Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Dr Van Abel earned her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College) in Philadelphia, PA, after completing her undergraduate work at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. She went on to complete both her residency and Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. After completing her training in 2016, she joined the Mayo Clinic faculty. Her practice involves the evaluation and management of a broad range of head and neck disease, focusing on surgical oncology and reconstruction. She has a special clinical interest in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, skull base surgery, and salivary disease. Her research focuses primarily on HPV associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (tumor genetics, host immune response, surveillance biomarkers, management de-escalation, and outcomes) and skull base surgery. In addition, she is focused on resident education and has created a curriculum focused on simulation training for incoming residents. Outside of work she is an avid skier (prior competitive mogul skier), mountain biker, and fitness enthusiast who enjoys spending time traveling and playing outside with her family.