The Surgical Pathology Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida, 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. Learn more about our current fellows.

Ricardo De La Cruz, M.D.

Hometown: Bayamo, Cuba
Medical school: Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma
Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Why did you choose to specialize in surgical pathology? As a visual learner, I am interested in the science behind microscopic processes and diseases in general. Recognizing patterns to identify or rule out cancer is fascinating. The objectivity of surgical pathology has always appealed to me, as diagnoses are based on what I see on the slide. Being part of this lesser-known field makes what I do for patients important and valuable, even though they may not always be aware of our work.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? Mayo Clinic’s global reputation for delivering exceptional patient care and advancing medical knowledge through research is the ideal place to refine my skills and contribute meaningfully to Pathology, a field in constant growth and change.

What makes the Surgical Pathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? I was deeply drawn to Mayo Clinic because of its pioneering commitment to digital pathology. The fact that the institution operates with a fully digital workflow is a testament to its innovation. I am a true believer in the role of technology for human evolution, and how it can enhance diagnostic precision, efficiency, and collaboration.

What is living in Jacksonville, Florida, like for you? Jacksonville offers a blend of urban growth and coastal charm. Beaches are just minutes away; the city has a thriving arts scene and the nation’s largest urban park system. Finally, it’s also one of the most affordable major cities in Florida, which doesn’t hurt when settling into a new chapter like a fellowship.

What does your future look like right now? Currently, I am maximizing my learning opportunities during this fellowship. I aim to join a patient-first practice and will soon explore long-term opportunities in Florida to continue my professional growth.

Sean O’Shaughnessy, D.O.

Hometown: Orting, WA
Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Utah Campus

Why did you choose to specialize in surgical pathology? I love integrating the gross and microscopic findings from a large variety of surgical specimens to reach the diagnoses. I enjoy relating the microscopic architecture of the different organs and tissues to their respective functions.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for fellowship training? During my residency training we sent out many complex cases to specialists at Mayo Clinic for consultation. Naturally, I was drawn to Mayo Clinic for my fellowship training because I wanted to be able to experience all those complex cases, and learn from the brilliant minds that solved the diagnostic mysteries that I could not. Another major selling point for me was the fully digital sign out model at Mayo Clinic - Its where the field is headed, and being able to train in that environment not only stimulates my own curiosities, I know it will serve me well in my future career.

What makes the Surgical Pathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic unique? The faculty and staff have such a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they genuinely enjoy sharing with trainees. Additionally, their state-of-the-art digital pathology infrastructure puts Mayo Clinic trainees at the leading edge of advancements in pathology. I believe this combination creates a unique recipe for a successful fellowship program.

What is living in Jacksonville, Florida, like for you? Living in Jacksonville so far has been great. My family and I have enjoyed the warm weather, living close to the beach, and exploring the downtown markets, parks, and libraries. Living in Jacksonville this year feels like a dream-come-true on both personal and professional levels.

What does your future look like right now? I am excited to say that I will be looking to join the workforce after this year of fellowship training. I plan to join a community practice with a generalized sign out model and digital pathology capabilities.  My wife and I are also excited to be done moving around so that we can put down roots and become more invested in our community.