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Meet Our Fellows

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, draws trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. 

Words from a recent graduate

Meet our alumni and learn what they loved about the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Nilofar Najafian, M.D.Nilofar Najafian, M.D. 

Medical school: State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Transplant Hepatology Fellowship training?
I chose Mayo Clinic because of the opportunity to train at a high-volume transplant center alongside world-class mentors. The camaraderie between faculty, staff, and learners makes for a wonderful learning experience and is truly unique to this program. I am so grateful for the opportunity to offer compassionate, cutting-edge, evidence-based care to our patients! 

What did you like about the program? The program offers a well-rounded learning experience, providing exposure to standard as well as unique indications for transplant in addition to the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of learners and specialists.

What was it like living in Arizona? Arizona is a great place to live with lots to do including reveling in nature while enjoying the convenience of being in a major metropolitan center.

What were your favorite things to experience in Arizona? I personally enjoyed daytrips to Sedona, as well as experiencing the Scottsdale and Phoenix food scene!

Alumni

The most important indicator of the success of a training program is found in the outcomes of the graduates upon completion of their training. See where our recent graduates have taken their talents.

Name Graduation year Destination after graduation
Nilofar Najafian, M.D 2024 Transplant Hepatologist, St. Joseph Hospital, Phoenix, AZ
Michele Barnhill, M.D. 2023 Transplant Hepatologist, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
Suaka Kagbo-Kue, M.B.B.S. 2023 Transplant Hepatologist, Intermountain Medical Center, UT
Mohanad Al-Qaisi, MB,ChB 2022 Transplant Hepatologist, St. Joseph Hospital, Phoenix, AZ
Blanca Lizaola-Mayo, M.D. 2021 Transplant Hepatologist, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
Sara Iqbal, M.B.B.S. 2021 Hepatologist, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV
Maria Aguilar, M.D. 2020 Transplant Hepatologist, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Graduation of Mayo Clinic residents and fellows

Mayo Clinic Alumni Association

The Mayo Clinic Alumni Association will help you stay in touch with your Mayo Clinic colleagues, maintain a valuable professional connection to Mayo Clinic throughout your medical and/or research career, participate in continuing medical education, and more.

Learn more