Downtown all deserve an honorable mention too.  
Why Mayo: My top priority when selecting a program was surgical training.  During residency, I want to develop the skills necessary to become the surgeon I would want operating on my loved ones.  The surgical training at this program is unmatched, and the acuity/volume of our obstetrics patients ensure we get well-rounded, world class training.  The nurses, midwives, consultants, and everyone I have interacted with at Mayo demonstrate commitment to resident education. Moreover, the ethos of this institution, “the needs of the patient come first” binds every single person working here which makes it an incredible place to train!
Future plans: I am excited to explore all the possibilities within this incredible specialty but MIGS is currently high on my list!

Kathleen McDowell Takahashi, M.D.

Hometown: I’ve lived all over! Places I have lived for over a year: Hawaii, Virginia, Georgia, New York, Japan, California, Texas
Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine
Hobbies: Singing, Dancing, Swimming, Crochet
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Going to the park with my kids
Why Mayo: I wanted a diverse environment with robust experiences and training support in a setting where I would want to raise my children.
Future plans:  Potentially MFM fellowship

Donald D. Okoye, M.D., Ph.D.

Hometown: Nnewi, Nigeria
Medical school: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Tennis addict, avid fiction reader, cooking, Beyonce enthusiast, movies 
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Tennis in the parks, restaurant hopping, running/walking trails.
Why Mayo: My biggest goal for residency was to come out feeling like I got the best surgical and medical training I could get, and that I could apply my skills to a broad variety of patients regardless of body type, nationality or race. I wanted to find a program that was invested in getting me to become an excellent surgeon, physician and individual. Mayo's surgical and clinical training is outstanding with early and frequent gyn and OB OR experiences built in. Additionally, the patients here come from all over the world to get care at Mayo, which speaks volumes about the caliber of training offered here. Along with that, the people here are incredibly kind, generous and committed to putting the patients' needs above all.
Future plans: I am currently interested in gynecologic oncology. I also plan to have a career in global healthcare focusing, in part, on my home country.

Fatimah Z. Sunez, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Medical school: McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX
Hobbies: Running, hiking (anything outdoors), playing tennis and racquetball, painting, sewing, and scoping out new bakeries.  I’ll also proudly attest that my co-resident’s bread pudding is fantastic!
Favorite things to do in Rochester: In the summer, I love relaxing by the pool, biking near Zumbro River, and spending Thursday evenings at Thursdays on First. The weather is beautiful in the summer so you will often find me enjoying time out on my balcony!
Why Mayo: What wholeheartedly stands out to me is Mayo’s deep commitment to learning and teaching.  People here go out of their way to explain concepts and ensure you’re set up for success from day one.  From faculty to residents, this is one of the most supportive communities I have ever been a part of, and we pay it forward. This was the vibe I perceived at the social and has remained true since I arrived.  I also wanted to train at a place with strong gynecologic surgery exposure and diverse learning opportunities.  Mayo offers a wide range of educational experiences, including learning from midwives, international opportunities, and robust research support
Future plans: I plan to either practice as a generalist or pursue subspecialty training in a subset of gynecologic surgery-still TBD!

Annika Willy, M.D.

Hometown: Bend, OR
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
Hobbies: Long runs with my dogs, scuba diving with my family and DIY home projects.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Walking and running on Rochester's amazing trail system, strawberry picking/brunching or just hanging out with my amazing co-interns. 
Why Mayo: Mayo truly feels like the perfect fit. The surgical volume, emphasis on education, and culture of excellence are unmatched. What sets Mayo apart is how deeply residents are supported, both professionally and personally. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to train with world-class mentors all create a foundation that will prepare me for anything.  Just like Mayo, Rochester is an incredibly welcoming community, with surprisingly good food and outdoor recreation opportunities. 
Future plans: Undecided