Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus is a three-year program designed for physicians specialized in obstetrics and gynecology or urology who are interested in focusing on urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery. This fellowship provides comprehensive training in the management of complex benign pelvic surgeries, including incontinence and prolapse, while equipping fellows with the medical and surgical skills necessary to address a wide range of pelvic floor disorders.

Program Highlights:

• The fellowship emphasizes a broad experience in pelvic surgery, focusing on both urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, while also including training in radical pelvic surgery and complex abdominal and colorectal surgeries.
• Fellows receive extensive surgical training across multiple modalities including vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, and open techniques.
• A multispecialty approach is adopted in evaluating and managing urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, which includes collaboration with specialists in gastroenterology, urology, neurology, colorectal surgery, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Hands-on training also encompasses clinical evaluations, urodynamics, cystoscopy, and nonsurgical treatment approaches for various urogynecologic dysfunctions.
• Fellows are granted the chance to pursue a Master of Biomedical Science degree specifically in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery during their fellowship.
• The training program integrates an extensive schedule of conferences and didactic sessions dedicated to urogynecology, pelvic floor dysfunction, congenital anomalies, neuro-urology, and complex gynecologic surgeries.
• Graduates from the fellowship achieve a 100% pass rate on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification exam.

Curriculum Structure:

The first ten months of the fellowship are devoted to research and graduate coursework with no clinical responsibilities. The fellows will have additional research rotations in the subsequent years, cumulating to 12 months of focused research experience. The Master’s program consists of courses tailored to research methodologies, statistics, and epidemiology.

Fellows also participate in cadaveric labs and simulation activities related to advanced pelvic surgery techniques, including urethral stenting and surgical applications for prolapse management.

Research Opportunities:

The Mayo Clinic provides an exceptional research environment, highlighted by a robust support infrastructure including dedicated statistician resources, study coordinators, and survey research facilities. Fellows are expected to engage in research projects that will lead to presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Process and Eligibility:

Each year, the fellowship admits one fellow through a competitive selection process. Candidates must have completed a residency in either obstetrics and gynecology or urology, accredited by ACGME or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Applications are submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and require various supporting documents including three letters of recommendation, with one from the residency program director.

The program is relatively competitive, appealing to both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), particularly due to its focus on mentorship and surgical training.

Unique Aspects:

The fellowship at Mayo Clinic integrates wellness initiatives designed to promote both mental and physical health for trainees. The program emphasizes creating a supportive environment that fosters work-life balance, reflecting the culture of Mayo Clinic.

The faculty comprises experienced urogynecologists who provide structured mentorship throughout the fellowship, ensuring personalized training through a one-on-one surgical apprenticeship model.

Furthermore, fellows at Mayo Clinic enjoy a collaborative atmosphere that extends beyond clinical training. They are actively involved in community engagement initiatives through programs such as the Destination Medical Center, enhancing both their professional and personal development.

Successful completion of the fellowship results in eligibility to sit for subspecialty boards in both the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Urology for urogynecology.