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. 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.

Maddie Berg, M.D.

Hometown: Cottage Grove, MN

Medical School: University of Minnesota

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training?

As a visiting medical student, residents and consultants (attendings) alike made me feel like one of their own - they took the time not only to teach me and provide effective feedback, but also to get to know me and my interests both within and outside of medicine. A sense of camaraderie overflowed from the workrooms and hallways, and I knew I would be surrounded by supportive colleagues during my training at Mayo. The breadth of Mayo PM&R training, along with the opportunity to be mentored by experts in every area, makes me confident that I will have the tools to excel in my career.

Michael Franco, M.D.

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for my residency training after completing a rotation here during my M4 year. During that time, I was impressed by Mayo’s commitment to high-quality, patient centered care and a collaborative, team-based approach. The educational environment was exceptional—faculty members were not only knowledgeable, but also genuinely invested in teaching and mentoring. What really stood out to me, though, was the supportive and welcoming environment. I felt like I was part of the team right away. This created a fantastic environment for both personal and professional growth and made me feel confident I could grow into a well-rounded, compassionate physiatrist.

Nick Kessler, M.D.

Hometown: Pensacola Beach, FL

Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? In medical school I had the opportunity to work with Mayo Clinic PM&R trained attendings. Their clinical skills with ultrasound diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and medical decision making, in addition to their culture of professionalism were second to none. I knew I wanted to train at a program that would get me to that level. Before my interview for residency, I met with program leadership and current residents at one of the national conferences. Everyone was welcoming, down to earth, and incredibly accomplished in their professional and personal lives. I immediately felt the warmth and support of the Mayo clinic family. It was apparent how this program encompassed work-hard play-hard culture at a world-renowned institution, in a family-friendly community with excellent cost of living. For me, Mayo clinic was a no-brainer!

Ted Miclau, M.D.

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? When my girlfriend and I were identifying residency programs strong in both Family Medicine and PM&R, we quickly realized Mayo was one of our top options. From an educational standpoint, I believe Mayo offers the best PM&R training in the country for outpatient musculoskeletal care, particularly in its use of ultrasound for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The curriculum, which links cadaver lab, physical exam review, and ultrasound training by body region each week, was a clever design. And all of this came with what residents described as a protected work-life balance. Several months later, as she began her intern year in Mayo’s Family Medicine program, I already knew that Mayo was where I hoped to match — but during my away rotation, I was surprised by how deeply I connected with the program, both practically and culturally, and became even more excited at the prospect of training here. I was struck by the warm, team-oriented environment — something I didn’t experience to the same extent elsewhere. On inpatient, residents worked together in a large, communal team room (affectionately named “the fishbowl”), rather than in silos. Outside of work, they made noticeable efforts to spend time together. Faculty were enthusiastic teachers, and program leadership was clearly invested in resident growth. It also meant a lot to me that medical students were actively included in group activities, from afternoon didactics to intramural sports like kickball and volleyball, which spoke volumes about the program’s culture. 

Lindsey Palm-Vlasak, M.D.

Hometown: Largo, FL

Medical School: University of Florida

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Mayo Clinic’s reputation for excellence is well-established, and there were multiple times during my medical school/interview journey where the curriculum or research here was essentially referenced as the gold standard. I knew Mayo Clinic would provide a robust and rigorous training experience, but my interactions w/residents and faculty during interviews made it clear that I would truly enjoy the process along the way – that this would be a place where I could grow, contribute, and thrive.  I was inspired by the team dynamics I saw virtually and in-person when I visited – everyone was genuinely invested in building each other up, with a trickle-down effect that both optimized patient care and enhanced resident learning.  I am excited and grateful to be immersed in such a supportive environment with endless clinical and research opportunities, surrounded by peers and mentors who exemplify attributes I aspire to develop as a future physician-scientist.

Neil Sinha, M.D.

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Medical School: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, AZ

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Mayo Clinic was a great place to learn during medical school. In medicine, Mayo Clinic’s reputation as an institution precedes itself, but behind the decoration and the awards are the people that really make this place great. The folks I met were the kindest, most down-to-earth individuals who were genuinely interested in teaching and patient care for its own sake. That impression didn’t change when I left Arizona’s campus to rotate at the PM&R department in Minnesota. Knowing that I’d be supported no matter what path I pursued as a physiatrist, I was sold to stay on with Mayo for residency as well.

Hunter Soleymani, M.D.

Hometown: Pelham, Alabama

Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Prior to medical school, I had a mentor who completed their physiatry training at Mayo. After hearing how much they enjoyed their time at Mayo I knew I was highly interested in the program, so I applied for an away rotation. The one-month elective was truly one of the most enriching, educational, and enjoyable months I’ve ever had. I was blown away with the emphasis placed on teaching and loved that there was specific time carved out in the daily schedule for teaching. The didactics were engaging and highly hands on and it was clear the residents had a high level of musculoskeletal, ultrasound, and procedural experience, all of which were very important to me. Lastly, and most importantly, the people and culture of the program and institution are what sealed the deal for me. During my month here I was welcomed warmly and felt that I was part of the PM&R family. The residents went out of their way to make sure I was included in things and always had so much fun hanging out together. I cannot think of a better place to train and words do not justify how amazing of a place and program this is!

Tyra Swanson, M.D.

Hometown: Plymouth, MN

Medical School: Albany Medical College

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? My decision to pursue residency training at Mayo Clinic was profoundly influenced by my experience as a visiting medical student, where I was welcomed into a community defined by kindness, mentorship, and a shared commitment to excellence. I was particularly impressed by the collaborative environment, where faculty actively supported trainees and fostered a culture of shared learning and mutual respect. Additionally, being close to home offers a meaningful opportunity to give back to the Minnesota community that has shaped my values and aspirations. Mayo Clinic’s strong emphasis on patient-centered care, coupled with its supportive and collaborative environment, provides an ideal foundation for both personal and professional growth. The program’s comprehensive approach to education, along with its emphasis on fostering a positive learning atmosphere, assures me that I will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field of PM&R. I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to train at Mayo Clinic and grow within such an exceptional institution.

Kameron Ho Ching, M.D.

Hometown: Laie, HI

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? The day I interviewed, it became pretty clear to me that Mayo Clinic had everything I was looking for in a residency program. What stood out most was the people — everyone was incredibly kind, personable, and genuinely excited for the trainees to learn and grow into the people they hope to be. The culture felt much like a tight-knit family, and it was easy to picture myself training in an environment where residents and faculty really enjoy working together. On top of that, Mayo Clinic offers one of the strongest PM&R training experiences in the country. I was especially drawn to the hands-on ultrasound training, EMG education, and cadaver lab opportunities that really build on anatomy in a practical way. I loved the idea of learning within the larger Mayo system, working closely with other specialties, and having access to so many opportunities in research, conferences, and away rotations at other Mayo sites. Overall, it felt like the perfect combination of outstanding training, supportive mentorship, and genuinely good people.

Lilly Jillson, D.O.

Hometown: Berrien Springs, Michigan 

Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine 

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training?  When I started my search for my future residency, I had a few criteria in mind: a place dedicated to teaching, an environment I could learn in, opportunities to care for a large variety of patients, and somewhere I felt at home. From the moment my interview began, it was clear all of my criteria were met. I loved hearing about the way residents are encouraged to really get to know their patients, their conditions, and the treatment options available for them. Everyone that interviewed me was warm and welcoming. It was also obvious they all loved their jobs at Mayo Clinic. During my second look, all of these points were reinforced. The history of the hospital was fascinating, the facilities were beautiful, the medical and education processes excited me, and everyone was so kind. At the end of the day, I couldn't imagine a better place to train.

Baylor Johnson, D.O.

Hometown: Artesia, NM

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine 

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training?  When I was auditioning and preparing for residency, one thing I highly valued was a PM&R program where rehabilitation & patient care were prioritized early in a patient’s course rather than treated as an afterthought near discharge. Mayo Clinic does this exceptionally well, with inpatient consults becoming involved early in a patients stay. I wanted to train in a program that treated patients with their future activity level & quality of life in mind, & Mayo Clinic embodies that philosophy exceptionally well. 

Another highlight of Mayo Clinic is the program’s strong focus on research and its active role in advancing the field of PM&R. Lastly, from the moment I first spoke with anyone in the program, they all had an incredible enthusiasm for patient care and for building close-knit relationships with their co-residents. All of this has made me excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such caring and talented individuals.  

Cole Lutz, M.D.

Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Medical School: The University of Vermont

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? As a pre-med and medical student, I was able to learn from multiple physicians who had trained at Mayo Clinic and was consistently impressed by their diligence, competence, compassion, and integrity. During my final year of medical school, I enjoyed meeting many of the Mayo PM&R faculty and residents at an annual conference. They were genuinely enthusiastic about the residency program, and it was clear that they had a strong sense of camaraderie. Additionally, I learned that the PM&R program offers residents unparalleled exposure to musculoskeletal ultrasound, advanced anatomy training, innovative procedures, and a world-class didactic curriculum. Mayo Clinic fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, in both patient care and medical training. Its emphasis on placing the needs of the patient first is a core value I aim to uphold throughout my career. It is truly an honor to be able to train as a PM&R resident at Mayo Clinic.

Milan Oxspring, M.D.

Hometown: Gilbert, AZ

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training?  I was astounded by the supportive and welcoming environment created by the residents and admin within the PM&R program based on my experiences at conferences and as a rotating student. I knew it would be an optimal environment where both my family and I could thrive, and it truly felt like a home away from home. I was also attracted by the abundance of resources to help trainees achieve their goals through research/travel funding, unique educational experiences, and top-notch procedural training. I felt confident that coming to Mayo for residency would allow me to find the most joy both in and out of work.

Tija Passley, D.O.

Hometown: Canton, GA

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University 

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? When you hear "Mayo Clinic," you know you will receive world-class training that will prepare you for anything you may see in your future practice. However, it was a high priority to find a program in which I could build a community that felt like family and surround myself with people that maintained their excitement and curiosity for medicine. It was not until my interview day that I realized how assiduously this program truly embodies the spirit of community, belonging, and curiosity. From the moment I started my interview day, I felt welcomed and included by the faculty and residents. I was shown unequivocally that my diverse perspectives would be valued and curiosity nurtured to advance the specialty. I knew that this was a place I could be challenged and stretched to become the best version of myself possible. This was all further solidified for me when I set foot in those storied halls of this world-renowned institution. I saw that there really was a culture of “Let’s make it happen” which inspired me. After that, the decision was easy!

Danielle Rehor, M.D.

Hometown: Shawnee, KS

Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training: Mayo PM&R stood out as offering the ideal environment to establish lifelong habits of excellence personally and professionally. After interacting with the program, it was clear that both faculty and current residents are committed to exemplifying the highest quality of patient care and teamwork. I knew Mayo would deliver a comprehensive, top-notch education across all areas of PM&R, ensuring I could explore future practice options to the fullest extent. Rarely are there opportunities as a learner to be surrounded by thought-leaders in their fields who equally demonstrate such quality, patient-centered care that I desire to emulate - this place is special! I was overwhelmed by the kindness, camaraderie, and emphasis on support by all in the program and feel incredibly grateful to be joining a tight-knit, family-like environment.

Christian Sangio, M.D.

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Medical School: Wake Forest University School of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I was initially drawn to Mayo Clinic after learning that it was the birthplace of PM&R education, but I fell in love with Mayo when I during my away rotation as a fourth-year medical student. By immersing myself in the Mayo Clinic culture during that rotation, I quickly became convinced that this was the place where I wanted to train. Not only had it become abundantly clear that my professional and educational development would be a top priority, but I also saw an opportunity to achieve that in a truly family-oriented environment.

Residents and staff demonstrated that they cared not only about my clinical education, but also about getting to know me and supporting me outside of work. Overall, the energy here was electric. I knew that coming here would mean being surrounded by people who shared my passion for patient care and lifelong learning. The cherry on top was being able to bring my wife with me and quickly fall in love with the surrounding community, which offers countless opportunities to explore the outdoors, fulfill our foodie dreams, and meet extraordinarily kind people. I arrived with reservations about living in the Midwest, but now it is impossible to imagine leaving the family I have built here.