Student Life

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Video: Get a glimpse of life at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
When you choose Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, you're not just choosing a medical school. You're choosing a community. A community that will support you and challenge you to grow, learn, have fun, and create lasting friendships.
Student wellness and support resources
We recognize the strenuous nature of medical school and the importance of making sure our students are healthy and maintaining a great work-life balance. We intentionally foster a supportive environment designed to help you thrive. Built into our curriculum and supported outside the classroom as well, we prioritize mentorship, student wellness, and overall well-being. We provide several wellness resources and encourage self-care and healthy behavior throughout your time at Mayo Clinic.
Among the many student support resources spanning all areas of well-being and numerous initiatives aimed at promoting wellness, there are a few that remain student favorites. One example is the Student-initiated Wellness Activity grant program that offers financial support to students who want to organize their own wellness events. In the past, some have used this grant to start a kickball league, while others have used it for a painting night.
- Mental health
- Physical well-being
- Advising and tutoring
- Disability access services
Mental health
Support for your mental and emotional health
Your mental and emotional health are important to us. All learners at Mayo Clinic have access to licensed Mayo Clinic counselors through the Office of Wellness and Academic Support, as well as through WellConnect, our external 24/7 learner assistance program.
Physical well-being
Support for your physical well-being
As a medical student at any one of our three Mayo Clinic campuses, you will have access to discounted membership fees to area gyms through PerkSpot, the Mayo Clinic employee discount program.
There are also opportunities to sign up for fitness classes through the Mayo Clinic Well-Being program.
Advising and tutoring
Support to reach your academic goals
Medical students at all three Mayo Clinic campuses have the opportunity to work with an Academic Success Advisor to establish individualized short-term and long-term action plans to support your academic, personal, and professional goals. Peer tutoring supports are also available.
Learn more about academic advising and tutoring services at Mayo Clinic.
Disability access services
Support to minimize barriers and improve access
We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming educational environment. We partner with learners, faculty, and staff to eliminate or minimize barriers to improve access for learners with disabilities by determining and implementing reasonable academic accommodations.
Learn more about Disability Access Services and how to request disability-related accommodations at Mayo Clinic.
Peer mentorship
During your first week on campus, you’ll get welcomed into a mentorship family, called your MedSib family. This "family" consists of one medical student in each year and a faculty member. These mentors assist and support your professional transition, but also make sure you’re finding ways to get involved into the community.
Students rely on these groups for advice on the best ways to study, what to expect in a specific class, tips for time management, where to go for pizza, and everything in between. Students say this is one of the best things about the program!
Student activities and interest groups
Many of our students find joy and personal growth through participating in student activities and interest groups on campus. There are also many student traditions and events to look forward to every year.
A few student favorites include:
- Mixed Bag Talent Showcase event
- Picnics, potlucks, and other student socials
- Interest groups across virtually every medical specialty
- Mentorship programs
- Organized events focused around wellness and well-being
- Local chapters of various national organizations
Community service opportunities
Throughout their training, our medical students are involved in community service, through various student interest groups as well as opportunities to give back that are built directly into our curriculum. During their first year of medical school, our students are introduced to local community organizations. In the second year, they work in community health clinics and are provided a variety of other options to give back and gain experience.
Student perspectives
Here's what a few of our current students and alumni have to say about what they've loved most about life as a medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.
We have access to academic advisors and mental health counselors that we can talk to whenever we're feeling stressed. It's important that we take care of ourselves as students, so that we can care of our patients in the future.
Ewoma Ogbaudu
Medical Student

Student testimonial video:
Ewoma Ogbaudu

Marisa Salazar
I think the Baking Committee, which is in charge of our monthly birthday bashes, is one of my favorite activities (as I love baking). I also enjoy learning more about global health, and planning activities and speakers as a leader of our Global and Public Health student interest group, and helping plan ways for students to learn more Spanish and about various Latino cultures through the Med Spanish interest group.
Marisa Salazar
Medical Student
You're paired with a second-year student who is known as your MedSib. They kind of just guide you throughout your first year and second year. I've been paired with wonderful mentors, both through research and regular work/life balance. Our family is our class.
Shyam Kurian, M.D.
Recent graduate

Student testimonial video:
Shyam Kurian, M.D.

Kari Phillips, M.D.
I think some of my best mentors were my medical siblings. I had an awesome relationship with them, which has allowed me to ask tons of questions about everything from what books to buy to where to go for date nights in Rochester. They’ve helped me keep perspective, stay balanced and find meaning in the day-to-day life of medical school.
Kari Phillips, M.D.
Recent graduate