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Mayo Clinic trainee Lainey Bukowiec, M.D., pursues surgical passion with Dr. Rhee’s mentorship
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Lainey Bukowiec, M.D., an orthopedic surgery resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, is helping shape the future of surgical care through groundbreaking research and mentorship. Her mentor is Peter Rhee, D.O., a global leader in hyperselective neurectomy, a highly targeted nerve surgery that reduces muscle spasticity while preserving strength. Under his guidance, Dr. Bukowiec has contributed to two major studies exploring this advanced technique.
The first study she co-authored, published in the Journal of Hand Surgery, examined the radial nerve's motor branching pattern in the triceps. The second focuses on pediatric patients with equinovarus deformity, a condition often caused by cerebral palsy in which the patient's foot twists downward and inward, making it difficult to walk normally. These studies reflect Dr. Bukowiec's dual passion for pediatric orthopedics and hand surgery, the specialties she plans to pursue through consecutive fellowships.
Recently, Dr. Bukowiec assisted Dr. Rhee in performing the very procedure she had researched. "It was incredible to see the full arc from academic study to clinical application," she says. "That kind of experience is rare and deeply rewarding."
Dr. Rhee's mentorship has been pivotal, she says. "He explains complex surgical concepts in a way that resonates. He's not only a brilliant surgeon but also a compassionate teacher."
Mentorship reaching beyond Mayo Clinic
Dr. Rhee's development of hyperselective neurectomy took on new meaning when he used the technique to help his own father regain mobility after a stroke. The success of that procedure inspired him to expand its use and train others in its application. Through mentorship and collaborative research, he equips residents like Dr. Bukowiec with the skills to bring this innovative approach to more patients and advance its impact through education.
"Being a surgeon, researcher and teacher at Mayo Clinic is very fulfilling," says Dr. Rhee. "The ability to train the world's best and brightest to eventually deliver Mayo Clinic quality of care around the world is an incredible obligation and legacy."
His impact reaches far beyond Mayo Clinic. Through an international visiting surgeon program, Dr. Rhee and his colleagues train surgeons from around the world in advanced hand surgery procedures. These surgeons return home equipped to treat patients and teach others.
He also co-founded a global working group of surgical experts to advance nerve surgery techniques through international collaboration. Last year, the group partnered with Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development to host the first U.S.-based international symposium on hand surgery in Rochester.
Dr. Bukowiec's experience under Dr. Rhee's tutelage demonstrates Mayo Clinic's commitment to training the next generation of surgical innovators. Through mentorship, research and hands-on experience, residents like her are preparing to deliver cutting-edge, compassionate care to patients worldwide.
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education has more than 2,000 learners enrolled in programs across the country. Of those more than 300 programs, 197 are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and 95 percent of Mayo's GME training programs are above the national average in board passage rates.
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