Meet Our Residents

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The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency draws trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. While all our trainees have a love of learning and 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 stellar patient care as well as a collaborative learning experience.

Meet our current residents in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Chief residents

Ben Kopecky, D.O.

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Without a doubt it was the people. As a visiting medical student, I met residents who were unwaveringly kind and consultants who loved to teach who I could see as a mentor in the future. At Mayo, the culture created by the collective effort to put the needs of the patient first and focus on resident education creates a special environment to train. Many consultants at Mayo are leaders in their respective fields and, as someone with many interests, I was excited by the prospect of collaborating with passionate physician scientists in their areas of expertise. Lastly, I was drawn to the uniquely diverse patient population at Mayo as it is in the heart of a midwestern farming community but also draws people from all over the world seeking a second opinion.

Karson Mostert, M.D.

Hometown: Columbia, SC
Medical school: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Initially, I was attracted to Mayo Clinic because of its top tier reputation and the innovative curriculum designed to produce a well-rounded, future-thinking, patient-centered physiatrist. I didn't know exactly what aspect of PM&R I would want to focus on during my career, but I knew that Mayo would afford me the opportunities to experience all facets of the specialty from world-class faculty. Then I had my interview day, and I was sold! The program leadership, staff, and other residents were beyond friendly and created a healthy environment of learning and wellness. On top of that, Rochester is a wonderful (and affordable!) place to raise a family! It was clear I had found where I wanted to belong.

PGY-4

	Patrick Davis, M.D. Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Medical school: University of South Florida College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I knew that Mayo would be the spot for me from the first presentation I heard on the program before my fourth year of medical school. The opportunity to be surrounded by those who are both leaders in their field and also so welcoming made me feel that Mayo is where I could find myself at home. The resources available here are second to none, and from a research and clinical perspective, I felt this is where I could be molded into the physiatrist I wanted to be. The focus on patient-centered care is truly a distinguishing characteristic that sets Mayo apart and allows such a unique blending of the science and art of medicine.
	Jennifer Dens Higano, M.D. Hometown: Brainerd, MN Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Mayo was an outstanding place to learn during my medical school rotations. I knew that by staying for residency I would learn from experts in our field (and other fields!), see patients with very common diseases to the very rare, and be supported by excellent mentors in a collaborative environment. It would set me up for any type of practice or fellowship for the future, and support me in determining which path was right for me. I enjoy and appreciate Mayo’s focus on the humanities in medicine, as shown in the art collection, building architecture, music performances in the lobbies, and arts at the bedside. And as a bonus I knew that in Rochester I would be able to walk or bike to work!
	Brandon Johnson, M.D. Hometown: Indianola, IA Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I chose Mayo Clinic because I knew it would provide me with the training and resources to become an excellent, well-rounded physiatrist. I saw this first-hand has several of my mentors from medical school were graduates of the program. The residency's strong didactic curriculum paired with its diverse clinical rotations make for extraordinary learning experiences. After my interview day, I remember not only being impressed with the opportunities provided to trainees, but also the strong culture of comradery I saw amongst the residents and staff. Between the family-like atmosphere and top-notch facilities, it was an easy choice to complete my residency at Mayo Clinic.
	Nathaniel Johnson, M.D. Hometown: Indianola, IA Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? When looking at residency programs, I knew I wanted to be at a program that truly cared about their resident’s wellbeing and provided a well-rounded experience that would prepare me for whatever path within PM&R I decided to pursue. I was fortunate to have great mentors at the University of Iowa who also happened to be graduates of Mayo Clinic’s PM&R residency program. They all spoke very highly of their residency experience and assured me that Mayo would provide me with not only first-class medical training but would surround me with first-class individuals that truly cared about my personal and professional development. My interview day only confirmed everything they had told me about the program. With the innovative curriculum, hands-on clinical experiences, and endless resources at your disposal, I knew I would be able to graduate from residency here confident in my abilities to be the type of physician I aspire to be.
	Ben Kopecky, D.O. Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Residency training? Without a doubt it was the people. As a visiting medical student, I met residents who were unwaveringly kind and consultants who loved to teach who I could see as a mentor in the future. At Mayo, the culture created by the collective effort to put the needs of the patient first and focus on resident education creates a special environment to train. Many consultants at Mayo are leaders in their respective fields and, as someone with many interests, I was excited by the prospect of collaborating with passionate physician scientists in their areas of expertise. Lastly, I was drawn to the uniquely diverse patient population at Mayo as it is in the heart of a midwestern farming community but also draws people from all over the world seeking a second opinion.
	Liga Kreitner, M.D. Hometown: Lee’s Summit, MI Medical school: University of Missouri – Columbia School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency? I was attracted to Mayo Clinic for several reasons, but above all, it was the people and culture that stood out to me. One of the first things I noticed during my interview day was the camaraderie between residents and the tremendous support given to trainees from the program, faculty, and staff. I also realized that Mayo Clinic’s shared mission of “the needs of the patient come first” promotes a unique and collaborative culture that is not only best for patient care but also creates a perfect learning environment for resident education and growth as physicians. The PM&R residency program offers a well-rounded education taught by world-leading experts with endless opportunities in research and clinical experiences. I am confident the training I receive here will prepare me for whatever career path I choose.
	Karson Mostert, M.D. Hometown: Columbia, SC Medical school: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Initially, I was attracted to Mayo Clinic because of its top tier reputation and the innovative curriculum designed to produce a well-rounded, future-thinking, patient-centered physiatrist. I didn't know exactly what aspect of PM&R I would want to focus on during my career, but I knew that Mayo would afford me the opportunities to experience all facets of the specialty from world-class faculty. Then I had my interview day, and I was sold! The program leadership, staff, and other residents were beyond friendly and created a healthy environment of learning and wellness. On top of that, Rochester is a wonderful (and affordable!) place to raise a family! It was clear I had found where I wanted to belong.
	Jacob Perera, M.D. Hometown: St. Louis, MO Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I was fortunate enough to get the chance to rotate with the Mayo Clinic PM&R department as a medical student and knew right away that this was where I wanted to continue my training. The warm welcome that I received and the way that everyone interacted with each other truly makes you think of a family. It was very important to me to surround myself with a group of people that I would enjoy working with and learning from and that is exactly what I found here. There is also a clear emphasis on hands-on learning with a robust educational curriculum and an abundance of opportunities to pursue any interest one may have within PM&R. I knew that whatever my interests within physiatry would be that I would have all the resources I would need while being surrounded by a group of people that welcome everyone with open arms.

PGY-3

	Lori Bjork, M.D. Hometown: Johnston, IA Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Based on my experiences as a medical student, I knew that Mayo Clinic provided an outstanding learning environment with strong teaching, interesting cases, and robust administrative support. The PM&R program checks all those boxes and more. The consultants that you work with may be leaders in their fields, but they often stand out more for their approachability and compassion. The camaraderie and cooperative nature of the residents within the PM&R program – something I first witnessed as a medical student tagging along with PM&R residents who were performing sideline coverage at high school football games – was also a selling point. Additionally, Mayo Clinic has a long tradition of service to the military, and I appreciate how the institution welcomes and values veterans.
	Julia Carter, M.D. Hometown: Centralia, WA Medical school: University of Washington What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I love many things about Mayo PM&R, but the strength, number, and variety of our consultants (attendings) is a major factor that drew me. No matter what your interests are, we have multiple specialists in that area who are leaders in that field, all doing the latest and greatest medicine in that area. From pain procedures, to sports medicine, to pediatrics, and all the rest, Mayo has physiatrists that are incredibly knowledgeable and also incredibly kind. They love to teach and allow us to be so hands-on. They support us in and outside the clinic/hospital. I knew coming to Mayo would set me up for whatever career I finally set my heart on, and I’ve found that to be incredibly true.
	Autumn Dach, D.O. Hometown: Byron, IL Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Growing up in the Midwest, I had the privilege of witnessing numerous family members and friends benefit from the exceptional healthcare provided by Mayo Clinic. During my fourth year of medical school, I had the incredible opportunity to rotate within Mayo Clinic PM&R residency program. I was immediately embraced and impressed by the strong sense of camaraderie and the sense of building each other up, not only within the residency program but throughout the entire institution. I wanted to pursue my training at this world-class hospital where individuals are equally devoted to fostering innovation and advancing education, as well as delivering compassionate healthcare. The specialized training in musculoskeletal ultrasound and an anatomy cadaver course really spoke to the comprehensive nature of the training provided by this program. I knew this was an environment that would both challenge me and support me in my path to becoming the PM&R physician I aspire to be.
	Brandon Feaster, M.D. Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC Medical school: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? As I began to research residency programs, it quickly became apparent that Mayo Clinic PM&R is much more than its phenomenal name. From the innovative and engaging curriculum to the diverse breadth of clinical experiences, it was evident that the training fosters excellence and creates field-leading physiatrists. During my interview, I was especially impressed by the in-depth diagnostic ultrasound course and the musculoskeletal education. Through these facets, residents spoke with confidence regarding their procedural proficiency upon completion of the program. Furthermore, I was delighted to witness the atmosphere of support and camaraderie amongst program leadership, staff, alumni, and current residents. I'm beyond excited to have the opportunity to be a part of Mayo Clinic PM&R.
	Alyssa Golden-Hart, D.O. Hometown: Fort Myers, FL Medical school: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Residency training? After interviewing at Mayo Clinic, I was immediately impressed by the outstanding training the PM&R department provides for its residents. Due to being a large academic center, the training consists of a wide range of pathologies that I knew would be a stimulating environment to learn in. The in-depth anatomy and ultrasound courses, musculoskeletal training, and exposure to an impressive number of procedures were all part of the academic draw. Besides the academic side of Mayo Clinic PM&R, I also enjoyed the sense of camaraderie between the members of the department. I felt that the residents and faculty were welcoming and really stood out as a family-like environment. After my interview, it was clear Mayo would help shape me into the type of physiatrist I want to be.
	Anthony Kilgore Jr., M.D. Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Choosing to be a part of the Mayo family was an easy decision, it’s an institution that speaks to my authentic self - meeting people where they are. I grew up in a small town on the coast of California, San Luis Obispo, and I never envisioned myself living outside the state. I was blessed with the opportunity to study at Mayo for medical school but was timid to move too far away from loved ones. I spent time at the Mayo Clinic campus in Arizona and graciously adapted to the culture through my four years there. When it came time to choose a residency program, my family and I knew what would further grow me into the doctor I have always wanted to be. One who takes the time to see his patients in their entirety, avoiding the common pitfalls that exist when existential pressures creep into the healthcare system dynamic. I love the opportunity to spend time with each patient so that I know them more than their injury or disease, I can truly begin to appreciate the lived experience of said malady. This affinity has been a perfect fit for the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. I was able to spend my intern year at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and it was a tremendous year of growth both in and out of the hospital. Living in Rochester provides me and my loved ones the comfort of small-town day-to-day living without the potential distractions of a larger metro area. When we are ready for this, we can easily access the Twin Cities or Chicago metro areas for events and activities. I'm happy and fulfilled at this stage in my career, and I'm grateful I truly was open to this unique opportunity.
	Matthew Moberg, D.O. Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN Medical school: A.T. Still University Kirksville What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? There are a lot of things that attracted me to Mayo. It’s close to home, which means being closer to my family and friends. The didactics are second to none, as I get to learn from world-renowned experts in various disciplines and participate in a comprehensive MSK and US curriculum. However, I think the biggest thing that attracted me to Mayo was the people. I’ve had multiple family members receive treatment here at Mayo and they constantly rave about the compassionate, patient-centered care that they receive. Since arriving at Mayo, I have been surrounded by program leadership, staff, and resident colleagues who truly demonstrate a vested interest in helping me become the competent, well-rounded, and caring physiatrist that I hope to become. I could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to train here.
	Cam Smock, M.D. Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? The most impressive aspect of my Mayo Clinic interview day was the strong camaraderie among the residents and faculty who helped facilitate the interview experience. It was evident that the program was composed of residents who genuinely enjoyed working together and faculty truly invested in the success of their trainees. This welcoming culture enhances the exceptional educational opportunities the program offers. The well-rounded didactic curriculum and rotation experiences prepare residents to succeed in whichever facet of PM&R they choose to pursue, and the incredibly strong exposure to musculoskeletal anatomy and ultrasound aligns very closely with my own clinical interests. The faculty are experts in their respective areas of practice and are eager to share their knowledge with trainees and collaborate on cutting-edge research projects. Each day provides an opportunity to work alongside genuinely kind people united by a common mission to provide world-class, patient-centered care.

PGY-2

	Tyler Bendrick, M.D. Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha NE What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I think the better question may be, what didn’t attract me to Mayo Clinic? I remember entering the hospital on my first day as a rotating student, feeling intimidated to simply walk the halls of this world-renowned institution. However, my apprehension quickly vanished as every consultant, nurse, resident, and staff greeted me with the universal respect, kindness, interest, and humility that are fundamental to Mayo culture. The PM&R program impressed me with its focus on individualized teaching, procedure numbers that far outweigh other programs, and endless opportunities for research, niche learning, and personal and professional development. Mayo provides opportunities to train under experts in all fields, participate in cutting-edge research, and learn from the best to deliver the highest quality of care. I was certain this program would motivate and support me in becoming the exceptional physician and person that I aspire to be, and every day I am more grateful to be here!
	Corbrielle Boulard, M.D. Hometown: Beaumont, TX Medical school: McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Entering the season of choosing a residency program, my primary priority was finding an institution that was well-rounded, with strengths within every facet of PM&R available. Mayo Clinic ensured that no options within the field would be closed off, as well as beyond serving as a platform, as my interests evolved with greater exposure. Mayo Clinic PM&R proved to have vast opportunities as well as support for incorporating my many interests into my career, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Another value that I view as a necessity for a program, which Mayo has exceeded, is in providing a healthy work environment with a warm atmosphere of colleagues that feel like family away from family, after moving far across the country away from my home. Ultimately, Mayo Clinic has proven to be set apart within residency and beyond, as all doors are opened upon training at this remarkable institution.
	Jessica Buttinger, M.D. Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? My decision to complete my PM&R training at Mayo Clinic was hugely influenced by my experience rotating here as a fourth-year medical student. I was met by some of the kindest, and most empathetic residents and consultants I have ever worked with. Their passion for teaching was equally matched by their commitment to excellence in patient care. The commitment of the program to provide dedicated time to hone our skills in advanced ultrasound, EMG, and didactics in the anatomy lab is unparalleled and allows residents the opportunity to truly master their clinical and procedural skills. Finally, I knew that by coming here, I would be joining this PM&R family. It is a tight-knit group that celebrates one another’s successes both professionally and personally. I am beyond grateful to train at this incredible, world-renowned institution and aim to continue this culture that all those before me have created.
	Wassim Drissi, D.O. Hometown: Dallas, TX Medical school: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Growing up, I’d always heard amazing stories from patients about Mayo Clinic but finally, I understood how special Mayo was during my interview with the program. Even through a virtual interview, I could sense a strong team dynamic, filled with brilliant people focused on a single goal. The culture here is a giant celebration of humanity. I felt that differences in ideas and thinking are celebrated and met with curiosity. The culture here is to find a reason to say yes. I felt like Mayo would give me the space to focus on caring for my patients and allow me to formulate and chase questions in my practice. The culture here is to normalize excellence. I felt like the community goes out of its way to support me, and I, in return, am grateful for the daily opportunity to be my best self for my patients and my team members I stand shoulder to shoulder with.
	Kira Kopacz, M.D. Hometown: Chatham, NJ Medical school: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? After interview day, I knew that Mayo Clinic was the right fit for what I wanted from a residency program. From a curriculum standpoint, I was attracted to the in-depth ultrasound training, 6-month EMG course, and access to the cadaver lab to build on our anatomical knowledge. I also was excited to have access to world-renowned resources including learning and working with other departments in the Mayo Clinic system, a strong support network for conferences and research, and the ability to rotate across other Mayo Clinic sites in the country to broaden our skill sets. Most importantly though, I chose this program because of how genuinely humble and kind the people are which encourages a community of teamwork and camaraderie.
	CC Mitchell, M.D. Hometown: Vancouver, BC Canada Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? During my medical school training here, I saw firsthand the level of care and expertise that goes into every patient’s treatment plan. I just knew I had to stay for residency. Training at Mayo has been an experience of continuously unearthing new eye-opening opportunities to learn and grow alongside amazing mentors. Additionally, being equipped with top-notch resources and awe-inspiring technologies at our fingertips is truly a blessing. When I rotated through the PM&R department, the close-knit family feels shared between the residents and staff stood out to me as a community I wanted to be a part of; the kindness shown by everyone I encountered convinced me that this program would nurture me into the kind of physician I hope to become. I also fell in love with Rochester as a home – it’s not just Mayo that makes this place special, but the supportive community and sense of belonging I’ve found here.
	Lauren Penz, M.D. Hometown: Thornton, CO Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Prior to residency, I had several experiences with Mayo Clinic – as a student researcher, as a clinical laboratory employee, as a medical student during my away rotation, and as a patient when I lived in Rochester for two years. By applying these experiences and Mayo Clinic culture and values to what I imagined residency would be like, I was confident my clinical learning would be prioritized, and research or other interdisciplinary learning would be strongly supported. During my away rotation as a medical student, the clinicians I learned with exemplified the humanistic and patient-centered approach to care that I aspired to deliver. I experienced the right balance of challenge and support to maximize my learning, and the staff and residents alike showed genuine care for each other and for me and my family. I was also pregnant with our first baby during residency interviews and knew this would be a fantastic community for my child to grow up in and an incredible residency program for me as a new mother to train in.
	Michael Zhitnitsky, D.O. Hometown: Los Angeles/ Ventura County, CA Medical school: Touro University What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I chose Mayo Clinic for my PM&R residency because of its world-renowned faculty, extensive research mentorship program, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population from across the globe. Mayo offers a unique training experience, including ACGME-leading EMG and injection numbers, and a comprehensive MSK ultrasound curriculum which are essential for my goals of becoming skilled at general MSK rehabilitation and ultrasound-guided procedures. During my interview, I was particularly impressed by the faculty’s genuine commitment to creating a supportive and enriching environment for resident education and well-being; I felt I would be cared for and respected here. Additionally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be closer to my wife, who is also a resident at Mayo.