The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency program trainees have a love of learning and take a compassionate approach to patient care. They come from diverse backgrounds, family status, and professional and personal interests. Our residents and faculty foster a collegial environment and education-focused culture that provides an inclusive learning experience. Training can be challenging, but our program is close-knit and each resident brings a dedication to providing excellent patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience.

Class of 2029

Justine Levesque, M.D.

Why did you choose to pursue a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation? 

Medicine, to me, is about empowering my patients to live fully - not simply improving lab values or interpreting imaging studies. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation reflects that philosophy by focusing on restoring function and supporting patients' return to the lives they love.

As a lifelong athlete and former collegiate field hockey player, longevity has always shaped my perspective on health. My passion for strength training, lifestyle medicine, and health naturally drew me to a specialty that integrates musculoskeletal and neurologic care with functional restoration. I believe in practicing what I preach - modeling resilience, discipline, and a positive mindset so I can guide patients with authenticity. Mayo Clinic’s culture of compassion and teamwork represents how medicine should be practiced, and training here allows me to develop into a physician who inspires resilience, promotes function, and encourages healing.

Sydney Woods, M.D.

Why did you choose to pursue a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation? 

I chose to pursue a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation because it aligns with how I view both medicine and purpose. I am drawn to walking alongside patients during some of the most vulnerable and defining moments of their lives. Whether recovering from neurologic injury, trauma, amputation, stroke, or debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, patients often face loss of independence and identity. I am motivated by the opportunity to help restore not only function but hope and self-confidence.

What resonates most deeply with me is the longitudinal journey. We meet patients when they may feel they have lost control or a sense of self, and through thoughtful goal setting, procedural skill, and collaborative care, we help them rebuild. Witnessing someone progress from dependence to autonomy, walking again, returning to work, or simply managing daily activities independently, is incredibly rewarding. I am inspired by the philosophy of maximizing ability rather than focusing solely on disability. This field challenges me to see potential where others see limitation and to advocate for individuals who are often overlooked. Restoring function restores dignity, and being entrusted with that responsibility is the reason I chose to pursue a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Class of 2028

Hamaad Khan, D.O.

Why did you choose to pursue a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation? 

I came to Mayo Clinic to learn from world-renowned experts and to work with the latest advancements in medical practice. I'm passionate about biotechnology and its applications in improving the lives of individuals with differences, particularly in the development of prosthetic and wearable technologies. As an upper extremity amputee, I have firsthand experience with the daily challenges that patients encounter, and understand the need for representation of disabilities in medicine.

The Physical, Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency is the perfect blend of my passions in medicine, and I am humbled to be one of the first residents in this program. As a physiatrist, I can help patients achieve their goals in their new circumstances, which I find incredibly fulfilling. My interests in innovation and engineering keep me busy in my free time. I enjoy learning about history and language, and firmly believe everyone has something valuable to teach if you take the time to listen. I’m always on the hunt for new local cuisine, and enjoy kayaking and hiking throughout the scenic Jacksonville area.

David Phrathep, D.O.

Why did you choose to pursue a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation?

When my parents immigrated from Laos after the Vietnam War, they blessed our family with opportunity. I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where a lot of my life interests were rooted in baseball and heritage, and it made me who I am today. I was a baseball player at the University of Central Florida and was subsequently recognized in the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame after my career.

Over time, I found that there were many similarities between my life, sports, and medicine, therefore I decided to pursue physical medicine and rehabilitation to help provide patients with disability a second chance at living their life to the fullest again. Professionally, I’m interested in sports medicine, diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound, and regenerative medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy baseball, skateboarding, hiking, the beach, sneaker collecting, streetwear fashion, and thrifting.

Mayo Fellows Association (MFA)

The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) offers a peer and social support network for residents and fellows and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The MFA also holds an annual resident and fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support. 

A day in the life

Explore a few of the ways fellows maintain a balance between work responsibilities and hobbies, family, and friends outside of the clinic.