Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Neurotology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is designed to provide advanced training in all aspects of neurotologic care, including diagnostic, medical, surgical, and rehabilitative management of disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, facial nerve, and cranial base. The fellowship aims to nurture proficient surgeons, educators, and researchers who will significantly contribute to the specialty.1

Curriculum Overview

Fellowship training occurs in a high-volume quaternary healthcare facility, emphasizing complex neurotologic and skull base training. The curriculum incorporates a blend of clinical experience and research initiatives, with dedicated rotations with individual neurotology faculty for three-month periods to maximize educational exposure.3

Clinical Training

During the fellowship, clinical fellows are actively involved in providing neurotologic care across various settings, including outpatient and inpatient surgical environments. In a typical week, fellows will have dedicated clinic days, operative days, and research days. The program aims to offer comprehensive training in otologic surgery, which includes chronic ear surgery, stapes surgery, vestibular surgery, and cochlear implantation.3

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship, with fellows regularly engaging in both basic science and clinical research. One full day each week is protected for research activities, encouraging fellows to develop and pursue their research ambitions, including submitting articles for peer-reviewed publication and presenting at conferences.3

Unique Aspects

Mayo Clinic prides itself on its mentorship model, allowing fellows to work closely with a dedicated faculty member over extended periods to enhance the educational experience. Additionally, an optional 12-week rotation is offered at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale.1

Application Process

The Neurotology Fellowship accepts one fellow each year through a competitive process. Eligible applicants must be on track to complete an ACGME-accredited residency in otolaryngology before the fellowship starts.2

Applicants must apply via SF Match and follow the specific application protocols, including submitting all required documents by the stipulated deadline. The fellowship also conducts personal interviews with candidates, which are crucial for assessing fit and qualifications.2

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international applicants, sponsoring appropriate visa types, such as J-1 visas, to facilitate their training in the United States.1

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Neurotology Fellowship is known for being highly competitive. Successful candidates typically possess outstanding performance records in residency, with no maximum specified for failed STEP exams. The program remains DO and IMG friendly, welcoming applicants from diverse educational backgrounds while emphasizing a robust foundation in otolaryngology.2

Department Structure

The Department of Otorhinolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery at Mayo Clinic is one of the largest specialty groups globally, facilitating over 80,000 patient visits annually. The department boasts a collaborative approach, working alongside specialists in areas such as neurosurgery and neurology to provide comprehensive care to patients.4

Fellow Experiences

Current fellows describe the program as unparalleled, emphasizing its robust mentorship, diverse case exposure, and numerous research opportunities that collectively contribute to their professional readiness for a career in neurotology.5