On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) honored three exceptional Mayo Clinic staff members and MCSHS alumni for their contributions to education, leadership and learner development.
Adrijana Anderson, P.A.-C. (PA ’15), was named Distinguished Allied Health Educator of the Year. Anderson has been part of Mayo Clinic since completing her Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (NPPA) fellowship in 2015. She began as a preceptor for NPPA students, then became an adjunct faculty member, and ultimately became the program director of the NPPA Hospital Medicine and Critical Care Fellowship from which she graduated.
Anderson now serves as the NPPA Education Lead for the Division of Hospital Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and has been the course co-director for several national continuing medical education (CME) conferences. She also serves on the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Association Board of Directors.
When reflecting on her career, Anderson says she hopes to continue growing as an educator and clinician in the coming years. She also reflected fondly on receiving the DAHEY award.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and truly one I never could’ve even dreamed of,” Anderson says. “The fact that I was presented the award by some of my biggest mentors, and that my whole family — my kids, included — got to be there, was a really special moment that I’ll treasure forever.”
Christopher Taylor, O.T., O.T.D., BCG (OT ’19), was named Preceptor of the Year. Before becoming an occupational therapist and joining Mayo Clinic, Dr. Taylor worked for local nonprofits and after-school programs. Dr. Taylor enjoyed giving back to his clients and community but wanted to find a career that would allow him to be more analytical and creative. This desire led him to return to school and earn his doctorate in physical therapy.
Dr. Taylor completed his capstone at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, where he assessed Tai Chi’s impact on balance, self-efficacy and occupational performance, specifically with individuals with mild cognitive impairment. His passion for working with older adults also inspired him to obtain his advanced board certifications in gerontology and vestibular rehabilitation.
Dr. Taylor now serves as Program Director for Occupational Therapy Clinical Education, including fieldwork and capstone rotations. He says his favorite aspect of working at Mayo Clinic is the ability to connect with its three shields — patient care, research and education. He says he enjoys his role being a symbiotic relationship between therapist, student, patient and institution, calling it a win-win for all parties. And, when asked about the Preceptor of the Year Award, Dr. Taylor remains energized about the future.
“Mentorship is everything to me. It is how we grow and motivate others to grow. It’s how we collectively reach our goals while uplifting others,” Dr. Taylor says. “This award means that my passion and dedication don’t go unnoticed. I am excited about the future, especially the next generation of occupational therapists!”
That same excitement also echoed in his announcement that Mayo Clinic in Arizona is launching a new Fellowship Program in Physical Rehabilitation, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2026.
Justin Gagneur graduated from Ball State University in 2008 with his master’s in physics, laying a strong foundation for his career. Shortly after, he joined the VA medical center in Indianapolis, IN, as a medical physicist. During his time there, he was heavily involved in Indiana University’s physics education efforts.
Gagneur joined Mayo Clinic in Arizona in 2012, holding various educational roles, including Associate Program Director and Program Director of its Medical Physics Residency. His leadership has positively influenced many learners, fostering a supportive educational environment.
“The Post-Graduate Educator of the Year award is an amazing honor,” Gagneur says. “I have never viewed myself as a gifted educator. I just try to be available for learners and do the right thing. It is nice to see that those efforts are working in a positive way for so many learners.”
While the DAHEY award is a longstanding tradition, this year marked the introduction of Post-Graduate Educator of the Year and Preceptor of the Year, to further recognize excellence in teaching, mentoring and precepting in support of Mayo Clinic’s three-shields mission.
