Brandon Hendriksen, M.D., M.P.H.

Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical school: University of Miami, Miami, FL
General surgery residency: Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
Hobbies: Sports, gym, traveling
Future plans: General thoracic surgery

Why Mayo? I chose to train at Mayo for the depth and breadth of cases. I liked the idea of the mentorship training model.

Myriam Martinez Aguilar, M.D.

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Undergraduate: National Autonomous University of Mexico
Medical school: National Autonomous University of Mexico
Hobbies: Running, hiking, and international food
Future plans: Structural heart disease, robotic cardiac surgery, and global cardiac surgery

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo for the apprenticeship program, complexity of cases, robotic program, excellent support system with APPS and SA, and because the program is strong in research.

Nathaniel Robinson, M.D.

Hometown: Sandy, UT
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN
Hobbies: Mountain biking, backpacking, building projects, and raising my kids
Future plans: Cardiac surgery - I am still sorting out the specifics, but I enjoy robotic and minimally invasive cases, as well as aortic cases

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo for the broad range of cases (both complex and straightforward), the 1-to-1 mentorship and instruction, amazing research and professional development support, and the attitude of the entire institution really does practice what it preaches with "the needs of the patient comes first." I love living here in Rochester. It is small, has no traffic, is safe, has good options to spend time outdoors, and it's really affordable here.

Matthew J. Aizpuru, M.D.

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Undergraduate: Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Medical school: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Hobbies: Fishing, travel, and going to the Twin Cities to spend time with my family
Future plans: Career in academic general thoracic surgery

Why Mayo? The case volume/complexity, the commitment to education, and the amazing culture within the program. Being close to my family in Minneapolis is an added bonus.

Yahya A. Alwatari, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.

Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Undergraduate: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain
Medical school: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain
Hobbies: Soccer, swimming, and travelling
Future plans: Minimally invasive thoracic surgery with a focus on education and clinical research

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo for its combination of high-volume, high-complexity thoracic cases and its deeply rooted culture of mentorship. The institution’s commitment to the three pillars of Education, Research, and Clinical Practice creates a truly integrated environment where surgical excellence is not only taught but continuously advanced.

Mitra Khosravi Flanigan, M.D.

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, NC
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
Hobbies: Hanging out with my daughter, baking, playing piano, painting, tennis, 3-D printing
Future plans: Adult cardiac surgery with a focus on robotic/minimally invasive procedures

Why Mayo? The exceptional surgeons and operative volume at Mayo Clinic are unrivaled by other institutions and the training you get in this setting is unparalleled. The breadth of cases from bread and butter to complex “only-see-these-cases-at-Mayo” allows for the most comprehensive training possible.

Anita Nguyen, M.D.

Hometown: Vienna, Austria
Undergraduate: Imperial College London, London, England
Medical school: Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, England
Hobbies: Peloton, yoga, hiking, and playing with my cat Yuki
Future plans: Adult cardiac surgery, with a focus on robotic cardiac surgery

Why Mayo? The perfect combination of academics and an exciting caseload, and I wanted the opportunity to train under world-class surgeons within the mentorship model.

Michael J. Carr, M.D.

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Undergraduate: Florida State University

Medical school: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. General Surgery Residency at the University of Louisville.

Hobbies: piano, soccer, teaching my kid something new every day

Future plans: general thoracic surgery, lung transplant

Why Mayo? Primarily for the breadth of pathology and volume of cases, as well as the deep emphasis on daily education. All within a truly supportive environment.

Fazal W. Khan, M.B.B.S.

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Undergraduate: Adamjee Government Science College, Karachi, Pakistan

Medical school: Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

Hobbies: Cooking, playing and following cricket, exploring new cuisines, occasional reflective writing, and spending time with friends and family.

Future plans: To pursue an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery focused on heart and lung transplantation, complex aortic root pathology, and minimally invasive aortic valve repair and replacement, with a strong emphasis on clinical outcomes research, surgical innovation, and evidence‑based advancement of care.

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic’s culture of teamwork, collaboration, and truly patient‑centered care is unmatched. The integrated, multispecialty approach allows for thoughtful decision‑making in complex cases, while the high surgical volume and technical breadth provide exceptional training. Mayo’s commitment to innovation, mentorship, and placing the patient at the center of every decision strongly aligns with my professional values and long‑term goals.

Sue Ting Lim, M.B.B.S.

Hometown: Penang, Malaysia

Medical school: Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, India 

Hobbies: CrossFit, long runs

Future plans: General thoracic practice  

Why Mayo? I enjoyed the volume and complexity of cases here, as well as the diverse approach taken by different surgeons in the practice. While busy clinically, there is an emphasis on academic excellence. I appreciate the opportunity to interact with fellows and faculties from all over the world throughout my time here. 

Brett Curran, M.D.

Hometown: Wilmette, IL
Undergraduate: Connecticut College
Medical school: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Hobbies: Playing hockey, golf, pickleball, and winemaking
Future plans: Adult cardiac surgery

Why Mayo? I chose Mayo for the high case volume and complexity, unique apprenticeship model from world-renowned surgeons, and the hospital's rich and prestigious history.

Andy Donaldson, M.D.

Hometown: Stillwater, MN
Undergraduate: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Medical school: University of Illinois, Chicago, College of Medicine
Hobbies: Spending quality time with my family, cooking and wine tasting, gardening, and woodworking
Future plans: Academic practice focused on thoracic oncology

Why Mayo? Mayo Clinic was my top choice for fellowship because there is no greater place to train. You get to learn from leaders in the field, honing your operative and clinical decision-making skills every single day. The case volume and complexity is unmatched; I feel that I’ll be able to tackle anything after my training is complete. The faculty are dedicated to our learning, the environment is supportive and collegial, and I am always being pushed to be the best I can be.

Elaine Griffeth, M.D.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate: University of Oklahoma
Medical school: University of Oklahoma
Hobbies: Running, hiking, trying new restaurants, and hanging out on patios with my dog
Future plans: Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship

Why Mayo? I wanted to train at a high-volume referral center where I'd be frequently taking care of complex patients and performing difficult cases. I knew that if I'd be able to see and do more of the difficult and rarer aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, then by the end of my training I'd be well-equipped to care for patients in any scenario. Mayo Clinic offers this type of training in a really positive culture. I found residents and faculty to be very kind and supportive, and everyone prioritizes patient care.