Sep 6, 1996
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program
Overview
The Internal Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is recognized as one of the world's longest-running physician training programs, established in 1915. It provides rigorous training designed to develop future leaders in medicine who are ready to contribute to patient care, scientific research, and educational advancement within the field of internal medicine.
Program Overview
The residency comprises a 13-block schedule with four-week rotations that include both inpatient and outpatient clinical experiences, providing extensive exposure to various subspecialties. Key features of the residency include:
- Subspecialty-specific primary inpatient services led by field experts.
- A dedicated point-of-care ultrasound and procedural rotation, focusing on essential procedures like lumbar puncture and thoracentesis.
- A diverse range of clinical and non-clinical electives, including global health research and medical journalism opportunities.
- An integrated curriculum centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion, aimed at fostering an inclusive training environment.
- A primary care track, allowing residents longitudinal clinical mentorship and involvement in community-based health projects.
- A 99% passing rate for the American Board of Internal Medicine certification, alongside a high publication rate among residents.
Curriculum Details
The curriculum is designed to offer extensive training in general internal medicine while allowing flexibility for those interested in subspecialty careers. Rotations cover all major internal medicine subspecialties, along with critical care, neurology, and emergency medicine. Educational excellence is emphasized, with faculty chosen for their teaching effectiveness and provided with dedicated teaching time.
Each resident receives comprehensive board review resources and training in procedural skills.
Furthermore, residency education focuses on developing skills in areas vital to high-quality outpatient care, supported by a blend of supervised clinical experiences and continuity clinics that maintain patient rapport.
Conferences and Didactic Learning
Over three years, residents engage in over 800 didactic lectures, including core curriculum conferences and specialized clinical decision-making presentations. Associated with the education is the Enhancing Learning in Medicine (ELM) rotation, tailored to develop clinical teaching skills among residents.
Moreover, residents contribute to academic scholarship through various projects, and the program supports attendance at national conferences to showcase research efforts.
Application and Selection Process
The residency program has 52 categorical positions each year alongside a limited number of preliminary spots. Candidates must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and submit letters of recommendation, academic performance data, and USMLE scores. The program has specific criteria for international medical graduates, including visa sponsorship information.
Residents are required to be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and may be eligible for J-1 or H-1B visas depending on their qualifications.
Personal interviews are conducted from October to December, and candidates are chosen based on their academic credentials and overall suitability for the program.
Resident Experience and Wellness Initiatives
The residency emphasizes not only medical training but also resident wellness through various support systems to maintain work-life balance. The environment at Mayo Clinic promotes collaboration and mentorship among residents and faculty, contributing to both professional and personal growth.
Additionally, residents benefit from a vibrant community life in Rochester, engaging with diverse patient populations, including special programs for underserved communities.
Fellowship Match Success
The program boasts notable success rates in securing fellowship placements, with 88% of residents matching into their top three choices, particularly in competitive fields.
This strong track record is supported by the program's exceptional training, mentorship opportunities, and the esteemed reputation of Mayo Clinic within the medical community.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
70, 49, 54 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 23, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:74% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 91 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]
First Year Salary: $72,565 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 65 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 245–273 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:H1B, J1, F1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:10 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
10%
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
7%
University of Minnesota Medical School
5%
Creighton University School of Medicine
4%
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
No rotation duration data available.
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
Consultative General Internal Medicine for Complex Care: The Model, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned.
Host site experiences with resident and fellow global health electives: a qualitative study.
Location
Rochester, MN [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Rochester, MN
Safety
Rochester is known for its low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
Fun Activities
Residents can enjoy outdoor activities at nearby parks, visit the famous Mayo Clinic, and explore local museums and art galleries.
Climate
Rochester has a four-season climate with cold winters and warm summers, perfect for those who enjoy experiencing all seasons.
Population
Around 120,000 people reside in Rochester, creating a medium-sized city atmosphere.
Educational Opportunities
Rochester is home to the esteemed Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, providing excellent educational resources for residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Rochester is slightly below the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Nearby Cities
Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Rochester by car. Minneapolis offers a vibrant urban experience with cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Pros
- Safe environment
- diverse educational opportunities
- affordable cost of living.
Cons
- Cold winters
- limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1402621208
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/67465e18-3b2d-7fa5-059f-49d2399bf9b3
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2754880
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr