Meet Our Residents

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From the chief residents

Peds chief residents Callie Fischer, M.D. and Chandler Kessel, M.D. pose together during a graduation ceremony. Welcome to Mayo Clinic! We’re thrilled you’re considering our program for your pediatrics residency. We have absolutely loved our time here and cannot imagine training anywhere else. There is something for everyone here. Over the past three years, we’ve found a flexible, well-resourced program that truly supports every career goal, whether primary care, subspecialty training, or academic medicine. What makes Mayo special is the sense of community: you’ll work alongside outstanding faculty who are eager to mentor, form close connections with both colleagues and leadership, and receive all the opportunities that come with training at a world-renowned institution. Rochester is a welcoming city with a vibrant food scene and community events. We’ve made lifelong friends and received tremendous support, both professionally and personally.

We hope to meet you on interview day and share more about Mayo Clinic Pediatrics!

Sincerely,

Callie and Chandler

Callie Fischer, M.D.

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine

About me: I am a HUGE Packers fan, cat person, coffee aficionado/addict, and aspiring wine connoisseur. I love spending time outdoors running, biking, and hiking — especially in the fall! I come from a very musical and artsy family, and I enjoy painting, singing, playing piano, and writing music in my free time.

Why Mayo: When I first applied to residency, Mayo was added to my list for the typical pragmatic qualities. However, after my interview day it quickly moved to the top of my list as I met some of the incredible people who became my chosen family. Mayo is a unique program where there are more faculty wanting to teach and mentor than there are trainees. Every interest I have had has been quickly met by “let me connect you with” followed by a new mentor and/or colleague who shared my passion. My love of medical education in addition to the ambitious, passionate and supportive program leadership here made it an easy and exciting decision to stay an additional year as chief resident. The breadth of education and training I received here leave me feeling well-prepared for my next steps in neonatology and genetics fellowship after chief year.

Chandler Kessel, M.D.

Hometown: Pocatello, ID
Medical school: University of Utah

About me: I love biking, climbing, skiing, running, and anything that gets me outside. My husband and I also love taking our dog to breweries and drinking beer. We have really enjoyed the beer scene in the Midwest thus far!

Why Mayo: I was committed to pursuing primary care even before residency. Though I was somewhat intimidated by Mayo’s strong subspecialty reputation, I walked away from my interview here feeling extremely empowered and confident in my pursuit of primary care. I immediately got the sense that this program not only supported me but would be proud to cater to my primary care aspirations. This sentiment from my interview day has held true every step of the way. I have been met with nothing but enthusiasm for my passion from every single subspecialist I have worked with. I feel incredibly prepared and confident in my primary care skills after my three years here. I truly cannot picture a better pathway to primary care than the one this program helped me form.

Meet our residents

Learn more about our residents and where they come from.

Class of 2026

	Tasneem Abdel-Karim, M.B.B.S. Hometown: Tulkarm, Palestine Medical school: Jordan University of Science and Technology About me: I completed my pediatric residency and endocrinology fellowship in Qatar. After my training in Qatar, my family and I relocated to Minnesota, where I pursued an endocrinology fellowship at the University of Minnesota before joining the pediatric residency program here at Mayo. I have three wonderful boys, ages 8, 5, and 3 years. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, which allows me to express my creativity and relax. I also love hanging out with my friends, whether it's for a casual coffee, a fun outing, or simply enjoying each other's company. As a family, we cherish spending time outdoors, biking, walking, and cooking desserts together.
	Maheen Bangash, M.D. Hometown: Kansas City, KS Medical school: University of Kansas School of Medicine About me: In my spare time, I love to cook, play piano, sing, crochet, and play video games with my family! I'm also a proud cat mom of a very fluffy and sweet cat, Belle, and a cat aunt of two more wonderful fur babies.
	Summer Bernard, M.D. Hometown: Grand Forks, ND Medical school: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences About me: I have a 6-year-old Corgi named Leia who is always up for cuddles or tug-of-war. I'm also very lucky that my family does not live too far from Rochester, so I anticipate lots of visits, especially from my mom who is my best friend. In my spare time, I like to crochet and bake (I have a carrot cake recipe that is to die for).
	Griffin Coghill, M.D. Hometown: Birmingham, AL Medical school: New York Medical College About me: I like exploring the trails of Rochester via running, walking, or biking with my wife Kristin and our new puppy, Mari. My favorite things about living in Rochester are enjoying Thursdays on First in the summer and the ample amounts of snow in the winter.
	Alisa Erck, M.D. Hometown: Hartland, WI Medical school: University of Virginia About me: In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, embroidery, crochet, exercising, caring for my plants, traveling to find the best foods, and watching sitcoms with my cat. Here in Rochester, I’ve enjoyed finding the best restaurants and spending time with my amazing co-interns!
	Chase E. Habben, M.D. Hometown: Hartford, SD Medical school: Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota About me: When I’m outside the hospital or clinic, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful fiancé, Sarah, and exploring our new home in Rochester. I also enjoy movies, board games, video games, watching and playing baseball, and trying out new restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.
	Cody Hall, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Winn, MI Medical school: Master of Science in Cancer Chemical Biology, University of Michigan About me: Being from Michigan, I really enjoy being outside hiking, kayaking, and swimming. I also enjoy photography, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and playing board games. Since moving to Rochester, I have liked exploring cafes and restaurants as well as exploring more of Minnesota with my friends. In my spare time, I like cooking and baking.
	Amanda Hargett-Granato, D.O. Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Medical school: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine About me: I am an avid gardener and love to cook with what I am growing in my garden. I enjoy reading and have an ever-growing To-Be-Read pile. I have a husband, a dog and a cat, and an embarrassingly large pile of half-finished craft projects at home.
	Laura Hernandez-Diaz, M.D. Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico Medical school: UPR School of Medicine About me: I love painting (especially with watercolors), going to the beach, spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and playing with my kitten, Lilo!
	Alexa S. Jensen, M.D. Hometown: Medford, MA Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine About me: I'm happiest when I'm by a body of water of any kind – beaches, lakes, and new more recent love, rivers (river tubing is a new passion I discovered here in the Midwest). Swimming is my favorite activity, but I also love weightlifting, and all things food-related (cooking, baking, and obviously, eating). But my number one, most favorite thing in the world, is traveling with my husband and family!
	Rebecca Kruc, M.D., M.P.H. Hometown: Fridley, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota About me: I love to travel and hope to continue to do global health medical work during and after residency. I like to crochet, bike, spend time with family and friends and my cats, bake and cook, and read.
	Sean O'Donnell, M.D. Hometown: Halifax, MA Medical school: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth About me: In my spare time, I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy, cooking recipes far outside of my skillset, and spending quality time with friends. My life goal is to have two Corgi friends!
	Mostafa Salama, M.B., Ch.B. Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt Medical school: Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt About me: On a personal level, I’m a father to a little tornado who keeps life energetic and full of joy. I cherish spending most of my free time with my family. I also enjoy playing soccer and basketball with my friends and spend some time listening to classical music. Professionally, since completing my pediatric endocrinology training at Mayo Clinic, my clinical and research interests have centered on endocrinology, with a particular focus on obesity, genetics, and cardiometabolic conditions.
	Emmanuella Salia, M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H. Hometown: Chapuri, Upper West Region of Ghana Medical school: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana About me: I love catching up with family and friends on video calls, listening to music and Christian fiction audiobooks, and planning and coordinating events. So far, I’ve enjoyed taking walks in my neighborhood and going to the Rochester Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. I’m looking forward to trying indoor rock climbing at Roca.
	Haley Sherburne, M.D. Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA Medical school: Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis About me: In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, baking cookies, reading, hiking, puzzles, and origami. Since moving to Rochester, I have loved exploring the Quarry Hill Nature Preserve, trying new boba tea shops, and watching lightning storms from my porch!

Class of 2027

	Benito Alvarez, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: Cleveland, OH Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine About me: I love cooking fancy 5-star meals and have never lost at board games. I enjoy sleeping in, building my own furniture, tofu, and Trader Joe's. I have also never been to the dollar store but have heard great things about it! I also find epigenetics very interesting.
	Doha Hassan, M.B., B.Ch. Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt Medical school: Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt About me: I’m a mom to a wild and wonderful 4-year-old tornado, and nothing makes me happier than spending time with him, my husband, and the little one on the way. I love cooking, enjoying desserts, and strolling around Cascade Lake Park at sunset. Pediatric endocrinology isn’t just a career for me — it’s a true passion.
	Melanie Klemond, M.D. Hometown: Minneapolis, MN Medical school: Rosalind Franklin University About me: I love the outdoors, and can often be found gardening, catching up on a good book, or exploring new trails with my little dog. I spend a lot of my free time with friends and with my family who live a short drive away from Rochester.
	Jon Lun, M.D. Hometown: Wooster, OH Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine About me: I am a huge proponent of being active and spending time outdoors, on my days off you will likely find me fly-fishing some of our streams here in southeast Minnesota. Otherwise, I can be talked into just about anything as long as I get to spend time with my friends and family! I also enjoy staying involved in the community through my local church.
	Kwartemaa Nti, M.B., Ch.B. Hometown: Eastern Region, Ghana Medical school: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology About me: I cherish spending quality time with my family, relaxing at the beach and taking long drives to unwind. I have a deep passion for dancing and love attending stage plays, as they offer a unique blend of entertainment and inspiration.
	Victoria Skolnick, M.D. Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota About me: As a Rochester native, I am excited to be back home with my family and new friends at Mayo! Some activities I enjoy include traveling, thrifting, and spoiling my two guinea pigs.
	Savannah Sutherlin, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Mesa, AZ Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson Campus About me: I love to be outdoors! You can find me hiking, running, and playing sports. I also love to sing and bake. I’m looking forward to trying some winter sports like cross-country skiing.
	Elsie Touma, M.D. Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon Medical school: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon About me: I love spending time catching up with my family and friends through video calls. I like to practice self-care, and I try to live by the stoic ideals every day. In my free time, I enjoy working out and going for runs or hikes. In Rochester, I like to explore new trails, coffee shops, and restaurants. Most significantly, though, is that I intend to take advantage of this time to hone my cooking skills.
	Noah Trapp, M.D. Hometown: Ellsworth, KS Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health About me: I love hiking around Quarry Hill Nature Preserve and exploring Rochester with my wife, Meghan, and our two rambunctious kids. In my free time, you can probably find me skateboarding (yes, Mom, with a helmet), mountain biking, painting, playing guitar (badly), and exhorting my friends to read whatever C.S. Lewis book I've put in their hand.
	Caleb Wolz, M.D., M.B.A. Hometown: Reno, NV Medical school: University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine About me: I love spending time with my wife, 6-year-old daughter, and 5-year-old son. We love tabletop games including card and board games. We also love to do outdoor activities particularly hiking, going on bike rides and winter sports in the winter. I also love music and play the electric bass guitar and upright string bass.
	Nicke Worth, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT Medical school: Tulane University School of Medicine About me: Mother of dragons (3 kids), cats, chickens, and a dog. A Gryffindor who is ready for any kind of adventure outdoors. Anglophile who ended up marrying a Brit. My favorite days are the rainy ones. I'm THE settler of Catan. Hobbit at heart.
	Ahmed Younis, M.B., B.Ch. Hometown: Kuwait, Egypt Medical school: Mansoura University School of Medicine About me: I love cooking (Big time!!). I spend a huge chunk of my free time looking up recipes and grocery shopping to make new dishes. I also enjoy walking, hiking, and photography.

Class of 2028

	Ava Berrier, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Pueblo West, CO Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine About me: During my time off, I enjoy working out, baking, and reading thrillers!
	Sulaikha Buuh, M.D. Hometown: Farmington, CT Medical school: University of Connecticut School of Medicine About me: I am so excited to be surrounded by family in Minnesota! You'll often find me spending time with them, discovering new coffee shops and food spots, or catching up on a good book. I also enjoy walking, group fitness classes, cooking, and baking!
	Carlos Cespedes, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Elberton, GA Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine About me: I’m a very blessed man…Married to a beautiful woman named Hanna, who gave me three wild and crazy little girls. On my time off, I enjoyed being involved with my church, going on walks with my family, playing tennis with my dad and oldest daughter, and getting my butt kicked during a hard workout. I’m extremely honored to have the job of my dreams here at Mayo Clinic, one of my favorite things to do at work is to watch how our patients enjoy the plaza in the hospital.
	Caroline DeCesare, M.D. Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine About me: I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, whether we're relaxing at home or out together. I also like staying active by working out regularly. In my free time, I love baking sweet treats and unwinding by watching reality TV.
	Tommy DeCesare, M.D. Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine About me: First and foremost, I love spending time with my awesome wife Caroline. You can typically find us on a walk, enjoying each other's company at home, or at St. John's Cathedral. I also enjoy lifting weights, spending time with my entertaining extended family and in-laws, hunting, fishing, and playing video games from time to time.
	Ciara Egan, M.D. Hometowns: Dublin, Ireland and Kensington, MD Medical school: Humanitas University Medical School, Italy About me: I love sharing time with family and friends, especially in the outdoors or at a brewery and/or winery! I am still adjusting to the Minnesota weather but looking to get more into winter sports and having fun in the snow! I probably spend more time watching cooking/baking shows than in the kitchen but love all things food and exploring different cultures through cooking.
	Anders Jenson, M.D. Hometown: Minneapolis, MN Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine About me: I enjoy all kinds of games (card, board, sports, video, etc.); you name it and I'll play it! I'm an avid fan of superhero and sci-fi stories in any form, from books and comics to movies and TV shows. When I’m not immersed in a grand game or story, you’ll likely find me enjoying the great outdoors, often while volunteering at summer camps. If you’re ever in the mood for a lighthearted laugh, ask me about the time I was turned into an ice cream sundae at camp!
	Frank Kelly, D.O. Hometown: Lakeville, MN Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine About me: I enjoy staying active through running and playing racket sports. I also love spending time with friends, whether it's over a board game or grabbing a bite to eat. Traveling is another passion of mine — I’m always up for exploring new places and experiences!
	Natalie McClure, M.D. Hometown: Bourbonnais, IL Medical school: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL About me: I love to kayak, hike, play video games, sew, and paint! I have a sassy husky named Zora, and an even sassier cat named Binx, who both enjoy exploring Rochester on our walks. My partner and I also love exploring all the new restaurants in town.
	Cassie McCoy, M.D. Hometown: Tulsa, OK Medical school: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation About me: My heart is happiest when I get to spend time with my family and friends. I love any activity in Rochester that gets all of my co-residents together. I love birthdays and celebrations. I enjoy dancing, baking, traveling, and crafting. My current crafting passion projects is Native American beading to connect to my heritage. Lastly, I love meeting new people and trying new things.
	Deborah Okoli, M.D. Hometown: Aurora, IL Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago About me: My passions include co-running my family's nonprofit charity organization called the ZimUzo Foundation. I also enjoy learning different languages (I speak Korean and some French and Spanish). I like to read, write novels and poems, watch movies with subtitles, play the piano, and listen to music. I am a bit of a homebody, but I do enjoy running outdoors and experiencing nature. I used to teach Sunday school, and oftentimes working in the hospital reminds me of that time!
	Blythe Richards, M.D. Hometown: Vandalia, IL Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria (UICOMP) About me: My wife and I have been amazed so far by our move to Rochester. There are so many fun and unique parks, trails, and other outdoor activities for us to enjoy with our daughter. When I am not at work my hobbies include weight training, hiking, fishing, DIY projects, and trying to keep up with my toddler!
	Sidney Seiwert, M.D. Hometown: Rogers, MN Medical school: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine About me: Outside of work you can find me hanging out with my two dogs alongside my husband. I love gardening, reading, baking, drinking coffee, playing cards, and spending time with my family and friends! In the summer my favorite place to be is at the cabin, either on a jet ski or playing cribbage!
	Paulina Styrczula, M.D. Hometown: Willow Springs, IL Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science About me: As a Midwesterner, I have loved settling into my new home in Minnesota! So far, I have enjoyed exploring the various breweries and restaurants throughout Rochester and getting to know my co-residents over a great meal. In my spare time, I love gardening, tending to my houseplants, going to farmer's markets and thrift stores, jigsaw puzzles, and baking.
	Chris Thorvaldson, M.D. Hometown: Laramie, WY Medical School: University of Washington About me: I love being active in any way I can — playing sports, hiking, or going to the gym. I also enjoy reading, listening to music, playing games, and exploring new places with my partner, especially anything sports related or involving a brewery. Being from Wyoming, exploring the outdoors is an all-time favorite activity, as is going to rodeos and farmers markets.
	Delaney Wilton, M.D. Hometown: Apple Valley, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota About me: When I'm not at work you can find me obsessing over my Rochester favorites: LTS brewing and Lumen Coffee, buying books (and sometimes reading them), and playing cozy core video games. I love to crochet and am learning how to be a better plant mom. Fall is my favorite time in Minnesota, and I'm looking forward to exploring apple orchards and pumpkin patches this year in Rochester!