Fellows from the Physician Scientist Research Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Meet one of our fellows and learn about their experience and our program.

Sara Cook, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

What drew you to our program? Mayo Clinic is an institution with a long legacy of prioritizing the needs of every patient, which includes pursuing innovative medical research to address the unmet clinical needs of the patient. I completed a residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and a fellowship in Molecular Genetic Pathology at Mayo Clinic in the Department or Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP). I have found that DLMP consultants, trainees and staff consistently embrace Mayo's research priorities and are truly dedicated to patient-focused advancements. The Physician Scientist Research Fellowship Program is one of many ways Mayo DLMP fosters clinically focused innovations, and this program will facilitate my path to becoming an independent investigator.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? I am eager to continue my research at Mayo. I look forward to developing my research program alongside my mentors and collaborators, including the many talented scientists and experts at Mayo that reflect the tremendous breadth and depth of medical research pursuits throughout Mayo. I am eager to obtain exciting data and make discoveries geared toward addressing the unmet needs of the patient.

Belinda Galeano, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical School: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Rochester, MN 
Residency: Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Belinda Galeano is originally from Prescott, AZ. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mayo Graduate School, focusing on structural biology, and received her M.D. from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. She continued her training at Mayo Clinic by completing residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) and most recently finished a fellowship in Renal Pathology. Her research interests include spatial transcriptomics and ultrastructure of renal allografts. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether gardening, camping, or hiking.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? Mayo Clinic’s mission to patient care, research, and education is strongly reflected in this well-structured program. The outstanding support and dedication of well-established research mentors and collaborators, access to state-of-the-art technologies, and abundant resources provide a robust foundation for physician-scientist career development. The program offers the flexibility to tailor training to my individual interests, ensuring a career that integrates impactful scientific discovery with a focus on addressing unmet clinical needs.

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.