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.

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.