Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Mayo Clinic’s Ophthalmology Residency program in Rochester, Minnesota, aims to provide a comprehensive education in the science and art of ophthalmology. The program offers an integrated PGY 1-4 curriculum designed to equip residents with the necessary skills to excel in both clinical practice and potential subspecialty training.

Program Overview

This residency program highlights a rigorous clinical experience where residents manage a steady flow of patients, fostering clinical autonomy under the guidance of expert faculty. Throughout the program, residents develop meaningful patient relationships while serving as the primary ophthalmologist for various medical and surgical conditions. The training is conducted within the prestigious Mayo Clinic Model of Care, and the program fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity coupled with numerous research and teaching opportunities that enhance the educational experience.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a well-rounded approach combining practical hands-on experiences with comprehensive didactic learning. The integrated PGY-1 internship includes three months of clinical ophthalmology along with nine months of customized broad patient care experiences that include rotations through internal medicine and surgical subspecialties. In subsequent years (PGY-2 to PGY-4), residents receive training in all subspecialty areas such as cataract surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatric ophthalmology, ensuring exposure to the entire spectrum of ophthalmic care 1.

Global Health Track

For the upcoming academic year, a global ophthalmology/health equities track will be introduced to prepare residents for both local and international experiences. This initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills required to provide equitable and empathetic eye care 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Residents benefit from a high volume of hands-on surgical experience from early in the training phase, supported by access to state-of-the-art surgical simulation and wet lab resources. The program also promotes resident participation in national and regional conferences, ensuring that residents are engaged with the broader ophthalmological community.1

Research Opportunities

Research is encouraged throughout the residency, with numerous unique opportunities available to residents. The program is connected to the Rochester Epidemiology Project and offers clinical and translational research training to build a firm foundation for residents aspiring towards academic careers 1.

Application Process

The residency accepts four positions annually, selected through a competitive process conducted via the San Francisco Match. Candidates must possess certain qualifications including graduation from an accredited medical school, completion of USMLE Step 1, and by the start of the PGY-2, passing all USMLE steps within three attempts and completed within seven years. Foreign medical graduates must also have obtained an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate 3.

Visa Support

The program provides assistance and support for visa sponsorship for international applicants. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 visas for eligible foreign medical graduates, facilitating their participation in this residency program.

Competitiveness

The Mayo Clinic’s ophthalmology residency program is recognized as being highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants from both US and international medical schools. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care and academic excellence.

Alumni Outcomes

The success of the residency is underscored by the achievements of its alumni who reflect on their training experiences at Mayo Clinic as transformative, contributing significantly to their career development in various subspecialties across the globe 2.

Department and Faculty

The Department of Ophthalmology comprises over 30 faculty members including experienced ophthalmologists, Ph.D. researchers, and dedicated educators. The faculty are poised to mentor residents and are leaders in numerous national ophthalmology organizations, further enhancing the educational opportunities available to trainees 1.

Resident Life

The program fosters a supportive environment focused on resident wellness, ensuring that residents maintain a healthy work/life balance. Opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development are integral parts of the residency experience, contributing to a strong sense of community among trainees.