Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

The one-year Adult Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, provides an extensive training experience focused on the evaluation and management of complex hip and knee problems in adolescents and adults. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing fellows to work closely with faculty on a diverse range of cases while gaining in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in orthopedic surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The Adult Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship involves four three-month rotations, where fellows engage in one-on-one interactions with faculty and gain experience in preoperative consultations, surgical procedures, and postoperative patient management. The rotations are designed to cover all relevant aspects of patient care in adult reconstructive surgery, specifically targeting complex primary and revision hip and knee surgeries, osteotomies, and reconstructions following oncologic resections1.

Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on research and education, allowing fellows to participate in clinical projects or laboratory studies, ideally resulting in a manuscript suitable for presentation or publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Research Training

The program encourages fellows to actively engage in research opportunities and to attend and participate in relevant seminars, journal clubs, and clinical conferences. Each fellow is expected to involve themselves in developing at least one research manuscript, enhancing both their educational experience and contributions to the field of orthopedic surgery2.

Application Process

The selection process for this fellowship is highly competitive. Only one position is available each year, and applicants must demonstrate significant qualifications including the completion of an approved residency in orthopedics and eligibility for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery certification examinations. Applicants must also fulfill the requirements for obtaining an Arizona state medical license. The application process requires submission through the SF Match service, with a strict deadline for complete applications, typically set for the end of October, two years prior to the start date of the fellowship3.

Interviews take place between January and March, and chosen candidates are invited to visit the Mayo Clinic for personal interactions with the program director and faculty.

Training and Faculty

The fellowship is noted for its exceptional faculty, comprising nine orthopedic specialists with significant experience, including those with subspecialty training in adult reconstructive surgery. Fellows are closely supervised throughout their training, allowing for a rich educational experience that blends clinical practice with hands-on learning. The faculty is highly regarded in their field, often publishing and lecturing extensively, which resonates with the fellows' learning opportunities4.

Each fellow is assigned a dedicated adviser who assists in the educational journey, providing personalized support and guidance while facilitating the fellows’ integration into the Phoenix area and the wider Mayo Clinic system. This mentorship is crucial for achieving both personal and professional growth during the fellowship.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is equipped to provide visa support for international medical graduates, typically sponsoring the J-1 visa type for those who qualify. This support is essential for candidates who are non-U.S. citizens or who have graduated from international medical schools, enabling them to participate fully in the training offered by the fellowship.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship is recognized for its highly competitive nature, often attracting a diverse array of applicants, including those from U.S. medical schools as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements may include a maximum number of failures on Step exams, although applicants are encouraged to thoroughly understand the criteria before applying.