Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

At the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, the Emergency Medicine Residency Program in Rochester, Minnesota, represents a pinnacle of training in emergency medicine. The program, fully accredited by the ACGME, guides residents through a comprehensive curriculum over 48 months, emphasizing the needs of the patient as the foremost mission of practice and education. This residency is designed to cultivate leaders who excel in academic, community, or rural emergency medicine by providing exposure to a diverse range of cases and innovative training opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum incorporates a variety of clinical rotations, allowing residents to develop essential skills across different areas. From commonplace emergencies to complex conditions encountered at a major referral center, residents benefit from rigorous training at a Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and the only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center in a large catchment area. In total, Mayo Clinic manages approximately 85,000 annual emergency department visits, ensuring a rich and diverse patient experience for residents 1.

Rotations

Mayo Clinic offers residents diverse rotation opportunities including emergency psychiatry, pediatric emergency medicine, and critical care rotations, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Notably, off-service rotations are typically centered around the emergency department, facilitating learning from experts in pivotal consultative fields such as cardiology and neurology 1.

Specialty Tracks

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, the program will introduce specialty tracks based on resident interests and emerging fields in emergency medicine. Tracks available will include Clinical Innovation and Informatics, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Education, Global Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and a Research track. Each track aims to deepen knowledge in the specified area and enhance readiness for future fellowship matches.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training

The residency includes significant training in emergency medical services, providing longitudinal exposure to EMS and prehospital medicine across all four years of residency. Residents participate in a series of EMS experiences, assisting in medical decision-making and patient care in collaboration with paramedic crews and through ride-alongs with the Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service 2.

Research Opportunities

Mayo Clinic's Emergency Medicine Residency prioritizes research, offering residents the chance to engage in clinical and translational research projects. Residents are supported to design and conduct research under mentorship from experienced faculty, with resources available to assist in methodology, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation. The residency strives to ensure that every resident is equipped with the research skills needed to innovate within the field of emergency medicine 3.

Application Details

The program accepts nine residents annually, making the selection process competitive. Applicants typically apply during their fourth year of medical school, submitting their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by December 1, preceding the program start date. Candidates invited for interviews will have an opportunity to meet program directors and faculty members 2.

Visa Support

The program sponsors the necessary visas for qualified international medical graduates, ensuring that candidates from diverse backgrounds can apply. Types of visas supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the opportunity for international applicants to train at one of the foremost medical institutions in the country.

Competitiveness

While the program is highly competitive, it maintains a welcoming environment for applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates. Diversity is not only a core value but is emphasized in recruitment strategies to reflect the community it serves 4.

Unique Aspects

Residents at Mayo Clinic benefit from a culture of wellness where initiatives are in place to support both physical and mental health. The faculty is dedicated to mentorship and relationship-building, fostering an environment of collaboration among residents and staff. Also notable is the emphasis on hands-on training, including state-of-the-art simulation training for critical procedures, further enriching the residency experience 5.

Conclusion

The Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine Residency Program stands as a beacon for future emergency medicine leaders. With its robust curriculum, commitment to research, and supportive environment, it equips residents with not only the clinical skills required for excellence in emergency medicine but also the ability to innovate and lead within this dynamic field.