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

Emily Larson, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, MN
Medical school: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Growing up in the Rochester community, stories of life-changing patient care at Mayo Clinic were never in short supply. My career interests best aligned with the field of PM&R, and returning home for residency became evident, given several mentors had trained here. As a PM&R resident, I trust that my training is comprehensive and my interests in research and medical education are supported. Program leadership, staff, and resident colleagues truly demonstrate a vested interest in building up one another as we all strive to deliver exceptional patient care. To have found such a training environment within a community that I know and love is truly unmatched.

Melanie White, D.O.

Hometown: Highlands Ranch, CO
Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? After rotating at Mayo Clinic as a medical student, I knew this was where I wanted to train. At Mayo, the most pronounced difference is the people and camaraderie displayed throughout the entirety of the hospital system. In addition, the didactic and clinical education is unparalleled. Experiences such as hands-on musculoskeletal ultrasound stand out. This program intentionally develops trainees with a large breadth and depth of knowledge, backed by the clinical exposure to utilize that knowledge. I knew Mayo would challenge yet support me in both the personal and professional setting, to grow into the physician I want to become.

PGY-4

	Drew Alexander, M.D. Hometown: Charlotte, NC Medical school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? If I could describe my feelings after interviewing at Mayo Clinic, I would describe it as 'love at first sight.' I knew I wanted to be here because it was important to me that I trained at a program that gave me exposure to the diverse patient population that the profession serves to become a competent, well-rounded physiatrist. It’s truly a privilege to train at an institution that has world-renowned experts in just about every subspecialty. In my opinion, what is most refreshing is the fact that the faculty are just as compassionate as they are smart. I truly enjoy learning from them every day. No matter what your interests are, everyone here genuinely wants you to succeed and will surround you with the resources you need to thrive.
	Kaylie Dean, D.O. Hometown: Spokane, WA Medical school: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I can still remember the excitement I had when I left my interview at Mayo Clinic. Throughout the course of the interview day, I was continually impressed by the endless opportunities that I would have if I did my PM&R residency training at Mayo. I was particularly excited about having the opportunity to attend the musculoskeletal didactics course every year, as well as the additional advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound course which would be available to me during my final year of residency. I knew that by training at a world-class institution, I would have access to mentors and teachers at Mayo who would challenge me and who I could learn from on a daily basis.
	Eva Kubrova, M.D. Hometown: Prague, Czech Republic Medical school: Lékarská Fakulta, Univerzity Karlovy What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? My first experience at Mayo Clinic and PM&R here was through research in regenerative medicine. I was astonished by how curious, approachable, and determined the consultants, residents, and all the supporting staff were, especially in pursuing novel ideas on improving patient care. Through that experience and my interview day, I have had a chance to appreciate everyone’s warmth and camaraderie and felt a sense of belonging in the PM&R field and alignment of my values with others around me, focused on providing unparalleled patient care. I knew that my training would be comprehensive, with exposure to musculoskeletal ultrasound, procedures, inpatient rehabilitation, a wide variety of pathology and would also be in an incredibly stimulating environment with an excellent educational structure. The resources and opportunities for research are one of a kind. With all the above qualities, I knew that training here would be the best I could imagine and would help me become the physician I want to be. I feel enormously appreciative and lucky to be part of this program!
	Emily Larson, M.D. Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical school: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Growing up in the Rochester community, stories of life-changing patient care at Mayo Clinic were never in short supply. As it became clear in medical school that my career interests best aligned with the field of PM&R, the possibility of returning home for residency became increasingly evident, given several of my mentors had trained here. In just a few short months as a Mayo PM&R resident, I trust that my training in the breadth of this specialty will be comprehensive. Further, I know that my interests in research and medical education will be supported. I am surrounded by program leadership, staff, and resident colleagues who truly demonstrate a vested interest in building one another up as we all strive to deliver exceptional patient care. To have found such a training environment within a community that I know and love is truly unmatched.
	Gabriel Martinez Alvarez, M.D. Hometown: Arecibo, Puerto Rico Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? My first exposure to the PM&R residency program at Mayo Clinic was through its alumni. I worked directly with two graduates and I was impressed by their patient-centered approach, well-rounded knowledge, and procedural skill. I was fortunate to rotate here as a fourth-year medical student and experienced first-hand the welcoming culture and collegiality within the residency and the department. There was a strong emphasis on education and hands-on practice. I knew that, whatever my interests within the field would be, I would be provided with the resources and guidance to pursue them.
	Brandon Smith, M.D. Hometown: Zimmerman, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? I knew after my interview that this would be the best choice for both my family and myself. I knew without a doubt in my mind that I would leave this program with world-class training. This program offers the opportunity to work with the top leaders in their field. However, what I was even more surprised about was the genuine kindness and support the staff at Mayo provide for their residents. There is an abundance of opportunities for research and involvement within different areas of PM&R. With a robust curriculum, focus on developing a strong knowledge base in musculoskeletal anatomy and ultrasound, I knew this program would best suit my clinical interests.
	Eric Twohey, M.D. Hometown: Stewartville, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? Growing up near Rochester, I was able to experience firsthand the world-class care that the Mayo Clinic provides. My first introduction to PM&R was shadowing a couple of Mayo-trained physicians, and after rotating here as a medical student, I knew it was where I wanted to train at. It was clear that anyone involved with this program was not only committed to providing compassionate patient care but was also enthusiastic about teaching. That, in addition to having abundant support/resources for research and unmatched ultrasound training, it was a no-brainer.
	Melanie White, D.O. Hometown: Highlands Ranch, CO Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training? After rotating at Mayo Clinic as a medical student, I knew this was where I wanted to train. At Mayo, the most pronounced difference is the people and camaraderie displayed throughout the entirety of the hospital system. In addition, the didactic and clinical education is unparalleled. Experiences such as hands-on musculoskeletal ultrasound stand out to me. This program intentionally develops trainees with a large breadth and depth of knowledge, backed by the clinical exposure to utilize that knowledge. I knew Mayo would challenge yet support me in both the personal and professional setting, to grow into the physician I want to become.

PGY-3

	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, Iowa 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, Missouri 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-2

	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.