Meet Our Residents

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The Neurologic Surgery Residency in Jacksonville, Florida, includes trainees from across the U.S. and around the world. Learn more about our residents — what they have to say about the program, their research interests, and what they enjoy outside of the residency.

PGY-6

Krishnan Ravindran, M.D.

Medical school: University of Melbourne Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
About me: My academic interests include management of cerebral aneurysms and use of advanced neuroimaging and cerebrovascular disease. Outside of neurosurgery, I enjoy scuba diving, playing the guitar and drums, and traveling.

PGY-5

Seung (James) J. Lee, M.D.

James Lee, M.D.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical school: David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California - Los Angeles
About me: After immigrating from Korea, I lived most of my life in Los Angeles, California, and attended UC San Diego for undergraduate studies. My research interests include surgical anatomy and techniques, and human electrophysiology to study learning and memory. Outside of academics, my all-time favorite activity is to grill meat and relax with close friends and family!

PGY-4

Alaa S. Montaser, M.B., B.Ch.

Alaa Montaser, M.B., B.Ch.

Medical school: Ain Shams University of Faculty of Medicine
About me: My dream is to become a neurosurgeon who can provide the best care for patients, at the highest level possible. I was fascinated by the neurosurgery training model at Mayo Clinic, and the tremendous clinical and operative experience coupled with research and educational activities. I was impressed by the friendly, yet professional work environment, where all team members maintain the needs of the patient as the utmost priority. Indeed, Mayo Clinic is a perfect fit for my career aspirations.

Ansh Goyal, M.B.B.S., M.S.

Hometown: New Delhi, India
Medical school: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
About me: I was born and raised in India. I graduated from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi in 2017. Shortly after, I joined the Neuro-Informatics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Bydon, while simultaneously being accepted into the Graduate School Master's program in Clinical and Translational Science at Mayo Clinic. The focus of my work has been on neurosurgical outcomes and quality improvement, postoperative opioid use and spinal cord injury. My future interests lie in neuro-oncology, epilepsy and brain mapping. I will be pursuing an enfolded clinician-investigator program during my residency. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, taking long walks on the beach, yoga and spending time with my friends and family.

PGY-3

Gaetano De Biase, M.D.

Hometown: Rome, ItalyMedical school: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome – Italy
Interests: Spine surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery researchAbout me: I grew up in Italy and, in 2019, graduated from medical school summa cum laude from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy. Soon after graduation I moved to the U.S., and spent over two years as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Neurosurgery Department at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, working closely with Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa and Dr. Abode-Iyamah. My research focused on spine surgery outcomes, particularly on patient-centered outcomes in awake spine surgery under spinal anesthesia, and I conducted prospective studies that led to a PCORI grant application. Outside of Neurosurgery, I am a concert pianist, I received my diploma from the "St. Cecilia" Conservatory in Rome, and I also enjoy running, especially at the beach, listening to classical music, and playing board games.

PGY-2

Gabriel A. Bendfeldt, M.D.

Hometown: Raleigh, NCMedical school: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
About me: I grew up in Raleigh, NC and attended NC State (go pack!) for undergrad. I then moved to Nashville, TN for medical school at Vanderbilt University. I was immediately impressed by the Mayo program here in Florida during interview day, and I’m excited to be the newest addition to the program. I am currently still exploring subspecialty interests and research, but did extensive spine outcomes research during medical school. Outside of the hospital, my interests include music, playing electric and classical guitar as well as banjo, home sound systems, and working out at the gym when I can!

Carlos Perez Vega, M.D.

Hometown: Guasave, MexicoMedical school: Monterrey Tec School of Medicine
About me: I graduated from Monterrey Tec School of Medicine with Highest Academic Honors. Shortly after, I moved to Jacksonville, FL and joined the Mayo Clinic Department of Neurosurgery as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. The incredible educational/mentorship support and caseload helped me decide to stay here at Mayo for Neurosurgery Residency training. I am personally interested in the treatment and research of brain tumors. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy playing basketball and tennis, as well as learning about Formula 1, movie scripts, and Jazz music.