Our residents come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Learn more about our fellows in the Rheumatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Current fellows

Avanika Mahajan, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical School: University of New Mexico
Residency: Mayo Clinic Arizona
Hometown: Delhi, India
University: North Carolina State University (PhD) University of New Mexico (MD)
Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Mayo Clinic Arizona
Favorite Food: Any type of chocolate, Indian street food
Favorite Hobbies: Traveling, music, dancing, exploring new restaurants, anything outdoors
Fun Facts: I enjoy Bollywood dancing and trained in vocal music, with a lifelong love for stage performances.
Where do you live: Phoenix, Arizona

Research Interests: Erosive hand osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, autonomic dysfunction, skeletal fragility, and translational clinical research using large cohorts and EMR-based data

Biography

I am a Rheumatology Fellow at Mayo Clinic Arizona with prior training in Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona. I also hold a PhD in Cell Biology with a research background in bone biology and musculoskeletal disease. My current academic interests include erosive hand osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and the intersection of inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, and skeletal health. I am particularly interested in cohort studies and clinical-translational research to inform patient care. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and creative pursuits.

What do you like the most about the fellowship?

Exceptional institutional resources for career advancement. Outstanding intellectual stimulation. Wide variety of patient cases to learn from. Tremendous administrative support for patient care.

What do you like the most about Scottsdale/Phoenix?

The sunshine, beautiful desert landscapes, and the work life balance it offers. It’s a wonderful place to live, work, and recharge.

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. 

Alumni

Graduates of the Rheumatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona are prepared to work in various institutions, including private practice and academic teaching departments.