The Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) opportunity allows you to take part in a two-year fellowship that provides a supportive, counseled environment for you to train and develop the skills you need for a career in biomedical research. This research includes the continuum from basic laboratory studies to clinical trials.

In this program, we aspire to foster a diverse community of new researchers and ensure our clinical trial accruals accurately reflect the diversity of our patient population. 

Through the IMSD program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences presents students with a dynamic research experience in a supportive environment characterized by outstanding resources, a cooperative approach to research, and an atmosphere with the highest level of mutual respect among all students and staff.

The goals of the program are to:

• Offer professional development. The IMSD program provides two years of fellowship support and professional development skills at the outset of Ph.D. training. These assets reduce psychological stress and isolation at a majority institution by increasing peer connections and support.
• Improve communication skills. The IMSD program engages participating students in rigorous oral presentation and grant writing workshops to improve communication skills. Improved oral and written communication skills facilitate success in competitive graduate student fellowship applications, Ph.D. qualifying exams, and later professional achievements.
• Provide ongoing counseling and evaluation. Participants receive continuous counseling and periodic subsequent progress reviews. This process ensures that more than 90% graduate with a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. degree in their intended discipline.