Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, offers two competitive positions annually, geared toward developing expertise in this subspecialty of anesthesiology. This fellowship is particularly suited for graduates who have completed an accredited anesthesiology residency by the time of entry. Accrediting bodies recognized for this qualification include the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

Accessibility in the application process is crucial, with the academic year commencing in July. Candidates are encouraged to begin uploading their applications in January, with all documentation due no later than April 15 of the preceding year. Applications are processed via SF Match, which oversees the Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Match. Candidates invited for interviews can expect to meet with the program director and faculty members between March 1 and May 31 each year 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the fellowship emphasizes clinical training in both regional anesthesia and acute pain management. Fellows engage in diverse clinical cases, focusing on upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks using both single-injection and continuous catheter techniques. Comprehensive training includes conventional, landmark-based approaches, as well as advanced ultrasound-guided techniques. Opportunities also arise to administer paravertebral blocks and manage thoracic and lumbar epidural catheters.

The fellowship combines this clinical experience with didactic training which includes clinical case conferences, core curriculum lectures, and journal clubs among other educational activities. Components such as morbidity and mortality conferences, oral board reviews, and multidisciplinary simulation sessions further enrich the fellows' education 2. Additionally, fellows participate in evaluating their faculty, ensuring educational objectives are effectively met.

Research Opportunities

As part of the Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship, fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activity and research throughout their training. Whether it involves manuscript publication or presentations at national meetings, the program fosters a strong research culture. The Department of Anesthesiology is staffed with experienced investigators who mentor fellows from project development through to publication 3.

Department and Faculty

The Department of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic boasts a collaborative team of over 120 anesthesiologists, fostering a supportive environment aimed at improving patient care and advancing educational standards. With substantial annual patient interactions — exceeding 89,000 — fellows have the opportunity to observe and learn from a wide variety of cases and procedures 4.

Within this collaborative framework, each fellow is paired with a faculty adviser designated to provide personalized educational guidance and support. Additionally, notable visiting professors frequently present lectures and engage in clinical rounds, enriching the fellows’ learning experience.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports visa applications for eligible international medical graduates, providing opportunities for research training and clinical exposure in a leading medical center. This fellowship is recognized for being supportive of diverse backgrounds, which can be advantageous for international candidates.

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, favoring candidates who have demonstrated outstanding clinical skills during their residency. Applicants should note that there may be specific requirements regarding the year of graduation from medical school and the number of failed USMLE or COMLEX examinations allowed.