Day 6: Mayo Clinic
May 1,2023 / 
By AANA
Another early morning for the 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows as they embark on an adventure through the Grand Canyon. Joined by former AANA Traveling Fellow Kostas Economopoulos, M.D., the Traveling Fellows left their hotel in Phoenix bright and early and headed to Glendale Municipal Airport where they would board two Cessna 172 airplanes and head to Sedona via the Grand Canyon. Clockwise from left: Catherine Hui, M.D., Theodore Shybut, M.D., Albert Gee, M.D., FAANA, Nicholas Sgaglione, M.D. and Peter Vezeridis, M.D.
A quick briefing of the flight plan from the 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows’ pilots, Chris and Christine.
The 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows are preparing for takeoff alongside former AANA Traveling Fellow Kostas Economopoulos, M.D. and Pilot Christine. From left: Albert Gee, M.D., FAANA, Kostas Economopoulos, M.D. and Theodore Shybut, M.D.
Catherine Hui, M.D. (center) and Peter Vezeridis, M.D. (right) join Godfather Nicholas Sgaglione, M.D. (left) and Pilot Chris in one of the planes preparing for takeoff.
A spectacular scenic flight through one of the world’s wonders leads to many postcard pictures for the 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows.
Godfather Nicholas Sgaglione, M.D. conquers his fear of heights and is very grateful to Chris, their pilot, for a safe flight and landing at Sedona airport where we were met by Justin Makovicka, M.D. who graciously drove from Phoenix to pick up the team for lunch in Sedona. From left: Theodore Shybut, M.D., FAANA, Albert Gee, M.D., FAANA, Nicholas Sgaglione, M.D., Kostas Economopoulos, M.D. and Peter Vezeridis, M.D.
The 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows paid tribute to their Mexico City leg on the Traveling Fellowship journey with a Mexican lunch. They then joined John M. Tokish, M.D., FAANA for a legendary Pink Jeep Tour.
A thrilling (and bumpy) off-road experience leads to stunning views of Sedona and Red Rock Country during the Pink Jeep Tour.
After the Pink Jeep Tour, the 2023 AANA Traveling Fellows return to Phoenix for dinner and a quick lesson from John Tokish, M.D., FAANA on Bourbon. A big thanks to Dr. Tokish, Kostas Economopoulos, M.D., Justin Makovicka, M.D. and Mayo Clinic Arizona for their incredible hospitality. Many lifelong relationships were made. Farewell, Phoenix! From left: Justin Makovicka, M.D., Peter Vezeridis, M.D., Albert Gee, M.D., FAANA, Nicholas Sgaglione, M.D., Catherine Hui, M.D., Kostas Economopoulos, M.D., John Tokish, M.D., FAANA and Theodore Shybut, M.D., FAANA.