Overview
Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers two types of one-year preliminary surgery programs: nondesignated and designated.
Only the nondesignated program openly accepts applications for new residents.
If you are interested in the designated program option, please inquire with that specific residency's education coordinator. The designated program is coordinated through these specialty residencies at Mayo Clinic:
Frequently asked questions (and answers)
We receive more than 1,700 applications each year. Greater than half are for preliminary surgery.
Can I apply to both categorical and preliminary general surgery programs?
Yes, you can apply to both programs.
How many positions will your program offer in 2023-24?
10 general surgery positions
1 rural track position
11 non-designated preliminary positions
Do you take international medical graduates in your program?
Yes, we have international medical graduates in both our general surgery and preliminary programs.
Do you require previous USA experience?
No, it is not required to have previous USA experience.
Do you have a time limit on the number of years out of medical school?
Yes, you must have completed medical school within 5 years of the time you are applying.
Do you have minimum USMLE score requirements?
Yes, You must pass all exams on the first try.
Do you sponsor visas?
Mayo Clinic and the General Surgery residency program sponsor J-1 visas only. NO exceptions will be made to this policy.
When is the application deadline and when are interviews?
The application deadline is Oct. 1.
Interviews are Dec. 14-15, 2023, and Jan. 4-5, 2024.
How can I apply?
All applications are processed through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service).
Do I have to be ECFMG certified at the time of application through ERAS?
The certification process should be started at the time of application and completed by the time the Rank Order List is submitted to the NRMP (approximately mid-February). If you are not completely certified by that time, your name will automatically be dropped from the Rank Order List by NRMP.
How many letters of recommendation do you require?
Three letters are required.
Do you offer an observership?
No, we do not.
Do you participate in program signaling?
Yes. Applicants should signal their most interested programs regardless of whether they are home or away rotations. This is the most fair and equitable process for all applicant types (M.D., D.O., and IMGs) and provides all programs that participate in receiving signals with the same information about interest level.
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