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.

Andrew Cannon, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Residency: Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Andrew Cannon was born and raised in Nebraska where he earned his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is fascinated by cancer biology and the interaction of tumor cells with the host.  In his free time Dr. Cannon enjoys playing with his two children, Jack and Eleanor, and cooking mainly French food and Mac and Cheese.

What drew you to our program? I chose Mayo Clinic primarily because of the case volume and complexity I experienced firsthand during residency, which gave me exposure to pathology and clinical scenarios I don't think I would have seen elsewhere. The depth of resources here, combined with that volume, allows trainees to develop real clinical expertise rather than mere theoretical knowledge. Beyond that, I've come to deeply respect my co-trainees and the consultants I've worked alongside, including their clinical acumen, collegiality, and genuine investment in teaching. That residency experience gave me confidence that the culture here is something real I want to continue being part of for fellowship.

Tommy Zhao, M.B., Ph.D.

Medical School: Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Residency: Anatomic Pathology/Research at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Tommy Zhao is originally from China and moved to Minnesota thirteen years ago. With a deep passion for medical practice and research, Dr. Zhao completed his medical education at Wuhan University School of Medicine before pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. Following his doctoral studies, he further honed his expertise through post-doctoral training at the same institution. His primary interests lay in gastrointestinal pathology, molecular pathology, and informatics. In his free time, he likes street and portrait photography with digital and classic films cameras. He also enjoys exploring his surroundings on two wheels, embracing the freedom that cycling brings.

What drew you to our program? I chose Mayo Clinic for my physician-scientist fellowship because of its unique combination of outstanding clinical residency training, a highly collaborative research environment, and a strong commitment to innovation in patient care. Mayo also offers exceptional access to diverse patient populations, extensive biospecimen resources, and cutting-edge technologies, creating unparalleled opportunities for translational research. As someone interested in molecular pathology, tumor immunology, and emerging technologies such as spatial omics and single-cell sequencing, I was particularly attracted to the ability to work closely with both clinical and research mentors to develop projects that can directly impact patient care. The physician-scientist training pathway at Mayo provides the ideal environment to grow as both a diagnostician and an independent investigator.

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.