Mayo Clinic Neurology Residents 2020-2021

PGY-4 Class

David Abarbanel, M.D. Hometown: Santa Cruz, California Undergraduate School: Tufts University Medical school: Case Western Reserve Career interests: Neuro-Oncology

Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Hot Chip Favorite TV show: Inbetweeners Favorite book:The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan Cassandra Cross, M.D. Hometown: Oregon City, Oregon Undergraduate School: Oregon State University Medical school: University of North Dakota Career interests if known: General Neurology

Why Mayo: I really enjoyed my interview. The residents all seemed like they were happy with the program and interacted well with each other. I was also very impressed with the amount didactics and protected learning time that was offered. Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Terza, great spaghetti and meatballs! What are you most proud of: My son Conway and daughter Cambrie who I had during residency. Nycole Joseph, M.D. Hometown: Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia Undergraduate School: Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Medical school: Spartan Health Sciences University Career interests: Neurohospitalist, Vascular Neurology, Global Health (geared towards the Caribbean islands)

Favorite restaurant around Rochester: Francisco’s Café (Caribbean cuisine) Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, traveling, trying new food Favorite person from history: Sir Derek Walcott Sushma Kola, M.D. Hometown: Aurora, IL Undergraduate School: University of Pittsburgh Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Career interests: Movement Disorders, Medical Education

Hobbies: Dance/choreography (Latin, Indian), tennis, graphic design, mixing music Why neurology: Neurologic diseases can change the way patients interpret and interact with the world. I found it rewarding and deeply humbling to work closely with people on this journey. I love studying the relationship between the brain and its outward manifestations, while cultivating a lifelong relationship with my patients. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Thursdays on First, trying all of the taco trucks (so many!), exploring the trails. Monica Krause, M.D. Hometown: Omaha, NE Undergraduate School: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Medical school: University of Nebraska Medical Center Career interests: Neurocritical Care, Quality Improvement, Medical Education

Why Mayo: Honestly, the people! I was so impressed by the devotion of the consultants to resident teaching and patient care. The other residents are so supportive and it truly had a family atmosphere. Hobbies: Running, baking cookies (mainly because I love to eat cookies), watching Netflix Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Half-Barrel—great atmosphere with incredible side-winder fries! Stuart McCarter, M.D. Hometown: St. Cloud, MN Undergraduate school: St. Olaf College, MN Medical school: University of Minnesota Career interests: Sleep and neurodegeneration, particularly as it relates to REM sleep behavior disorder and alpha-synucleinopathy neurodegenerative diseases.

Why Mayo: Mayo is an incredible place to train. We have extremely high quality residents and I feel like I learn as much from co-residents as I do from staff in many ways. We have large teams which fosters a feeling of community on the inpatient services. The breadth of cases you see is amazing. The broad range of pathology gives us an excellent foundation of knowledge and makes us very solid clinical neurologists capable of handling almost any neurologic complaint. The teaching here is second-to-none. Research opportunities are endless and Mayo has access to a large number of resources not available elsewhere. Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Forager Brewery or Thesis Brewing, both have excellent beer selection and great atmospheres. Hidden talent: Piano Playing Rafid Mustafa, M.D. Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN Undergraduate School: Purdue University Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine Career interests: Hospital Neurology, Quality Improvement, Medical Education

Why Mayo: There's a value here that 'the needs of the patient come first' and when you actually walk through the halls of the clinic or through the hospitals here, you realize how very true that principle is to each and every person that works here. I've never experienced anything else like it, and once I did on my interview here I knew that this was where I had to be for my training. Favorite Restaurant/Bar in Rochester: Redwood Room Hobbies: Hanging out with my wife/son; going out with friends; eating pizza; grilling; soccer; piano/guitar Andrew Rodriguez, M.D. Hometown: Hercules, CA Undergraduate School: University of California, San Diego Medical school: Rush Medical College Career interests: Neuro-oncology, Academic Medicine

Hobbies: Cooking, running, hiking Favorite things to do around Rochester: Working out on all the trails What are you most proud of: Keeping my plants alive in the winter Deena Tajfirouz, M.D. Hometown: Greensboro, NC Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Charlotte Medical school: St. Louis University School of Medicine Career interests: Neuro-ophthalmology and medical education

Why Mayo: Aside from our patient-centered approach that aligns with my values of why I became a physician, there are so many things I love about Mayo and specifically our program. You have the opportunity to make your own path here, whether you aspire to be a future department chair, or a community based neurologist you will get the tools to be the best in your field. One of my favorite things about training here has been the culture and our program director. My colleagues are some of the most intelligent people I have met while being the most friendly and supportive, we really are a family. Hobbies: Painting, hiking, traveling Favorite TV show: The Golden Girls

PGY-3 Class

Luis Alcala Zermeno, M.D. Hometown: Guadalajara, Mexico Medical school: Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud Career interests: Epilepsy

Why Mayo: Unparalleled teaching and exposure to complex neurologic cases of every possible subspecialty in Neurology in one of the most welcoming academic environments with the only goal of doing what is best for the patient. Favorite things to do around Rochester: Day or weekend trips to the many small towns of Minnesota that are full with amazing landscapes to enjoy Favorite TV show: Rick and Morty Andrew Brown, M.D. Hometown: Midland, MI Undergraduate School: Case Western Reserve University Medical school: Wayne State University Career interests: Neurocritical Care, Medical Education

Hobbies: Hiking, exploring the trails and parks throughout the city and surrounding areas, audiobooks (currently working through the Wheel of Time), tea, and going out/games with friends Favorite Book: Dune by Frank Herbert Favorite Restaurant: Nupa Favorite TV Show: Brooklyn Nine-Nine Monique Montenegro, M.D. Hometown: Chicago, IL Undergraduate School: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Medical school: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Career interests: Headache, Medical Education

Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Bleu Duck Favorite things to do around Rochester: Biking on the many, many bike trails Hobbies: Drawing, shopping, cooking, trying out new teas, exploring new areas in and around Rochester Bryan Neth, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Corfu, NY Undergraduate School: Florida State University Medical school: Wake Forest School of Medicine Career interests: Neuro-Oncology, Academic Medicine, Neuro-Immunology

Favorite person from history: Walt Disney Favorite book: The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World – by Andrea Wulf Hobbies: Painting (acrylic, watercolor), cooking, bread making, whiskey collecting Ashley Santilli, M.D. Hometown: Eagan, MN Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin - Madison Medical school: University of Minnesota Medical School Career interests: Neuromuscular Medicine, Hospital Neurology, Medical Education

Favorite food: Pizza and ice cream Hobbies: Going out to eat, watching Netflix, and walking my dog (Millie Santilli) Favorite TV show: The Office Nathan Seven, M.D. Hometown: Williston, ND Undergraduate school: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Medical school: University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Career interests: Community-based general neurology practice

Why Mayo: Coming from a small town in the Midwest and planning on practicing in that region where resources can be limited, I wanted to train in a supportive environment where I would be exposed to an enormous variety of neurology cases ranging from common, rare, to “zebra.” At Mayo, I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with world experts in all fields of neurology. In Rochester, we see both local patients referred to neurology as well as patients from all over the country (and globe) who often present with unique or rare manifestations of neurologic disease. I continue to acquire experiences and knowledge that will doubtlessly expand my capabilities and competency when I am practicing on my own. The training here is truly world-class. Favorite TV show: The Office Favorite book: The Count of Monte Cristo Favorite thing to do around Rochester: Ice fishing Michael Skolka, M.D. Hometown: Hershey, PA Undergraduate School: Messiah College Medical school: Penn State Hershey College of Medicine Career interests: EMG/Neuromuscular

Why Mayo: I liked the culture and work environment at Mayo Clinic. Mayo’s core values and three shields (patient care, research, and education) lined up well with my personal career goals. I was also impressed with how collaborative consultants, fellows, and residents are working together to achieve excellent patient care. Favorite book: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Favorite restaurant: Forager Stephanie Steel, M.D. Hometown: Fishers, IN Undergraduate school: Indiana University Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine Career interests: Headache Medicine

Favorite restaurant in Rochester: Tap House West End Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends, drinking coffee, group fitness classes Favorite thing to do in Rochester: Walking/biking on the trails, going out to eat Katy Wood, M.D. Hometown: Acworth, GA Undergraduate School: Duke University Medical school: Medical College of Georgia Career interests: Autoimmune Neurology, Medical Education

Favorite Restaurant: Forager Favorite TV Show: 30 Rock Favorite Recent Read: Exhalation by Ted Chiang

PGY-2 Class

Samantha Banks, M.D. Hometown: Orono, MN Undergraduate school: Gustavus Adolphus College Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine Career interest: Undecided

Why Mayo: Through my reading before my interview I knew Mayo would be one of my top choices, but it became my #1 choice after visiting. Everyone I met here from residents to consultants to staff were incredibly welcoming and genuine, they loved neurology, and they were passionate about what they do. The "gut" feeling I had after visiting has held true and I am so happy to be working here now. Favorite TV show:Parks & Rec Favorite things to do around Rochester: Take my dog for walks or bike on the great bike trails around town Eseosa Ighodaro, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Louisville, KY Undergraduate School: University of Kentucky Medical school & Graduate School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine Career interests: Stroke, Behavioral, Neuroscientist researcher, Health disparities

Why Mayo: Access to robust resources for clinical research Hobbies: Cycling, social media, spending time with family and friends What are you most proud of: Graduating as 1st African American Female from MD/PhD program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Erica Johnson, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Quincy, Massachusetts Undergraduate School: The University of Massachusetts - Boston Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Career interests: Neurocritical Care, Stroke, Clinical Research

Favorite restaurant/bar around Rochester: Forager Favorite person from history: Jane Goodall Hobbies: Glassblowing/stained glass, baking, hiking with my pup, salsa (dancing, although the food is pretty great, too.) Paul Menell, M.D. Hometown: Ocean Township, NJ Undergraduate School: Rutgers University Medical school: Drexel University College Of Medicine Career interests: Neurocritical care

Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, video games, trying new food Favorite restaurants in Rochester: Brava, Pasquales, Hyderabad Indian Grille. Carlee Oakley, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa Undergraduate/medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine 6-year combined BA/MD

Favorite historical figure: Eleanor Roosevelt Favorite book: The Education of an Idealist Favorite restaurant in Rochester: Bleu Duck Marcus Pinto, M.D., M.S. Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Medical school: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Career interests: Neuromuscular disorders, amyloidosis, hospital neurology

Favorite TV show: UFC Favorite restaurant in Rochester: Pescara Favorite person from history: Jean Martin Charcot Lauren Previch, M.D. Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Undergraduate School: University of Michigan Medical school: Wayne State School of Medicine Career interests: Hospital Neurology

Favorite restaurant around Rochester: Bleu Duck Favorite book: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Favorite TV show: Parks and recreation Deborah Setter, M.D. Ph.D. Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Undergraduate School: University of Notre Dame Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine Career interests: Neuromuscular, Functional, Behavioral, Autoimmune/MS

Why Mayo:  Support for new parents, including lactation rooms and resources, back-up sick care, and nanny care for outside normal business hours  No traffic, and garage parking is provided  Get to learn from world’s leading experts in science and medicine  Epic electronic medical record  Good cafeteria food  Low cost of living  Mayo buildings are connected by tunnels/shuttle  Practicing the “Mayo Way” Forrest Sturgill, M.D. Hometown: Knoxville, TN Undergraduate School: University of Tennessee Medical school: University of Tennessee Health Science Center Career interests: Outpatient—but uncertain what focus

Favorite restaurant Rochester: Pho Chau vs Hot Chip Favorite (3) book(s): A Monster calls; Reincarnation Blues; The Starless Sea Favorite food: Red Doritos vs 3 AM night-shift Saint Mary’s Froyo

PGY-1 Class

Ryan Coburn, M.D. Hometown: Houston, Texas Undergraduate School: Texas A&M University Medical school: University of Texas at Houston Career interests: Behavioral Neurology or Neuroimmunology

Why Mayo: The people were what sold me on Mayo. Everyone I met on interview day, including but not limited to, the Neurology faculty members and residents were extremely humble and kind. I was also impressed with the diversity of Neurologic pathology seen at Mayo, and the plethora of opportunities to sharpen teaching and research skills. Favorite TV show: Scrubs Favorite Book: Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell Jacob Goodwin, M.D. Hometown: Crosby, MN Undergraduate School: University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) Medical school: University of Minnesota Career interests: Neuromuscular medicine, Movement disorders, Education

Why Mayo: First and foremost, I was drawn to Mayo’s culture and the primary value of putting patients first. I was also impressed by the EMG training and amount of elective time to explore outpatient specialties. Rochester is also a perfect city for my family! Hidden talent: I sang in an acappella group for 4 years in college. Hobbies: Biking, guitar, reading classic literature, family time with my wife and 2 children Reece Hass, D.O. Hometown: Minnesota (I moved around a lot but spent most of my time in various cities in MN) Undergraduate school: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Career interests: Undecided subspecialty, although I enjoy movement disorders, autoimmune and autonomic neurology. I really enjoy medical education and would love to incorporate this into my career.

Why Mayo: I did a rotation here my 4th year of medical school and fell in love with this place. The people, the atmosphere, the resources, the patient population and the overall feel were tough to rival. Everyone is incredibly approachable and you get the chance to work with and learn from the some of the world's experts. Hobbies: I love running, disc golf, rock climbing (mostly bouldering), reading, fishing and kicking back with my wife and friends. Michael Liu, M.D. Hometown: Peoria, IL Undergraduate School: University of Illinois at Chicago Medical school: Emory University School of Medicine Career interests: Vascular Neurology, Critical Care, Neuro-intervention

Why Mayo: What made me choose Mayo was truly the people that I interacted with. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, kind, and made me feel that I would be a valued part of a greater team. I felt that at Mayo, I would have the opportunities and support to achieve all of my career goals. Hobbies: Traveling, trying new restaurants, tennis, hiking, and playing with our dog, Abby! Favorite things to do around Rochester: Eat Flapdoodles ice cream! Stephanie Syc-Mazurek, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Lake Forest, IL Undergraduate School: Brown University Medical school: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Career interests: Academic Medicine, Neuro-Immunology, Autoimmune Neurology, Neuro-Ophthalmology

Hobbies: Spending time outside with my husband and sons, attempting home improvement projects, growing tomatoes and hot peppers, cooking (and eating!) Favorite thing to do around Rochester: Exploring new hiking trails and parks with the kids Favorite person from history: Marie Curie Hannah Zhao-Fleming, M.D., Ph.D. Hometown: Arcadia, California Undergraduate school: UCLA Medical school: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Lubbock Career interests if known: Not sure yet, interested in both MS/autoimmune and epilepsy

Favorite things to do around Rochester: The park system here is amazing! My family and I can easily spend the day at any of our local parks (Silver Lake, Quarry Hill, Indian Heights…) or nearby state parks. Favorite TV show: Big fan of the campy supernatural shows, especially Buffyverse, Charmed, and Supernatural. Hobbies: Spending time with my husband, son, and our dogs; relaxing in front of the Netflix/Hulu/Prime, eating good food