Rachel Israilevich, M.D.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy cooking, discovering new restaurants (especially hole-in-the-walls), hosting events, playing piano, traveling, beach days (I guess lake days now), and bad dad jokes.

Why Mayo Clinic? I loved my away rotation at Mayo and felt that the training environment and education here were unparalleled. Some of the biggest draws to Mayo in particular were the strong emphasis on mentorship, early autonomy and patient continuity through the resident clinic, and an abundance of research opportunities and support (with one of, if not the most generous conference attendance policies out there). Mayo’s program will also set you up to excel in whichever career path within ophthalmology you choose, and I am very fortunate for the opportunity to train here.

Kerri McInnis-Smith, M.D.

Hometown: Bozeman, MT

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I am happiest when I’m spending time with my husband, almost 2-year-old son, and newborn twins. We enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants and craft breweries, and most outdoor activities, especially downhill skiing and hiking. Our goal is to eventually visit all of the National Parks in the US!

Why Mayo Clinic? Over the last four years as a Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine student, I’ve experienced the values and practices of Mayo Clinic that make it such a special place for trainees, employees, and, most importantly, patients. The team-oriented culture at Mayo affords top-notch patient care in a positive and friendly workplace environment. I am so excited to transition from medical school in Arizona to residency in Minnesota, where I can stay a part of the Mayo family but move to a smaller town known for its family friendliness and year-round outdoor activities.

Grace Xiao, M.D.

Hometown: Vancouver, Canada

Medical school: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I love exploring the outdoors, especially biking, running, paddle boarding, and skiing. I also enjoy playing music and writing songs on the piano or guitar.

Why Mayo Clinic? The inspiring culture of patient-centered care and focus on innovation and research! Mayo Clinic provides the incredible opportunity to train in an outstanding medical institution that is team-oriented and serves patients with complex cases from all around the world.

Ashley Zhou, M.D.

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Medical school: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I love planning and executing adventure itineraries in my free time, traveling around the world, or playing tourist in the cities in which I live. Inside the gym, I enjoy weightlifting and salsa dancing, while outside the gym, I love reading, watching everything A24 and HBO Max, and petting every dog I encounter.

Why Mayo Clinic? Mayo Clinic is a special place and has been so over the course of its legacy. Ophthalmology has a unique role at Mayo as the first surgery performed at St. Mary's by the Mayo family was in fact an eye surgery. I am excited to be training at an institution that has always prided itself on valuing innovation, collaboration, and above all, putting the needs of our patients first.

Nirupama Devanathan, M.D.

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy learning languages, watching international films and dramas (especially K-Dramas), connecting with nature, and playing the harmonium. 

Why Mayo Clinic? 

Mayo Clinic’s culture is innovative and intentionally collaborative, facilitating strong mentoring relationships. I am excited for the opportunity to train at Mayo Clinic and experience the program’s curated clinical curriculum, resident clinic, and world-class research and professional development opportunities.  

Rani Hassoun, M.D.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy playing sports (especially basketball!), reading, traveling, exploring different cuisines, trying out new board games, brushing up on my foreign language skills, and spending time with family and friends.

Why Mayo Clinic? Mayo Clinic is a truly unique place that stood out to me for a variety of reasons. The department’s emphasis on patient care, innovation, and resident education strongly resonated with me and my future goals. I am very excited to be joining such a wonderful department with proven mentors and unparalleled support.

Sydney Roston, M.D.

Hometown: Mendota Heights, MN

Medical school: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Hobbies/interests: I love trail running, marathons, cross-country skiing, hiking, and lake days! 

Why Mayo Clinic? I'm a born and raised Minnesotan and have dreamt of training at Mayo since the day I decided I wanted to be a physician! The summer before interviews, I met a bunch of the Mayo residents at a conference and they seemed like amazing people. They were so welcoming to me when I didn't know anybody else at this conference, and I could see myself being colleagues with all of them. From the start, I had a great feeling about Mayo and knew that I would have endless opportunities to figure out what my passions are and work my very hardest at them!

Ia Ong Vang, M.D.

Hometown: Missoula, MT

Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin

Hobbies/interests: exploring national parks, hiking alpine lake trails, exploring craft and farmers markets, reading 

Why Mayo Clinic? Mayo Clinic offers a variety of opportunities that suit the diverse interests of its trainees. I felt I could create my own journey here; explore and expand my specific passions and have them support and cheer me on the entire way. Additionally, the strong clinical and surgical training will ensure I'll be the best ophthalmologist I can be. 

Bhoomi H. Dave, M.D.

Hometown: Columbus, New Jersey

College: New Jersey Institute of Technology

Medical School: Drexel University

Hobbies/interests: I am a dancer and I love playing tennis. I'm a huge football fan (go Cowboys!) and have a big family across the country which makes everything more fun. I love spending time with my grandparents - my biggest support system.

Why Mayo Clinic? Despite being a Jersey girl my whole life, I knew I wanted to prioritize going somewhere with the absolute best clinical and surgical training. No program beats Mayo to achieve this goal. The emphasis that Mayo Clinic places on mentorship, research, surgical excellence, and patient centered care is unmatched. I also absolutely loved my interview day and meeting all the wonderful faculty - it felt like home!

Bridger P. Jeppesen, M.D.

Hometown: Tooele, Utah

College: Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah 

Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine  

Hobbies/interests: Hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, playing basketball, and painting. 

Why Mayo Clinic? I chose to come to Mayo Clinic for residency after I completed an away rotation in the department back in September. I was so impressed with the department, the quality of care provided to the patients, the collegial atmosphere between not only the residents, but consultants as well. I also loved the opportunity to have lots of autonomy and function at a very high level in patient care as resident both clinically and surgically. I also loved exploring Rochester and the surrounding area while I was there on my way rotation. 

Shreya Swaminathan, M.D.

Hometown: San Ramon, California 

College: The Pennsylvania State University  

Medical school: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University 

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, hiking, spending time outdoors, embroidery, and vegan cooking! 

Why Mayo Clinic? I was particularly drawn to Mayo Clinic for its innovative approaches to enhancing healthcare delivery and its integrated health network. Its welcoming culture, world-class facilities, and renowned faculty made it the ideal place to begin my training! 

Kenny Y. Wang, M.D.

Hometown: Whippany, New Jersey 

College: Yale University 

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Rochester, Minnesota 

Hobbies/interests: Cooking, salsa dancing, tennis 

Why Mayo Clinic? The ophthalmology department at Mayo makes resident education a top priority, supporting residents in pursuing their interests while providing great training through fantastic mentors. Furthermore, Mayo’s culture makes it a wonderful place to work with others and provide the best care possible as a team. I’m excited to be training in an environment that cares so much for both their residents and their patients.

Michelle Kim M.D. 

Hometown: Lagrangeville, NY

College: Duke University

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading fiction novels, crafting homemade matcha drinks, cooking Korean food, and playing board games!

Why Mayo Clinic: I was first drawn to Mayo for its patient-centered approach while applying for medical school. Since then, I have been continuously impressed and inspired by its wonderful people, its collegial atmosphere, its emphasis on team-based care, and its drive for innovation. I am so thrilled to be training in the department that has already shaped and guided me to this point!

Rachel Malsch, M.D.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO 

College: University of Missouri - Kansas City

Medical school: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine

Hobbies/interests: I love any outdoor activity, and you can usually find me taking long walks, water skiing, playing pickleball, or reading in my hammock. I am an avid hiker with a goal of visiting all 63 National Parks! I also love hot yoga, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends.

Why Mayo Clinic: After spending a year in the department conducting ocular oncology research, I knew Mayo Clinic aligned with my values and career goals. I was consistently impressed by the passionate staff, dedication to patient care, and commitment to resident education. The perfect blend of autonomy and support fits my learning style, and I am excited to train at such a renowned center with countless opportunities!

Carter Patterson, M.D.

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK 

College: University of Oklahoma 

Medical school: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine 

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, reading and attending book club meetings, playing board games, chess, skiing, scuba diving, hiking and backpacking, camping, running, and being an avid fan of Thunder basketball and University of Oklahoma football.  

Why Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of patient care and health innovation amidst a welcoming and supportive environment. Its outstanding clinical and surgical training, mentorship, and education are unparalleled, but what resonates deepest with me is the emphasis on patient-centered care. I am excited to train at a place that intentionally supports resident growth and professional development while ultimately delivering the best outcomes for patients.

Kannan Sharma, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX

College: University of Texas - Dallas, TX

Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN

Hobbies/interests: I really enjoy playing the drums and dabble in genres from jazz to rock. I am also a swimmer and really enjoy painting landscapes! 

Why Mayo Clinic: I have loved being a Mayo Clinic learner. Mayo creates a unique environment that champions the needs of the patient first, values service through its deep ties with the community and allows residents countless opportunities to grow as a clinician and scholars. Most importantly, it fosters a supportive culture in which colleagues, learners, and educators consistently lift one another up to provide the best possible patient care.