Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic’s Rochester campus is a one-year program specifically designed for physicians pursuing expertise in sleep medicine, including the diagnosis and management of various sleep disorders. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to training, encompassing both clinical competencies and research opportunities.

Sleep medicine, being a multidisciplinary field, engages various medical specialties. Thus, upon entering the fellowship, trainees are positioned to work closely with faculty from diverse backgrounds including pulmonary medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and family medicine. This collaborative environment fosters a rich educational experience, allowing fellows to encounter a vast array of clinical conditions in both adult and pediatric populations.1

Curriculum Overview

Within the 12-month training period, fellows receive hands-on experience evaluating and managing numerous sleep disorders, such as sleep-apnea, circadian rhythm disruptions, and insomnia. Training is delivered through a combination of clinical supervision and technical training in performing and interpreting polysomnography and other sleep diagnostic methods. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Direct supervision by physician consultants in various specialties throughout clinical training.
• Rotational assignments across multiple disciplines related to sleep medicine, ensuring comprehensive exposure.
• Hands-on training in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Rotations

Fellows will undergo rotations in diverse areas such as general psychiatry, clinical neurophysiology, and pulmonary medicine, facilitating a rounded understanding of how these specialties intersect with sleep medicine.4

Research Opportunities

Research plays an essential role in the Sleep Medicine Fellowship. Each fellow engages in at least one research project, guided by a faculty mentor, allowing for exploration of topics including but not limited to:

• Sleep disordered breathing
• Insomnia management
• Narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome
• Innovative research involving artificial intelligence in sleep monitoring

Fellows are expected to present their research at prestigious conferences, such as the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, with full financial support from the fellowship.3

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a robust faculty team of 25 experts who provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Each fellow is assigned a dedicated faculty adviser who assists in educational guidance, career planning, and personal development.5

Application Process

The fellowship program offers four positions with an application process conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must have completed a residency in a relevant specialty, including Internal Medicine, Neurology, or Psychiatry, to qualify. The competitive nature of the fellowship means that candidates must go through the Sleep Medicine Match, coordinated by the National Resident Matching Program.2

Visa Support

For international applicants, the program provides visa sponsorship, typically in the form of J-1 or H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can partake in this training experience.

Certificate and Accreditation

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and qualifies fellows to sit for the Sleep Medicine Specialty Examination as offered by various boards, including but not limited to the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics.1

Competitiveness and Fellowship Outcomes

This fellowship is highly competitive, with a selection process that underscores the program’s commitment to excellence in training. Graduates of the fellowship are well-prepared for careers in both academic and private practice settings, with a notable percentage pursuing further specialized training or academic roles post-graduation.2

In summary, the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester provides a unique blend of clinical training, research opportunities, and expert mentorship, making it an attractive option for prospective fellows committed to advancing their careers in sleep medicine.