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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. 

Meet our fellows

Class of 2026-2027

Bridgette McNally, D.O.Bridgette McNally, D.O.

Medical school: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Transplant Hepatology Fellowship training?

Having completed my gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, I was directly exposed to the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship and department, and I simply could not imagine completing my transplant hepatology fellowship elsewhere. Getting to work with the department regularly made it clear that the collegial, professional and academic environment would allow me to reach my potential as a future transplant hepatologist, while continuing to grow as a physician who exemplifies academic excellence and patient care.

Nauman Idrees, M.B.B.S.

Medical school: Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Transplant Hepatology Fellowship training?

Mayo Clinic's longstanding reputation for excellence in patient care, education, and research made it a natural choice for my transplant hepatology training. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to train within a world-renowned multidisciplinary liver transplant program that manages a diverse range of complex hepatobiliary and transplant patients. The collaborative culture, commitment to innovation, and emphasis on mentorship at Mayo Clinic provide an ideal environment to develop the clinical, academic, and leadership skills necessary for a career in transplant hepatology. I am excited to learn from experts in the field and contribute to the institution's mission of providing outstanding patient-centered care.

Words from a recent graduate

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

Nazeer Ahmed, M.D.Nazeer Ahmed, M.D.

Medical school: Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina, Cuba

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for Transplant Hepatology Fellowship training? I chose Mayo Clinic because of its outstanding reputation in patient care, education, and research. As a Transplant Hepatology fellow, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to train in a high-volume transplant center with exposure to complex liver diseases and multidisciplinary care. Mayo's patient-centered approach and strong commitment to trainee development made it an ideal place to further my training.

What did you like about the program? The program provided exceptional clinical training with exposure to a wide spectrum of liver diseases and transplant-related care. I appreciated the supportive faculty, collaborative learning environment, and the opportunity to work closely with experts in hepatology, transplant surgery, pathology, radiology, and other specialties. The mentorship and emphasis on both clinical excellence and professional growth were among the most valuable aspects of my fellowship experience.

What was it like living in Arizona? Living in Arizona was a wonderful experience for both me and my family. The warm climate, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly environment made it an enjoyable place to live during fellowshipThe year-round sunshine, mild winters, and abundant outdoor activities contributed greatly to my overall well-being during fellowship. Phoenix offers the advantages of a large metropolitan area while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. As someone completing a demanding fellowship, I found it easy to achieve a healthy work-life balance and spend quality time with my family.

What were your favorite things to experience in Arizona? I enjoyed exploring Arizona's incredible natural beauty, including visits to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the many hiking trails throughout the region. The stunning desert sunsets and year-round sunshine made outdoor activities enjoyable in every season. I also appreciated the diverse food scene, cultural events, and opportunities for weekend trips throughout the Valley. For my family, Arizona provided a welcoming community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a high quality of life. Overall, Arizona offers a unique combination of outstanding professional opportunities, family-friendly living, and access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

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
Nazeer Ahmed, M.D. 2026 Transplant Hepatologist, University of Texas Health, Texas Liver Institute, San Antonio, TX
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.

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