Dr. Thielen received his bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from South Dakota State University in 1986 and his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1990. Dr. Thielen then completed his residency training in diagnostic radiology at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minn., serving as chief resident from 1993 to 1994. He subsequently completed a three-year combined fellowship in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester.

As leader of Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus, Dr. Thielen will work with Christina Zorn, J.D., vice chair, Administration, and chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic in Florida, to provide leadership and direction, define and implement Mayo Clinic’s operational plan, and expand Mayo Clinic’s leadership and reach in the Southeast.

“Mayo Clinic in Florida has seen tremendous growth under Dr. Farrugia’s leadership and is well-positioned to serve as the destination medical center for the Southeast,” Dr. Thielen says. “I look forward to working with Florida’s leadership and staff, as well as our external partners, to continue to develop our capabilities in Florida and provide new solutions and world-class care for patients, ongoing innovative research and a range of excellent educational offerings.”

Dr. Farrugia has been vice president, Mayo Clinic, and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida, since January 2015. In this role, he has led a staff of more than 6,400 staff members. During his tenure, Mayo Clinic's Florida campus has established itself as the premier destination medical center for the Southeast. There have been significant investments in people, technology and facilities, including the opening of the new 190,000-square-foot Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Building for patients seeking cancer, neurology and neurosurgical care. Since 2016, Mayo Clinic has been named the best hospital in Florida in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals rankings.

“Mayo Clinic’s mission and values are at the forefront of everything we do, and that makes our incredible staff our greatest asset,” Dr. Farrugia says. “With Dr. Thielen’s deep grounding in Mayo’s special culture and values, he will be a tremendous advocate for our employees and ensure the focus will continue to be on meeting the needs of the patients we serve.”

The thorough search process to elect Dr. Thielen included a survey sent to Mayo Clinic voting staff, interviews with Mayo Clinic trustees, and conversations with physician and administrative leaders at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus. Valuable input was obtained regarding potential candidates, the challenges facing Mayo Clinic and the leadership attributes needed for this position.

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