Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Clinical Microbiology, M.D. (ACGME) or Ph.D. (CPEP) Postgraduate Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, is an esteemed educational program designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced training in medical microbiology. The program is unique, providing an integrated approach to learning within the renowned Mayo Clinic healthcare system, celebrated for its commitment to medical innovation and quality patient care.

This fellowship enhances fellows' expertise in diagnostic microbiology, clinical consultation related to infectious diseases, laboratory management, and infectious disease pathology. Graduates are well-prepared for directorship roles in clinical microbiology laboratories, focusing on diagnosing infections caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

Program Structure

Fellowship Options

The program offers two distinct fellowship tracks:

• Ph.D. (CPEP) Program: A two-year program for those with a doctoral degree that encompasses specialized training in clinical microbiology.
• M.D. (ACGME) Program: A one-year program tailored for medical graduates with prior residency training in pathology or infectious diseases.

Core Rotations and Responsibilities

Fellows will experience comprehensive training through rotations in seven specialized clinical microbiology laboratories, engaging with board-certified microbiology medical lab directors. Key experiences include:

• Hands-on practical training across bacteriology, mycology, virology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, and molecular microbiology.
• Involvement in clinical consultations and on-call responsibilities alongside infectious disease clinicians and laboratory services.
• Opportunity to rotate at partner Mayo Clinic campuses in Jacksonville, Florida, or Scottsdale, Arizona.

Curriculum and Education

The fellowship curriculum is designed to blend didactic sessions with practical lab experiences, self-directed learning, and research time. It includes:

• Core microbiology education through lectures and small group discussions.
• Critical exposure to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular assay techniques.
• Structured research project leading to the development or evaluation of diagnostic tests, with a focus on peer-reviewed publication.

Research and Publications

The program places significant emphasis on research, expecting fellows to publish at least one article in a peer-reviewed journal and participate in national conferences. Resources for research include support from the DLMP Research Innovation Office, providing administrative assistance to allow fellows to concentrate on scientific inquiry.

Application and Admission Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

The Clinical Microbiology fellowship programs are particularly competitive and require specific qualifications:

• For the Ph.D. (CPEP) Fellowship: Applicants should ideally hold Ph.D., M.D., Sc.D., or similar advanced degrees. DCLS and Pharm.D. degrees require verification for eligibility.
• For the M.D. (ACGME) Fellowship: Applicants must have completed a residency in an accredited pathology program or a primary medical specialty residency, or a fellowship in infectious diseases.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international applicants, primarily processing J-1 and H-1B visas to accommodate qualified candidates.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must submit their applications through the appropriate channels before the stated deadlines. Core components of the application include:

• A letter of recommendation from residency program directors and/or thesis supervisors.
• Completion of mandatory application supplemental documents.
• Participation in a personal interview scheduled in advance of the program start.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates from the Clinical Microbiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic are recognized for their superior training, boasting a 100% pass rate for the American Board of Pathology's Medical Microbiology exam. With their rigorous training and comprehensive skill set, many fellows proceed to prestigious fellowship placements or clinical roles in leading healthcare organizations.

Fellow Life and Support Systems

The Mayo Clinic fosters an environment that prioritizes fellows' well-being. From facilities dedicated to promoting physical and mental health to active mentorship opportunities, the program invests in the holistic development of its trainees. Fellows are part of a vibrant learning community backed by robust resources, facilitating both personal and professional growth.

Faculty and Training Environment

The faculty in the Clinical Microbiology program are highly regarded professionals committed to education and fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. The depth of their expertise provides fellows with insights into both clinical practice and the management of complex laboratory operations.