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February 26, 2026
In honor of National Thank a Resident and Fellow Day on Feb. 27, 2026, we recognize the countless contributions and lasting impressions that residents and fellows make to Mayo Clinic patients and care teams.
Think about the moments that shape a patient's experience at Mayo Clinic. When a patient is in a hospital room with new or worsening symptoms, who helps answer their first questions? Who stays a few extra minutes to explain what happens next? Who checks in again before the day ends?
Often, it is a resident or fellow. At Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, residents and fellows are often among the first to hear patient concerns and the last to leave the bedside. They lead with empathy, curiosity, and skill, ensuring that patients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Mayo Clinic delivers the best care in the world, and we would be unable to do so without the hard work, compassion and collective brilliance of our residents and fellows. They are central to our education and our practice missions, and I'm grateful every day that they've chosen to join us at this stage of their careers. As we mark Thank a Resident and Fellow Day, we extend our deepest appreciation for all they contribute to Mayo Clinic.
Lyell Jones, M.D.
Dean, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
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In honor of National Thank a Resident Day on Friday, Feb. 26, we're highlighting patient stories and moments of exceptional care, reminding everyone how often those experiences are made possible by the compassion and clinical excellence of our residents and fellows. Their work reflects the core value of Mayo Clinic — the needs of the patient come first.
From our patients and care team members
"My most recent visit was with Dr. McEwen, and I truly believe her actions and care saved my life. She thought outside the box into my symptoms and consulted neurology who recommended imaging which showed a vertebral artery dissection. Without imaging, we wouldn't have caught this and started proper treatment. Dr. McEwen did such a fabulous job following up with me, checking in after treatments and in her overall care. My husband, boys, and I are grateful for her!"
Patient of Courtney McEwen Cho, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology resident, Rochester
"When everything in my life felt unmanageable, Dr. Sarah Larson reached out personally and offered to visit me with a behavioral health colleague. They helped me sort through my most urgent needs, find a way to afford my medications and reconnect with mental healthcare. Her kindness — and willingness to meet me where I was — made me feel supported at a time when I truly needed it."
Patient of Sarah N. Larson, M.D., Family Medicine resident, Mankato
"Dr. Khan's attention to every single detail and determination to find a solution was the pinnacle of the Mayo Standard. In addition to his professional demeanor, he was so pleasant. Though a resident, I feel confident Dr. Khan will be a valuable asset to the medical community."
Patient of Hamaad Khan, D.O., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident, Florida
"Dr. Lin provided outstanding care to a patient who was acutely decompensating. She took all the necessary clinical steps and played a key role in coordinating the transfer to a higher level of care when it became needed. Her proactive approach and dedication to patient care were evident throughout. I'm excited to see her growth in the program, and I look forward to collaborating with her in future."
Care team associate of Katherine Lin, M.D., General Surgery resident, Rochester
"We were there all day as the team worked to understand what was going on and ran tests to find the diagnosis. I was very impressed with Dr. Shock, who recognized our anxiety and went above and beyond to keep us updated as plans shifted. He tracked down lab and test results to expedite decisions related to the treatment plan. He was direct, communicated clearly, explained issues thoroughly, and he was compassionate and empathetic. He is an asset to your team!"
Patient of Jordan Shock, M.D., Transitional Year resident, Arizona
"Dr. Kotsis has shown exemplary excellence and compassion by taking charge of the situation and taking ownership of the patient with very complex medical, oncologic and psychological conditions. He demonstrated clinical judgment and communication skills above and beyond what is expected of his training and experience. What a privilege to work with such rising stars who lead with compassion!"
(FNU) Shweta, M.B.B.S., faculty of Christopher Kotsis, M.D., Family Medicine resident, Eau Claire
About Thank a Resident and Fellow Day
In 2018, the Gold Humanism Honor Society dedicated a day of recognition for residents and fellows, encouraging medical students at chapters throughout the nation to show their gratitude and appreciation. Thank a Resident and Fellow Day has since expanded to hundreds of programs around the country.
About Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education is shaping the future of healthcare by inspiring and preparing the next generation of physician leaders to transform patient care at Mayo Clinic and around the world. MCSGME advances graduate medical education through innovative, personalized and technology-enabled training that accelerates readiness for practice and leadership. With more than 2,000 trainees across more than 350 residency and fellowship programs spanning Mayo Clinic's Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona campuses and Mayo Clinic Health System, MCSGME builds on a legacy of developing physicians who have transformed healthcare since 1915.