Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, located in Rochester, Minnesota, is designed to cultivate leaders in geriatric medicine. This fellowship provides a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a range of unique clinical and academic experiences tailored to the needs of older adults.

Program Overview

The program operates with a small cohort, ensuring personalized education and a supportive environment. Fellows receive training within a premier tertiary academic medical center, renowned for its ability to provide primary care to local populations as well as complex consultative care for patients from across the globe. The fellowship offers a diverse spectrum of clinical experiences that include:

• Primary Care Geriatric Medicine Clinic
• Consultative home-based geriatric assessments
• Longitudinal training in post-acute and long-term care
• Hospital-based consult services in acute care geriatrics
• Subspecialty rotations in areas such as behavioral neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric cardiology

This foundation enables fellows to enhance their clinical competencies while benefiting from a robust framework of academic resources.

Curriculum and Training Experience

The fellowship provides an extensive clinical training experience, integrating both primary care and subspecialty-based geriatrics. Key aspects include:

• 41 weeks of core rotations and additional vacation time
• Direct supervision and mentorship roles allowing fellows to guide multidisciplinary teams
• Individualized training pathways designed alongside faculty mentors to fulfill personal professional goals
• Opportunities for research involvement in aging-related studies and projects

The program also allows for an optional second year focused on geriatric research, during which fellows can earn credentials such as a certificate or a master's degree in clinical research, backed by the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Admission to the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship is competitive with three positions available each year. Qualified applicants must have completed three years of postgraduate training in an ACGME accredited internal medicine or family medicine residency program. The application process requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with all supporting documents to be submitted by October. Interviews for chosen candidates are conducted between July and November.

Eligibility and Special Requirements

International applicants, including IMGs and DOs, are welcomed as part of this fellowship, and the program can provide visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring support for international medical graduates seeking to train at Mayo Clinic.

Fellow Life and Well-Being Resources

The Geriatric Medicine Fellowship emphasizes the health and wellness of its fellows, granting access to resources like the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, which provides fitness facilities and wellness programs. Additional services encompass academic advising, peer tutoring, and mental health resources, all aimed at maintaining a balanced life during intensive training.

Unique Aspects and Notable Achievements

The Mayo Clinic's Geriatric Medicine Fellowship has consistently achieved a 100% pass rate on the American Board of Internal Medicine Geriatric Medicine Certification Examination among its graduates. The fellowship also enriches the fellows' experience with various teaching opportunities, encouraging them to instruct medical students and residents.

Community and Living in Rochester

Living in Rochester offers a blend of small-town safety and big-city amenities. Residents enjoy a community rich with cultural events, parks, and outdoor activities. The fellowship also fosters camaraderie among fellows, contributing to a collaborative and supportive training environment.