Angel Wu, D.D.S., M.D.

Dental school: UCLA School of Dentistry
Hometown: Seattle, WA

What is unique about this program? There's never a shortage of things I can learn, which is exactly what I wanted from a residency. Because of the patient pool, I've gotten exposure to almost every oral pathology we had talked about back in dental school, and being able to correlate the clinical profile to the didactics is a great learning experience. The extended curriculum offers residents unique opportunities. For example, they can undergo six weeks of training in Puerto Rico or Portland and participate in craniofacial trips to Guatemala or Ecuador. Additionally, the program's general surgery curriculum is exceptional. For example, residents rotate in transplant surgery, engaging in procurement processes and assisting with kidney transplants.

Derek Bates, D.D.S., M.D.

Dental school: University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Hometown: Calgary, AB

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic? One of the first things I noticed when I first visited Mayo was the culture of respect and collaboration. Everyone I met took an interest in my education, even as an extern. The variety and volume of cases was (and is) impressive to me. But the surgical strengths of this program would feel empty if it were not for the kindness, decency, and commitment to patient care that I've seen at Mayo Clinic. I've come to appreciate this even more as I've progressed in my training.

Catherine Wroclawski, D.M.D., M.D.

Dental school: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Hometown: Kinnelon, NJ

What is unique about this program? This program gives great experience in all major aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery and being a part of Mayo Clinic provides a large volume of unique and complex cases. Additionally, the consultants, residents, and all members of the OMS team create an inclusive environment that not only facilitates growth as a clinician and surgeon but is also fun to work in!

Yuliya Petukhova, D.D.S., M.D.

Dental school: University of Utah School of Dentistry
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

What do you like about training at Mayo Clinic? I love the medical education we receive here. The instructors go above and beyond to make sure we not only understand the material but can apply it to our specialty. We get to see live what others read about in textbooks, an experience you can only gain from a world-class institution.

What is living in Rochester like for you? Rochester is a safe city with no traffic, you can get to anywhere you want to go in 15 minutes or less. It is also quite affordable and is full of many bike trails and surrounding hiking spots.

Jai Mediratta, D.D.S., M.D.

Dental school: UNMC College of Dentistry
Hometown: Omaha, NE

Why did you choose to train at Mayo Clinic?
I chose Mayo Clinic for its unparalleled reputation as a leader in medical and surgical excellence, its strong emphasis on collaboration, and the comprehensive surgical experience it offers. The program’s commitment to patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my values as a clinician, and its exposure to diverse, complex cases ensures that I will graduate with exceptional clinical acumen and technical expertise. Additionally, Mayo Clinic’s robust anesthesia training provides a unique and invaluable foundation for confidently managing challenging cases and ensuring patient safety. Beyond the training, the program fosters a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and mentorship, shaping not only skilled surgeons but also compassionate, well-rounded professionals prepared to excel in every facet of oral and maxillofacial surgery, irrespective of your career plans.
What is living in Rochester like for you?
Living in Rochester is ideal for my surgical training. Its family-friendly atmosphere, safety, and ease of living create a supportive and stress-free environment, allowing me to focus entirely on becoming a skilled surgeon. Additionally, with Minneapolis just a short drive away, I can enjoy world-class dining, cultural experiences, and vibrant city life. The proximity of MSP Airport also makes it easy to travel and explore new destinations, allowing me to stay connected to family, friends, and personal interests while pursuing my professional goals.

Benjamin Posch, D.M.D., M.D.

Dental school: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Hometown: Brainerd, MN

Jasmine Pasco, D.M.D., M.S.

Dental school: Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic?
My goal was to find a residency program with a well-rounded medical education and breadth of surgical experience, and Mayo Clinic has exceeded those expectations thus far. It is an incredible place to train for oral and maxillofacial surgery since we are a true broad-scope program with two OMS operating rooms running Monday-Friday and a clinic that is always busy with dentoalveolar cases. We also have the privilege of meeting patients who travel across state lines and even oceans to seek answers for complex situations. Overall, there is a certain momentum here that motivates you to learn as much as you can and to provide excellent care for all patients.

Trevor Oliverson, D.D.S.

Dental school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: South Jordan, UT

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic? After externing and interviewing at several institutions, I felt that Mayo Clinic offered the most balanced and comprehensive training in OMS. The program provides extensive exposure and training in TMJ, Orthognathic, and Head/Neck Surgery without sacrificing valuable dentoalveolar experience. This experience is enhanced by the fact that we have among the most months on service out of any program in the country. Mayo Clinic supports diverse career paths, whether in private practice, fellowship, or academia. Additionally, the program’s mentorship model promotes early professional growth and increased autonomy by fostering strong, trusting relationships between residents and consultants.

Joseph Hoffmann, D.D.S.

Dental school: University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Hometown: Madison, WI

Nicholas Sywyj, D.M.D.

Dental school: University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

What is living in Rochester like for you? My work, church, and gym are located within a few blocks of each other, and I own a home in a quiet neighborhood 5 minutes away. On the interview trail, one program director said, “Don’t worry too much about a program’s location, because you’ll spend most of your 4-6 years in the hospital.” While that’s true to an extent, I cherish being able to live in a town with Midwest kindness, affordable living, and archery hunting available in my backyard.

Noah Brady, D.M.D.

Dental school: Harvard University School of Dental Medicine
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Jacob Williamson, D.M.D., M.S.

Dental school: Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine - Arizona
Hometown: Edmonton, AB