Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN (2026)

06/08/2026

I am excited about the multitude of ways artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to patient care and am conducting research with Cornelius Thiels, D.O., whose lab focuses on surgical outcomes and applications of AI. Our team was inspired by the clinical need for an effective screening tool for pancreatic cancer, which is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. by 2030.

One way to improve outcomes is to identify patients with cancer at an early stage when treatment may be more effective. However, screening for pancreatic cancer can be expensive, impractical and ineffective. AI is able to take large amounts of data and find meaningful patterns, an exceedingly difficult task for humans. We hypothesized that patient records and lab results over time may reveal patterns, or “signals,” that we can use to identify people who are at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Using Mayo Clinic Platform, our team developed an AI model that integrates de-identified longitudinal data to help predict pancreatic cancer risk. The hope is that this model may be implemented as part of a digital screening approach to help identify people who are at the highest risk and thereby ensure that they receive timely treatment.

I presented our work in a brief “lightning talk” at Mayo Clinic’s 2026 . With the ability of AI to transform and translate large amounts of data, our teams will hopefully be able to get one step closer to finding answers to problems that were previously unsolved.

06/05/2026

For clinicians and researchers aiming to improve clinical care and the treatment of disease, patient charts contain an enormous amount of valuable information. The data is often present in unstructured text, which can take the form of narrative notes written by clinicians. Traditionally, extracting relevant information has required manual review, which takes a lot of time and can miss details. Artificial intelligence (AI) can process thousands of documents quickly and consistently, enabling studies at a scale and speed that would have previously been impossible.

I’m working with a team led by Mohs surgeon and cutaneous oncologist Nahid Y. Vidal, M.D., research fellow Jorge A. Rios Duarte, M.D., and clinical informatics researcher Santiago Romero-Brufau, M.D., Ph.D. Our project developed an AI-augmented data science pipeline, using Mayo Clinic's institutional data extraction tools to automate part of this process. A large language model reads through surgical notes, identifies the right patients for the study, and extracts key clinical details with remarkable accuracy. We are applying it to a real clinical question that is relevant to dermatologic surgery by examining whether using a specific antibiotic at the incision site during skin cancer removal can prevent post-operative wound infections. Our AI tools have allowed us to rapidly build a dataset with thousands of de-identified surgical cases and extract procedure details, outcomes and additional variables, which would have taken much longer using traditional manual chart review. In high-volume medical centers, these tools may allow us to validate new practices that would have required far more resources in the past.

I presented our work in a poster at Mayo Clinic’s 2026 . As a medical student, I find that gaining exposure to AI tools early in my training is allowing me to contribute to the developing conversation about AI in research. As AI becomes part of how medicine is practiced and studied, understanding the capabilities and limitations will prepare the next generation of physicians to use these tools responsibly and effectively.

05/19/2026

2026 commencement celebrations concluded in Florida, where Mayo Clinic recognized 19 new physicians and scientists graduating from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

As graduates reflected on the experiences that shaped their training, themes of growth, resilience and purpose carried throughout the ceremony.

Graduating medical student Ryan May described the class as “beautifully distinct works in progress,” united by a commitment to continue showing up fully for patients, colleagues and themselves.

Ph.D. graduate Jaida Lue reflected on the personal transformation that comes with scientific training:

“Your degree is as much about who you are becoming as it is about academic achievement. It forces you to decide who you are when no benchmark exists, and no one is keeping score. It asks you to set your own standard in the absence of a clear one. To believe in work that has not yet produced results.”

The Florida graduates join 164 classmates across Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona and Minnesota as they begin residencies, research roles and the next chapter of their careers.

Join us in congratulating the Florida Class of 2026! Read more about the celebration: https://mayocl.in/4dxOoPJ

05/18/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Arizona!

The May 15 commencement ceremony in Phoenix celebrated an important milestone, including the first graduating Ph.D. class from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Arizona.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the values that have shaped these physicians and scientists, as well as the responsibilities they carry forward into medicine and research.

Arizona medical student speaker Stephanie Hernandez, M.D., said the defining characteristic of the class was the way students supported one another.

"What I am most proud of is to be part of a class that is not only intelligent, ambitious and perseverant, but that we cared for each other," she said. "Our class built a community on the knowledge that each one of us belonged here, had something to contribute and were cared for."

Natalie Elliot, Ph.D., one of the first graduates of the Arizona-based Ph.D. program, encouraged classmates to carry humility and curiosity into the future.

"Today, as we step forward as scientists, scholars and leaders, may we carry with us humility, collaboration and a sense of wonder," Elliot said. "May we continue to ask bold questions, support one another generously and build lives that are as meaningful as the work we do."

Graduates will continue their training in residencies and research roles across Mayo Clinic and the nation, where they will care for patients and help shape the future of medicine.

Congratulations to the Arizona Class of 2026! Read more about the celebration: https://mayocl.in/4fttrrz

05/17/2026

Ryan May’s experience in medical school reflects a blend of intellectual curiosity and personal resilience. Early inspiration from physician role models grew into a deeper interest in how systems, outcomes and patient experiences connect, shaping both his academic focus and his approach to care.

Throughout his training, Ryan pursued opportunities that combined surgical skill, research and service. His interests include clinical care, predictive analytics and leadership, grounded in a desire to improve patient experience.

Ryan will pursue a career in otolaryngology, aiming to blend technical expertise with meaningful patient connections.

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in medicine?
“I first said I wanted to be a doctor as a young child, inspired mostly by the physicians who cared for my parents and grandparents. In my pursuit of clinical exposure, I found great mentors who served as both profoundly empathetic clinicians and central community leaders. My motivations evolved profoundly after I lost my brothers just prior to starting medical school. My exploration of medicine has been inextricably linked to my own healing journey and my struggle to recapture light and meaning in my own life.”

What influenced your choice of specialty?
“During my surgery core clerkship, I found a personal resonance working with head and neck surgical oncology patients, and with patients navigating hearing loss, I found the surgical aspects awe-inspiring. In short, otolaryngology captured everything that made me want to be a doctor growing up, and everything I hope to give to patients.”

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your training?
“When the time came to choose a medical school, Mayo stood out because it aligned strongly with the kind of physician I hoped to become. Mayo provided not only outstanding clinical training and mentorship but also a community that challenged me to grow both professionally and personally.”

Join us in congratulating Ryan and the rest of the class of 2026 as they begin their next chapter!

05/16/2026

Nicole Tamvaka’s work in neuroscience is driven by an interest in understanding the human brain and improving the lives of patients with neurodegenerative disease.

In pursuit of her Ph.D, Nicole contributed to research on frontotemporal dementia and primary tauopathies, with a focus on disease processes, biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.

Nicole will continue her work as a research fellow, aiming to build a career in research and education. She aims to advance the study of neurodegenerative disease while mentoring and training future scientists.

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in biomedical science?
“My decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience grew from both my deep interest in the complexities of the human brain and my grandmother’s experience with Parkinson’s disease. Watching her journey sparked a desire to contribute to research that could one day improve the lives of patients like her.”

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your training?
“Ultimately, I chose Mayo because it is a place where I knew I would be both supported and challenged, a place where I could grow, contribute, and excel.”

What influenced your choice of career path?
“Looking ahead, I hope to build a career centered on research and education. I am passionate about advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, but I am equally committed to training the next generation of scientists.”

Join us in recognizing Nicole, the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, and the opportunities ahead.

05/15/2026

Stephanie Hernandez’s interest in medicine is grounded in compassion, resilience and a commitment to serving communities with limited access to care. Inspired by her mother’s work in hospice care and shaped by personal loss, she focuses on supporting patients and families during vulnerable moments.

During medical school, Stephanie demonstrated leadership and community engagement. She founded her school’s Latino Medical Student Association chapter, created mentorship opportunities, and supported initiatives to improve access to care.

Stephanie will begin a residency in internal medicine, bringing her commitment to compassionate care and improved access for patients and families.

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in medicine?
“My mother is a hospice CNA, and watching her care for patients who were actively dying was very moving and eye-opening growing up. I could see the impact her compassion had on her patients and their family members. I wanted to have a similar impact on patients and families. When I was 15, my father tragically died of mesothelioma in less than 3 months. My life changed, but it motivated me even further to pursue medicine.”

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your training?
“Mayo Clinic's small class size was a huge draw for me, because I knew that I just wouldn't be another name in the crowd. It has allowed me to get to know my peers better, and I've been able to connect with faculty on a more personal level.”

Help us congratulate Stephanie and the class of 2026!

05/14/2026

For Xindi (Cece) Chen, medicine has always meant being present when it matters most.

At Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, she explored interests in research, education and clinical care, with a focus on women’s health and surgical outcomes. Mentors, peers and care teams helped reinforce the importance of thoughtful, patient-centered practice.

Cece will now pursue a career in general surgery, aiming to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives while contributing to research and medical education.

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in medicine?
“My path to medicine began early, shaped by distance and a sense of helplessness. When I was in elementary school, my grandparents faced serious health complications across the world in China. Not being able to help them, or even hold their hand, left a lasting impression and quietly planted the idea that one day I wanted to be someone who could show up when it mattered most.”

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your training?
“I chose Mayo Clinic because, from the very beginning, it made me feel invested in as a person and as a future physician. On my interview day, before I had even been admitted, I was encouraged to speak with physicians across specialties I was curious about and to connect with medical students who spoke candidly about their experiences. That openness and mentorship showed me this was a place that genuinely cared about its trainees.”

What influenced your choice of specialty?
“I was especially drawn to the immediacy of [general surgery’s] impact on patients’ quality of life, whether that meant repairing a complex ventral hernia or restoring peripheral blood flow through revascularization.”

Help us congratulate Cece and the class of 2026!

05/12/2026

Isabella Reitz-Perez has long connected her interest in medicine to the communities she comes from and hopes to serve.

During medical school, she pursued opportunities focused on leadership and global health. Her experiences include national policy work, hands-on clinical involvement and participation in the Global Health and Health Disparities Track.

Isabella was drawn to general surgery for its hands-on care and the chance to support patients at critical moments. She plans to continue this work through research, policy and global engagement.

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in medicine?
“I am deeply passionate about strengthening the communities I come from and serve, which begins with being a thoughtful, committed physician for my patients.”

What influenced your choice of specialty?
“I was drawn to a specialty that is hands-on, grounded in a strong understanding of physiology, and centered on caring for patients during some of their most critical moments, which led me to pursue general surgery.”

What motivates you now?
“Beyond direct patient care, I am motivated to remain engaged in mentorship and global surgery initiatives, as I believe these efforts create sustainable, long-term impact by expanding access, building capacity, and supporting future generations of healthcare providers.”

Join us in congratulating Isabella and the entire class of 2026!

05/11/2026

Emma Willcocks’ experience in medical school reflects her interest in the intersection of environmental health and patient care.

At Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Arizona, Emma has participated in research and clinical training. As she prepares to begin a residency in internal medicine, Emma looks forward to building a broad clinical foundation while continuing to explore environmental and women’s health through patient-centered care, teaching and mentorship.

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your training?
“The small class size has been critical in helping me build real community. I know my classmates, I know the administration, and I’ve usually been the only student working with a clinical team during rotations. That has allowed for individualized teaching and mentorship, and I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships with residents, attendings, and patients.”

What experiences or influences led you to pursue a career in medicine?
“I was introduced to environmental health and spent a summer working on 9/11 particulate matter research in New York City. I realized that much of what shapes our health exists long before we step into a doctor’s office. We are influenced every day by the air we breathe, the environments we work in, and exposures we may not even recognize.”

What type of career do you hope to build?
“I’m interested in the overlap between environmental health and women’s health, whether that ultimately leads to fellowship training in endocrinology or women’s health, or to primary care with a research focus. I’d like teaching and mentorship to remain part of whatever path I choose.”

Join us in congratulating Emma and the entire class of 2026!

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science

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