Meet Our Fellows
Our fellows and faculty foster a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Each fellow brings a dedication to providing stellar patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience. Learn about our current and past fellows.
Rodrigo Fernandez Gajardo, M.D.
Medical School: University of Chile
Residency: Asjeno Neurosurgery Institute
Why I chose Mayo Clinic: I chose Mayo Clinic for my peripheral nerve surgery fellowship because I believe it offers the ideal environment for me to develop as an academic peripheral nerve surgeon. The combination of one of the world's largest experiences in the management of complex peripheral nerve disorders, a strong culture of surgical mentorship, and a commitment to clinical excellence creates an outstanding setting for professional growth. I was particularly drawn to the program's truly interdisciplinary approach, where specialists from multiple disciplines collaborate to solve some of the most challenging problems in peripheral nerve care. Just as importantly, Mayo Clinic has fostered a culture in which patient-centered care, integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning guide every aspect of clinical practice. The program also provides outstanding opportunities to pursue diverse lines of research, develop new ideas, and contribute to advances that improve the care of future patients. I look forward to learning from leaders who have shaped modern peripheral nerve surgery while developing the skills, judgment, and perspective necessary to make meaningful contributions to the specialty throughout my career.
Graduates
The most important indicator of the success of a fellowship program is found in the outcomes of the graduates after completing their training. Trainees in the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, come from diverse backgrounds and now are practicing across the U.S. and around the world. Learn about our graduates.
| Fellow/alumnus | Program years | Current position |
|---|---|---|
| Rasha Hassan Noreldeen, M.D. | 2025-2026 | |
| Ken Porche, M.D., M.A. | 2024-2025 | Neurosurgeon, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ |
| Damiano Barone, M.D., Ph.D. | 2023-2024 | Neurosurgeon Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX |
| Kitty Wu, M.D. | 2022-2023 | Plastic and Hand Surgeon, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN |
| Brandon Smith, M.D. | 2020-2021 | Academic Neurosurgeon, Duke University, Durham, NC |
| Megan Jack, M.D., Ph.D. | 2020-2021 | Academic Neurosurgeon, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH |
| Courtney Pendleton, M.D. | 2019-2020 | Neurosurgery Faculty, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY |
| Ross Puffer, M.D. | 2018-2019 | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Washington, D.C. |
| Jonathan Stone, M.D. | 2017-2018 | Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY |
| Thomas Wilson, M.D. | 2016-2017 | Clinical Associate Professor, Stanford Health, Stanford, CA |
| Andres Maldonado Morillo, M.D., Ph.D. | 2015-2016 | Coordinator of Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Program at the University Hospital of Getafe, Madrid, Spain |
| Carlos Restrepo Rubio, M.D. | 2014-2015 | Neurosurgeon, Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Adil Ladak, M.D. | 2012-2013 | Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Alberta Plastic Surgery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Chandan Reddy, M.D., M.S. | 2011-2012 | Head of Deep Brain Stimulation, AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, Orlando, FL |
| Manish Sharma, M.D. | 2010-2011 | Neurosurgery Consultant, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN |
| Marie-Noelle Hebert-Blouin, M.D. | 2008-2010 | Department of Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada |