People

Elizabeth Coon, M.D.

What attracted you to medicine and neurology?
I wouldn't particularly recommend my route to medicine and neurology. I had brain surgery as a teenager and while this was a trying experience, I ended up healthy and with a great appreciation for medicine and in particular the brain and nervous system. Now as I continue my clinical training, the breadth and depth of neurology continues to amaze me and I find neurology patients to be some of the most endearing.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic for residency training?
First and foremost, I wanted excellent clinical training. I also wanted exposure to dynamic clinical research in an environment that prizes medical education. These ideals are represented by Mayo Clinic's three interlocking shields and truly are practiced here.

What makes the Mayo Clinic Adult Neurology Residency unique?
Opportunity. We have amazing opportunities in terms of electives, research and travel. We can do rotations in a myriad of specialties as well as different geographical locations; globally or at Mayo campuses in Arizona and Florida (definitely popular in winter). This residency program is also unique in that it emphasizes didactics and offers well-taught courses early in the program. I find this way of learning particularly effective as one is able to gain a strong foundation of knowledge which is then reinforced and expanded upon by clinical experience.

Anything surprise you about Mayo’s program?
The Mayo Clinic's neurology department and residency program is well-regarded and is a department steeped in history while being progressive. Training at Mayo means that one will be exposed to both common and rare diseases. As a resident, I have the chance to care for my neighbors as well as people from all over the world within a cohesive healthcare system.

What is living in Rochester like for you?
My husband and I are very happy in Rochester. I was initially worried about "the winter" but found that while it gets cold, we were able to enjoy it doing cross-country or downhill skiing, sledding or just playing in the snow with our dogs. I love living 5 minutes from downtown while being just blocks from running trails and a few miles from great roads for cycling.

What does your future look like right now?
I plan on completing a fellowship and while it's still early in my neurology training, I am particularly interested in Movement Disorders and I thoroughly enjoy academics. I am also curious about neurology in the realm of public health based on my experiences working in a free medical clinic.

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