Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

Overview of the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a one-year advanced training program designed to provide residents with comprehensive education and experience in colorectal surgery. The program emphasizes outstanding clinical teaching, a favorable faculty-to-resident ratio, a large patient population, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. This integration of resources allows for a robust hands-on training experience in the "Mayo Clinic Way".1

Program Features

The residency's highlights include:

• A curriculum that prepares residents for certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
• Opportunities to manage a diverse range of colorectal pathologies.
• A one-to-one mentorship model ensuring personalized coaching and guidance.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient care.
• Access to core faculty with expertise in complex inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent rectal cancer, and unique therapies such as Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy (PIPAC).
• Extensive scholarly activities and didactic conferences.
• Quarterly journal clubs and mock oral examinations.
• A cadaver-based curriculum including robotics, open surgery techniques, and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS).1

Training Structure

Clinical Training

Residents participate in preoperative evaluations, operative procedures, postoperative care, and management of emergency conditions. Exposure to minimally invasive surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols is a significant aspect of training, coupled with hands-on experience in an anorectal surgery clinic supervised by consultants.3

Rotation Schedule

The residency encompasses thirteen four-week rotations with individual faculty members, allowing for direct mentorship and comprehensive clinical exposure in the management of colon and rectal diseases.3

Research Opportunities

Upon entering the program, residents undergo structured research orientation to facilitate engagement in clinical and basic research. There are available resources for data collection, statistical support, and funding, encouraging residents to pursue projects and present at national or international meetings.3

Didactic Training

Core didactic components include weekly educational conferences, journal clubs, and mock oral examinations, alongside participation in formal teaching roles for medical students and general surgery residents.3

Competitive Application Process

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed a general surgery residency from an accredited institution. The application process is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required documents include a valid ECFMG certificate, medical school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation from surgeons, among others. A composite USMLE Step score of ≥ 201 is mandated for consideration.2

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, significantly accommodating international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates. This facilitates a more inclusive application process for diverse candidates seeking residency training in the United States.

Meet the Faculty

The faculty in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic is composed of highly trained specialists involved in research and education, dedicated to providing high-quality care. Each resident will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with these faculty members, fostering strong mentor-trainee relationships that enhance the educational experience.5

Residents' Experience

Mayo Clinic attracts a diverse group of residents from around the country and the world. The emphasis on a supportive community allows for personal and professional growth. Residents express satisfaction with the mentoring model, outdoor lifestyle available in Jacksonville, and the emphasis on both surgical education and patient care diversity.4