Joseph Chan, M.D.

Medical school: Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Residency: Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center Program, New York, NY

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

I chose Mayo for the great faculty members who are excellent mentors and eager teachers. There are ample research opportunities and it is a very supportive learning environment. Everyone is very supportive, there is great collegiality within the program, and faculty members are extremely accessible. My co-fellows have been a great pillar of support to me since the start of my fellowship. 

What is living in Rochester like for you?

Living in Rochester reminds me of my hometown back in Malaysia. There is an abundance of beautiful sceneries and outdoor activities that I can participate in.

Derek Opp, D.O.

Medical school: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO

Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

It has been a goal of mine to train at Mayo Clinic for a long time. One chief reason is the way Mayo truly puts the patient first in practice, not just as a mission statement. 

What are your favorite things to do in Rochester?

My favorite things to do in Rochester include biking the Douglas Trail, cross-country skiing at Quarry Hill, and eating/sampling beers at Forager Brewery. Rochester is a great city for families. My wife, two kids, and two dogs have found many things to do in Rochester and we have met some fantastic other young families. 

Steffi Masilamani, M.B.B.S.

Medical school: The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University

Residency: University of Minnesota

What attracted you to pediatric cardiology?

I loved learning about the heart during my pre-residency rotation in pediatric cardiology, and that interest continued to grow during residency. I find the complex cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology interesting, challenging, and fascinating all at once. I also like the long-term continual relationship we establish with the patients and their families.  

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

I really wanted to train at Mayo Clinic — the robust clinical experience and the abundant research opportunities were a perfect blend for me.

What is living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you?

Rochester is a small but beautiful city. It has great suburbs that are just perfect and safe for my little family. 

Liwei Yu, M.B., Ph.D.

Medical school: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Residency: Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

How is your fellowship at Mayo Clinic going?

I’ve had a great experience so far. There is always enough time for teaching, not only from the consultants but from my co-fellows and all the other staff members. It is a great learning environment.

What is living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you?

It is relaxing to live in Rochester, which is a safe and welcoming community. Outdoor activities and decent restaurants are always accessible within 10 minutes. And the cost of living is also relatively low, which is a big bonus.

Michael Penfold, M.D.

Medical school: Florida State University College of Medicine

Residency: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

The consultants at Mayo Clinic are exceptional and dedicated to patient care, fellow education, and research. The consultants provide excellent formal lectures but are also easily accessible anytime questions arise. There are unlimited opportunities for research and the faculty are extremely supportive regardless of your level of experience.

What is living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you?

Rochester is a very safe, affordable, and family-friendly place to live. The cost of living is great and as a fellow, you can purchase or rent a home close to the hospital. Rochester is a great city for families with plenty of hiking trails, paved bike trails, and campgrounds.

Kaitlyn Krebushevski, D.O.

Medical school: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Stony Brook Children's Hospital

What attracted you to pediatric cardiology?

The complexity of pathophysiology that we see in pediatric cardiology is what attracted me the most. Cardiac physiology is so intertwined with other body systems which makes it that much more interesting. We have also been tasked with the rather new field of adult congenital heart disease now that our patients are living longer lives. We are faced with a new challenge which is helping provide our patients with a better quality of life as they age. Lastly, I love that we have such wonderful noninvasive modalities to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?

At Mayo Clinic I knew I would be training under physicians that are top specialists in their fields. I have come to realize that despite this, everyone is so friendly and down to earth! I also knew that I would work among colleagues that would push me to be a better future pediatric cardiologist. I have already learned so much from my co-fellows and attendings. Every day I am motivated by the passion I witness from those around me.

Do you have any special interests within the program?

Right now, I am interested in exercise physiology for children and young adults with congenital heart disease. I am also interested in outcomes related to children who have been admitted to the CVICU. That being said, I know that I have so much to learn and explore in the world of pediatric cardiology and Mayo is the perfect place to do so!

What is living in Rochester, Minnesota, like for you?

Living in Rochester is much different from New York City and Long Island where I am originally from, but I really love it so far. I enjoy the smaller town feel and the fact that there is minimal traffic! I have all the stores, shops, and restaurants that I need within 10 minutes of me. There are also beautiful hikes, lakes, and other forms of nature within a half hour in all directions!