Current Fellows

Jeff Mella, MD
Hometown: Orem, Utah
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio
Residency: University of Virginia
Awards & Research: My research focuses primarily on the face, as well as skin cancer. My research includes clinical trials and pilot studies to assess intraoperative margin assessment during primary resection of melanoma using rapid immunostain protocols with MART-1 and Sox-10. As well as research in partial to total nasal reconstruction after previous forehead flap surgery.
Medical Interests: Facial paralysis, facial trauma, and skin cancer
Hobbies: I enjoy cooking sourdough bread, fantasy football, fly fishing, and skiing.
What made you want to become a doctor? My passion for science, anatomy, and art led me first to medicine and then to surgery.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I had a lot of terrific mentors during medical school and residency, who were people I wanted to emulate personally and professionally.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The University of Minnesota has a worldwide reputation as the premier institution for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with multiple nationally regarded experts. Many of the current leaders in facial plastic surgery throughout the country trained here.

Catherine Kennedy, MD
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Medical School & Residency: University of Maryland
Awards & Research: I am currently investigating barriers to access of hearing healthcare for different populations within Minnesota for which I have been awarded a grant from the Lions Foundation. I am also interested in the use of metformin as a potential otoprotective drug for which I was awarded the Resident Research Award at the University of Maryland and the Resident Research Travel Award from the American Otological Society.
Medical Interests: Hearing restoration, chronic ear disease, and management of lateral skull base disorders.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family (husband, 3-year-old son, and cat), hiking, exploring Minnesota, and attending concerts and live music.
What made you want to become a doctor? I always loved science and math classes when I was younger but didn't decide to pursue medicine until mid college. I realized that I loved the opportunity to directly impact someone's life and be the person to support them through life changing moments.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? In medical school, I was interested in the surgical specialties and found ENT during my 3rd year clerkships. I found mentors that I really admired and found that I loved working on some of the most personal and sensitive areas of the body: someone's voice, hearing, or ability to make facial expressions.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The UMN Otology/Neurotology offers a unique opportunity to practice the full spectrum of Otology/Neurotology from cochlear implantation to performing radiosurgery. I also have the opportunity to be a part of resident education, particularly for the PGY2s who rotate on the Otology service. My family and I were also so excited to move to the Twin Cities - it has been an amazing place to live!

Yuna Kim, MD
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Residency: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Awards & Research: AOA
Medical Interests: Aerodigestive
Hobbies: I enjoy baking, hiking, dancing, and hanging out with my cats.
What made you want to become a doctor? The opportunity to not only treat patients but also act as a guide and advocate for patients navigating complex health situations, particularly those facing systemic healthcare barriers.
What made you interested in ENT/Otolaryngology? I love how we are able to help our patients - by improving hearing, speech, swallowing, and breathing. My colleagues and mentors have also been amazing and supportive.
Why did you choose the U of MN? The teaching and mentorship by the staff at Children's Minnesota! I loved that my curriculum would also include unique craniofacial cases.