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

Chanakya Kodishala, M.B.B.S.

Medical school: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
Residency: Canton Medical Education Foundation, Canton, OH
Hometown: Bengaluru, India
University:  Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH

Residency: Canton Medical Education Foundation, Canton, OH
Favorite food: Chinese Noodles, Indian street food
Favorite hobbies: Music, watching classic movies, biking, reading books
Fun facts: I cook excellent Indian food per my wife and kids
Where do you live: Scottsdale, AZ

Research Interests: Cognitive function in rheumatologic disorders, systemic sclerosis vasculopathy, muscle pathology in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

Biography: I completed medical school in India, followed by additional training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. My interest in research led me to gain experience investigating seronegative inflammatory myopathies in the United Kingdom and subsequently researching cognitive dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I then completed internal medicine residency in Northeastern Ohio, where I developed an interest in healthcare distribution disparities within rheumatology. I am excited to be a part of rheumatology fellowship at Mayo Clinic Arizona to further advance my clinical and research skills. My long-term goal is to practice general rheumatology in a community setting, provide education to internal medicine residents in rheumatology, and address research questions relevant to community-based practice.

What do you like the most about the fellowship? Diverse pathology that gives constant food for thought. Strong focus on fellow skills and academic training. Extremely supportive and friendly faculty and staff. Mayo clinic resources are unbeatable.  
What do you like the most about Scottsdale/Phoenix? Mountain views, bright days, lots of places for family activities, many getaways close by.

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.

Maximiliano Diaz Menindez, M.D.

Medical School: Anahuac University
Residency: Mayo Clinic Arizona
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
University: Anahuac University
Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Mayo Clinic Arizona
Favorite Food: Italian and Mexican.
Favorite Hobbies: Theater, traveling, museums, arts
Fun Facts: I have directed and produced a play, and I’ve also acted in several others. I’ve always enjoyed theater and being involved both on and off the stage.
Where do you live: Phoenix, Arizona

Research Interests: CAR-T therapy, ILD, scleroderma, medical education

Biography: I grew up in Mexico City and earned my medical degree from Anahuac University, including a year of study in Lyon, France. My passion for rheumatology began in medical school and led me to do a year of research at Mayo Clinic in Rheumatology before completing my Internal Medicine residency in Arizona. Throughout my training, I have remained passionate about rheumatology, research, and medical education, with a particular interest in autoimmune diseases and interstitial lung disease, as well as emerging therapies such as CAR-T. I hope to pursue a career in academic rheumatology that combines patient care, research, and teaching. I am fluent in Spanish and French and enjoy traveling, cooking, theater, opera, and museums. 

What do you like the most about the fellowship? One of the things I enjoy most about the fellowship is the people. The department is made up of amazing physicians who are not only excellent providers, but also supportive mentors who create a great environment to learn and work. Mayo Clinic also offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with other departments and see a wide variety of interesting cases. The fellowship provides a strong clinical foundation while also allowing dedicated time for research, ultrasound, and procedures. I also appreciate the balanced workload, which gives us the opportunity to enjoy life outside the hospital.
What do you like the most about Scottsdale/Phoenix?I really like that Scottsdale/Phoenix offers the best of both worlds, with the energy of a large city while still having a relaxed, suburban feel. There's a great food scene, good cultural activities, and lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and go hiking. The airport also makes traveling easy, with convenient connections to many destinations. And, of course, the sunshine and warm weather (especially during the winter) are a huge plus!

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.