Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science/Phoenix Children's Hospital (Phoenix) Program

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in collaboration with Phoenix Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive two-year training program. This fellowship is designed for physicians pursuing advanced education and practice in pediatric surgery. The program provides rigorous clinical training primarily at Phoenix Children's Hospital, a distinguished center for pediatric care and education.

Training Environment

The program is committed to fostering an academic environment that emphasizes clinical excellence, research opportunities, and educational development for pediatric surgeons. Fellows benefit from the combined resources of the Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital, ensuring exposure to a variety of clinical cases and educational experiences that are crucial for a successful career in pediatric surgery 1.

Program Structure

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship is structured over two years:

Year One

In the first year, fellows undergo intensive training in managing pediatric surgical patients, spending a minimum of nine months in the pediatric surgery service. The remaining three months are allocated to experiences in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the urology service. This year is focused on building foundational skills necessary for pediatric surgery and includes opportunities to collaborate with gastroenterology, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery teams to enhance technical skills 2.

Year Two

The second year allows fellows to refine their clinical skills while taking on leadership roles. This includes additional responsibilities on the pediatric surgery service and more tailored experiences with subspecialties that align with personal career interests. The chief fellow leads the team, coordinates educational conferences, and supervises junior fellows, contributing to the development of leadership qualities alongside advanced surgical training 3.

Research Opportunities

Faculty members who train fellows include full-time pediatric surgeons with diverse expertise, including minimally invasive surgery, trauma care, oncology, and neonatal surgery. Faculty are engaged in both local and multi-institutional research projects, providing fellows with opportunities to participate in meaningful research initiatives that can enhance their clinical and academic careers 3.

Application Process

Each year, there is one fellowship position available, and selection is highly competitive. Candidates must hold a Doctor of Medicine or equivalent and have completed an ACGME-approved general surgery residency. Applicants need to be eligible to take the General Surgery Qualifying Examination by the American Board of Surgery. The application process requires submission via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participation in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known for being competitive and fosters an inclusive environment, friendly to both US and international medical graduates (IMGs) including those who hold a DO degree. The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international applicants, which is essential for fellows needing visa assistance to participate in the fellowship 2.

Unique Aspects

One notable aspect of the fellowship at Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital is the collaborative environment that promotes a balance between clinical practice and academic research. Fellows receive mentorship and support from experienced faculty and gain invaluable insights into the pediatric surgical field, preparing them for future leadership roles in healthcare 1.