Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona, established in 2011, equips fellows with a comprehensive understanding of vascular surgery over the course of 24 months. The fellowship emphasizes extensive hands-on training and includes a rich endovascular and open surgical experience, enabling trainees to handle both arterial and venous systems effectively. A notable aspect of the program is its specialization in complex aortic interventions, which encompasses FDA-approved aortic endografting and open surgical techniques for varied aortic conditions. The fellowship is designed to cultivate future vascular surgeons grounded in Mayo Clinic's core values of patient care, research, and education, preparing graduates for diverse professional pathways in the field of surgery 1.

Program Structure

The fellowship adopts a structured approach to training, comprising key elements:

• Extensive operative experience, allowing fellows to perform a large number of vascular procedures to build independence.
• Diverse outpatient clinical practice where fellows assess and manage various vascular conditions.
• Robust support for research endeavors, encouraging participation in clinical trials and opportunities to publish findings in prominent journals.

Fellows collaborate closely with the general surgery residency program, enhancing the learning environment through various educational interactions and leadership opportunities 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to maximize clinical exposure and scholarly activity:

• The first year includes ten months dedicated to the vascular surgery service, integrating responsibilities in both open and endovascular surgeries.
• One month is allocated to outpatient vascular lab training, involving ultrasound skill development.
• A month of research is incorporated to ensure fellows engage in academic pursuits, supported by resources for statistical analysis and manuscript preparation.
• The second year emphasizes independent operation and advanced clinical responsibilities, progressively increasing fellows' autonomy in surgical settings.

Fellows are expected to participate in call, which averages every other day, while moonlighting is not allowed during the fellowship period. Didactic training features a schedule of multidisciplinary conferences and lectures, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation in vascular surgery and its related fields 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship. Fellows are required to lead clinical research projects, with the expectation that significant findings will be presented at regional and national vascular surgery meetings. The program provides substantial support for these research initiatives, including assistance with funding travel for presentations, thereby encouraging a culture of inquiry and academic contribution 2.

Application Process

Because the fellowship offers one position every other year, competition is high. Applicants must have completed an accredited general surgery residency program and be eligible for American Board of Surgery certification. The application must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by December 1 of the year before the fellowship. Invitation for personal interviews occurs during March and April, with appointments made through the Vascular Surgery Match supported by the National Resident Matching Program 2.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the fellows.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Admission into the fellowship is highly competitive. Selection criteria focus on robust clinical training, academic excellence, and a commitment to the field of vascular surgery. Graduates from excellent training programs and those with strong letters of recommendation are favored. The fellowship is receptive to applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including those with DO degrees and international medical graduates, although each applicant’s overall qualifications are carefully evaluated. Applicants are advised to check specific requirements regarding maximum failed STEP exams if applicable 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty consists of highly experienced professionals dedicated to both patient care and medical education. Numerous faculty members are recognized for their contributions to vascular surgery and are involved in guiding fellows throughout their training. Each fellow is paired with a faculty adviser to provide oversight and educational support during the fellowship journey 4.