Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Residency at the Mayo Clinic's Rochester, Minnesota campus is a five-year program designed to provide outstanding surgical and medical training in the field of otolaryngology. The program is highly regarded, holding a ranking of #4 among ENT hospitals in the country according to U.S. News (2024-25), and boasts a 100% American Board of Otolaryngology pass rate.

This residency trains residents comprehensively in all areas of otolaryngology, including subspecialties such as otology, rhinology, laryngology, pediatric otolaryngology, head and neck trauma, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck oncology, and sleep surgery. Each year, the program manages roughly 3,200 surgical cases, providing rich clinical exposure to residents.

Curriculum Overview

The residency begins with a combined year of general surgical and otolaryngologic training, involving a detailed internship year. This includes rotations specifically designed for a robust otolaryngological experience, spanning six months of ENT-specific rotations and six months of applicable off-service rotations. The off-service rotations include critical care, emergency medicine, and oral maxillofacial surgery, allowing residents to gain insights applicable to their future careers.1

Subsequent Rotations

In the following years, residents partake in a variety of subspecialty rotations, which include:

• Laryngology
• Head and Neck Oncology
• Rhinology & Anterior Skull Base
• Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base
• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Facial Plastics and Reconstruction
• Sleep Surgery

During the PGY-3 year, residents have opportunities for electives, including global health rotations and community health. This diverse range of rotations prepares trainees for either private practice or academic pursuits post-residency.

Research Opportunities

The Mayo Clinic program strongly emphasizes research, pairing residents with dedicated mentors and providing protected time to pursue projects. The program enjoys a wealth of resources, allowing residents to publish their findings in prestigious journals. Each resident typically averages 9.36 publications and 9.21 presentations annually, highlighting the research-focused aspect of the training.4

Application Process

Every year, the residency program offers five competitive positions. Applicants must be in good standing in their medical school or must have graduated before the match. A sub-internship rotation in otolaryngology is encouraged for fourth-year students to enhance their application. The program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and applicants must register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for possible interviews at Mayo Clinic.2

Resident Life and Wellness

The Mayo Clinic residency prioritizes the well-being of its residents, offering several resources to support physical and mental health. The Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center provides fitness classes and resources for wellness, while the Student Services office offers counseling and enrichment workshops.6

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The residency program actively promotes diversity by employing a holistic approach to application evaluation. This aims to recruit motivated and compassionate resident physicians from diverse backgrounds to enrich the program and enhance patient-centered care. Mentorship programs for underrepresented groups in medicine also play a significant role in the culture of this residency, which values equity and inclusion in all aspects of training.8

Visa Support

The Mayo Clinic residency program supports various visa types, accommodating international medical graduates seeking to train in otolaryngology. The specifics of the visa support depend on individual candidate circumstances, and information is usually shared during the application process.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The Otolaryngology residency at Mayo Clinic is considered highly competitive. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence alongside substantial clinical experience. While the program is competitive, it remains friendly towards qualified D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) candidates, encouraging them to apply.