Mayo Clinic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Resident Profiles

Kathryn Alfonso, D.O.

Hometown: Devils Lake, ND Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, WA “Mayo was an easy choice for me because it is everything I was looking for in a PM&R program. The training, particularly in sports medicine, has unparalleled opportunities in ultrasound and exposure to sporting events. This program is a great example of dedication and compassion, and an encouraging environment to excel.”

Zachary Ashmore, M.D.

Hometown: San Antonio, TX Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX “I knew that Mayo would offer me excellent opportunities in every aspect of my PM&R training. Mayo has welcoming people, plentiful opportunities, and provided me a sense of belonging in my field. I appreciate how the program has focus on a strong development of clinical and academic skills in concert with resident wellness. I know that I will grow not only professionally, but also personally during my years of training. I look forward to this growth, all with an emphasis and attitude directed towards the benefit of our patients.”

Mick Bies, D.O.

Hometown: Tualatin, OR Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences COMP-NW, Lebanon, OR “I distinctly remember leaving my residency interview day knowing that Mayo was the place for my family and me. There are an abundance of opportunities within the field of PM&R at Mayo, allowing an undifferentiated resident to make an informed decision about which path they will choose for their career. Even more impressive was how nice everyone was during that interview day. The staff and residents continue to be very welcoming and kind, facilitating a smooth transition from intern year to PM&R. I look forward to continuing to develop my skills as a physiatrist from leaders in the field at this incredible institution!”

Nick Canzanello, D.O.

Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA “I chose Mayo Clinic for its reputation of providing excellent patient-centered care and its emphasis on research and clinical education. I also felt Mayo Clinic is unique in that it provides world renowned health care in a moderately sized Midwestern town without traffic and high-cost living. Specifically regarding PM&R, I found the department very welcoming and down-to-earth. I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the physicians, therapists, RNs and various support staff in our diverse area of medicine.”

George Ceremuga, M.D.

Hometown: Rapid City, SD Medical School: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD “My zeal for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at Mayo Clinic began during my visiting medical student clerkship. Every resident and staff I interacted with on the rotation was incredibly friendly, creating an inviting educational milieu. The program offers outstanding exposure to sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound, two of my deepest interests within PM&R. I quickly realized the academic environment here is unparalleled with an abundance of lectures and didactic opportunities to supplement our residency education. Equally as important is an emphasis of resident wellness and wellbeing, which is also top priority of our program. The atmosphere of Mayo Clinic is truly unique where the phrase “the needs of the patient come first" is demonstrated every day. The clinical training, research opportunities and emphasis on exceptional patient care are unmatched here at Mayo Clinic.”

Stephanie Clark, M.S., D.O.

Hometown: Woodway, WA Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences – COMP, Pomona, CA “I vividly remember the first day of my away rotation at Mayo as a medical student. I experienced an overwhelming feeling that Mayo would train me into the physician I always envisioned myself becoming. The collaboration was palpable as was the friendliness and approachability of every consultant, resident and employee. That training environment coupled with a robust didactic curriculum instantly drew me to the PM&R program at Mayo. In addition, Mayo’s plethora of available resources, clinical ingenuity and seemingly unending research opportunities stood out as unmatched. I chose Mayo because I was certain it would continue to develop me into a compassionate, innovative, patient-centered physician and competitively position me to pursue a fellowship in Sport Medicine. I have experienced the continued hospitality of the collaborative team in the residency program as I am getting settled in Rochester and have also enjoyed the MSK course and hands-on ultrasound experience. I look forward to getting to know the rest of my PM&R colleagues and learning the art and practice of medicine from some of the world’s leading experts in their fields.”

Stephen Covington, D.O.

Hometown: Midland, MI Medical School: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI “Mayo is a fantastic place to train. What stands out the most is the teaching atmosphere. I have not met one consultant that is not an avid learner themselves. Everyone is driven by their own curiosity and their enthusiasm to learn is contagious. By being around some of the best in the field, it makes you work your hardest to also be your very best. Mayo’s PM&R program is known for the exceptional MSK and ultrasound training. This is something I was really looking for in a program as I plan to use ultrasound in my practice in the future.”

Marissa Dombovy-Johnson, D.O.

Hometown: Webster, NY Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY “From the moment I rotated at Mayo as a medical student I knew this place was special. Every day I am here this feeling continues to grow as I experience the collegiality, emphasis on patient-centered care, and the strength of resident education first-hand. We are fortunate to have unparalleled exposure to diverse medical diagnoses and interaction with world-renowned experts from other specialties. I could not be happier training at an institution that has provided me with ample opportunities to learn and grow as a medical professional as well as an individual.”

Ike Hasley, M.D.

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA “My interest in Mayo physical medicine and rehabilitation started at the University of Iowa where I worked with outstanding PM&R physicians, many of whom trained at Mayo Clinic. Upon interviewing here, I was assured that this was the place I wanted to be. I was surrounded by individuals who were not only leaders in the medical field, but also genuinely kind people who made me feel at home. From both a clinical and research perspective, Mayo offers a vast array of opportunities within the field of PM&R. From relatively common conditions to extremely rare ones, the scope of practice that residents enjoy here is very wide. The opportunity to train at a program that excels in multiple areas of a field on a global stage is truly a unique experience.”

Marianne Luetmer, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical School: Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, MN “I was struck by the welcoming and supportive Mayo PM&R community, the collaborative spirit, the passion for teaching, and the happiness of residents and staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from exceptional clinical and research mentors. It is a well-rounded program that well prepares residents for any PM&R fellowship and/or for general practice after graduation. The procedural opportunities and ultrasound education and experience are fantastic. There are also numerous opportunities to be involved in medical student education, national, international, and local conference presentations and attendance, and involvement in the greater Rochester community through volunteering and local sports coverage.”

Mary Lynch, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE “There are so many friendly, enthusiastic consultants in Mayo’s PM&R department with a wide range of clinic interests and willingness to mentor. I knew that I would be well-supported as I started my academic career in pediatric rehabilitation. Patient who have both very rare and common disorders are referred to our department, which creates a well-rounded education for the residents. Our program encourages each of us to explore the PM&R field and our unique interests within it by making it possible for us to attend multiple conferences a year and by funding scholarly activity. Outside of work, our program encourages balance by hosting fun activities like picnics, golf outings, and holiday parties. My husband and I feel very lucky to be back in our hometown of Rochester for my residency training! “

Shelby Johnson, M.D.

Hometown: Wayzata, MN Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. “I knew immediately after my interview that Mayo was the right place for me. The Mayo PM&R program has a notable commitment to resident education and provides a wide variety of clinical experience and research opportunities all while providing exceptional patient care. I have a strong interest in sports medicine, and the unique musculoskeletal education the Mayo PM&R residency provides is second to none. I have enjoyed our PGY2 anatomy course, our extensive yearly musculoskeletal and ultrasound course, and our unique opportunities in the Hand clinic. The curriculum has not only provided me with amazing experience and mentors in sports medicine but has given me a well-rounded experience in brain and spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disease, pediatric rehab, and general PM&R. Mayo has been an extremely welcoming environment and I have developed strong, lasting relationships with my co-residents and consultants as well as the therapists and nursing staff.”

Kayle Noble-Taylor, D.O.

Hometown: Traverse City, MI Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI “The first thing that stood out to me about Mayo Clinic’s PM&R Department was comradery between residents and the unanimously supportive learning environment fostered throughout the entire institution. I have a strong interest in sports and musculoskeletal medicine. With the curriculum focus on developing a strong base in musculoskeletal anatomy and ultrasound with endless opportunities to develop procedural skills, I knew my interests would be both expanded and challenged. Mayo is a truly unique place that puts patients first and provides educational and research opportunities second to none.”

Sandra Ogeltree

Hometown: San Diego, CA Medical School: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA “Mayo at Rochester was the right fit for me all around. As an institution, Mayo’s philosophy of patient first and the spirit of collaboration espoused by all the staff members I encountered mirror my own personal values about how medical care should be practiced. As a program, our exposure to diagnostic ultrasound is unparalleled and the pervasive availability of research opportunities immediately drew me to the program, but what impressed me most was the PMR department’s camaraderie and genuine care for their colleagues. The sense of team and true caring about the resident as a whole was evident throughout every stage of my interview and has held true as I have become a part of the rehab team. My family and I are so happy to be here. “

Ryan Robin, M.D.

Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL Medical School: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI “Mayo Clinic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was the perfect program to meet my career goals. The training in musculoskeletal medicine is unparalleled, highlighted by the unique opportunity to learn musculoskeletal ultrasound. Outside of the great patient care provided by faculty, their ability to educate is second to none. I feel I will graduate with the best PM&R education in the country.“

Paul Schwingler, M.D.

Hometown: Rochester, MN Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA “I chose Mayo PM&R because, having grown up here in Rochester, I have an immense amount of respect and appreciation for the Mayo Clinic way of practicing medicine. As an organization, Mayo has advanced patient-centered medical care more than any other organization in history, and I just wanted to be a part of that. Specifically the PM&R department exposes us to an incredible variety of patients, many of whom have traveled across the country to be treated here. We have nearly unlimited opportunities to gain experience with procedures, ultrasound, treating unique, often with very rare or unusual conditions. I wanted my training to prepare me for anything I might encounter once practicing in the community and I knew Mayo would serve me well in that way.”

Patrick Shaeffer, M.D.

Hometown: Ottumwa, IA Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE “As a visiting medical student, I had decided by the end of my first week that Mayo Clinic was where I wanted to do my PM&R residency. I was very impressed by the commitment that each resident and consultant had toward giving patients the best care possible. Also, each person I met seemed truly invested in my education, providing for a very warm learning environment. Lastly, the diversity and complexity of patient cases makes it a tremendous training setting.”

Michael Sperl, D.O.

Hometown: Little Falls, MN Medical School: Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO “I chose Mayo PM&R first and foremost because of the people. Throughout my residency interview process I was struck by how warm and welcoming the consultants and fellow residents were here at Mayo. In addition, the program excels at MSK training, with a very robust ultrasound curriculum which will serve me well in the future. The inpatient rehabilitation training is also excellent, with diverse pathology and consultants who are at the top of their respective fields both in research and in providing excellent clinical care. I’m excited to dive more into the diverse training that the program offers throughout the field, and am glad to be completing my training with such wonderful colleagues.”

Matt Severson, M.D.

Hometown: Farmington, MN Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN “I was fortunate to rotate with Mayo PM&R as a medical student and knew early on that this residency program would be a great fit for me. There is a team-based approach among everyone we work with on a day to day basis, including consultants, therapists, nurses, administrative staff, and everyone in between. The needs of the patient truly do come first at Mayo, and that value is the constant compass guiding our care. As a program, Mayo PM&R provides an extremely well-rounded education led by experts in our field and is strongest in many of the areas most interesting to me as I begin my career. There are countless opportunities available to us as residents to pursue our clinical and research interests, and always someone willing to help you on your way. “

Brian Sutterer, M.D.

Hometown: Terre Haute, IN Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN “I spent a summer rotation in the PM&R department at Mayo as a medical student and absolutely loved every part of it. This is such an inspiring place to be and everyone is so dedicated to patient care and education. I am strongly interested in musculoskeletal and sports medicine and Mayo is arguably one of the best places to train in regard to those areas. Our consultants are very dedicated to resident education but also provide excellent clinical care. The team based approach at Mayo also overlaps well with the theme of PM&R. I did my intern year here at Mayo and saw that teamwork amongst the different specialties firsthand. I feel very fortunate to be training here among some of the best educators and people in our field while also having all of the other resources of the clinic.“

Rachel Wilson, M.D.

Hometown: Durham, NC Medical School: Brody SOM at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC “I can’t say that I ever imagined myself moving this far north, and never would have considered it except for the Mayo PM&R residency. The Mayo Health System in itself is such a unique experience; it allows us the opportunity to work with amazing clinicians – both within PM&R and other specialties – in an environment where “the needs of the patient come first” isn’t just a token nicety. I applied here knowing that it was a phenomenal program, but did not find out it was the perfect program for me until I interviewed. And since starting at Mayo in July 2018, my decision has only been validated. One of the most important characteristics I was searching for in a residency was that it would provide a solid and broad foundation for whatever direction my career would take me, because at that time, I had no idea what area of PM&R I would pursue. From the anatomy course as a PGY-2 to the annual MSK/ultrasound course, and from the diversity of rotations to the variety of elective opportunities, we are provided the best opportunity to become successful physiatrists.”

Julie Witkowski, M.D.

Hometown: Bartlett, IL Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL “At Mayo I have had the opportunity to see a wide array of patients from all over the world with pathology that ranges from the “bread and butter” of PM&R to many of the rarer ‘zebra’ cases as well. In addition, the facilities are fantastic, the program staff provides ample support resident training and well-being, and the research opportunities are endless. Finally, the didactic courses, particularly the instruction in musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound guided injections, allow residents to graduate from the program feeling confident in both clinical and procedural skills. All in all, Mayo Clinic and the surrounding community are great places to both work and live.”

Charonn Woods, M.D.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO “I chose Mayo PM&R as it has a unique arrangement of one on one clinical exposure with attending physicians and robust curriculum including 6 months of dedicated EMG training, hands on MSK ultrasound training from world experts, and great inpatient/outpatient residency schedule that covers the full spectrum of PM&R. Having a program with so many fellowship opportunities allows for great exposure and the highest level of clinical training. If I had to do it again, I would choose Mayo PM&R without hesitation. “