May 20, 2025

By Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science staff

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Mayo Clinic alumni across the years reflect on their education at Mayo Clinic and how it has impacted them over the years.

John Wilkinson, M.D. (MED ’78, FM ’81), is a family physician in the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In his research, he focuses on healthcare delivery, improved systems for integrated behavioral health, patient education, and preventive services.

Dr. Wilkinson reflects on his time at Mayo Clinic.

I was in the third class of Mayo Medical School and one of the first graduates to join the staff. I’ve been on the staff now for over 43 years. Early in my career, I was fortunate to be able to continue to consult with my teachers and mentors.

In recent years, I’ve been fortunate to be able to get to know and rely upon younger colleagues who represent an unbroken chain of world-class skills and knowledge.

You may think you’re coming here for a short period of time as a medical learner, but you may never leave. I am very proud of my lifetime of involvement with Mayo Clinic.

This and other alumni stories originally appeared in the 2025 issue 1 of Mayo Clinic Alumni Magazine.