Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education at Mayo Clinic accepts highly qualified residents and fellows for its training programs.

To perform the essential functions of the specialty and meet the standards of the curriculum, applicants should possess these qualities:

• Ability to learn and function in a variety of settings
• Critical thinking skills
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Empathy for others
• Physical and mental stamina
• Sound judgment

Successful candidates exhibit strong qualifications for the specialty they wish to pursue.

General admissions requirements

Medical, surgical and dental residencies and fellowships are open to U.S. citizens, permanent U.S. immigrants and international applicants as follows:

• Medical and surgical residencies are open to qualified graduates of accredited U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
• Dental specialty residencies and fellowships are open to qualified graduates of approved U.S. and Canadian dental schools.
• All graduates from medical schools outside the U.S. and Canada must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to qualify for admission. Information about certification and visa sponsorship, if required, is available from the ECFMG website.
• The following applicants are exempt from USMLEs and ECFMG Certification: 
  • Research-only programs that do not require a medical license, or
  • Dental or Ph.D. programs that do not require a medical license.
• Mayo Clinic generally supports H-1B and ECFMG J-1 visa sponsorship for residents and fellows enrolled in graduate medical education. Other visa types (e.g., O-1) may be considered when deemed appropriate by Mayo Clinic and are not subject to trainee preference or request.
  • To be eligible for H-1B sponsorship for clinical residency or fellow training, IMGs must meet the following requirements:
  • Medical Degree: The applicant must have a medical degree equivalent to a U.S. medical degree.
  • USMLE Exams: The applicant must have passed Steps 1, 2 and 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
  • Certification: The applicant must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
  • Maximum Duration: The maximum duration for H-1B sponsorship is generally limited to six years.
• To be eligible for ECFMG J-1 sponsorship for clinical residency or fellowship training, international medical graduates (IMGs) must meet the following requirements:
  • Medical Degree: The applicant must have a medical degree from a recognized medical school.
  • USMLE Exams: The applicant must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
  • Certification: The applicant must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
  • Training Program Requirements: The training program must be accredited or recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
  • Maximum Duration: The maximum duration for ECFMG sponsorship for clinical training is generally limited to seven years.

*Applicants currently in ECFMG J-1 status cannot change status to H-1B during their clinical training.

*Graduates from U.S. academic institutions may be eligible for F-1 OPT for the first year of training and should always apply for this status with their current academic institution. Mayo Clinic will sponsor applicant for H-1B status once F-1 OPT ends for all additional training years.

• Applicants must upload scanned copies of complete/final transcripts from each graduate school, dental school, and medical school attended and must also provide certified or notarized English translations of documents originally written in a language other than English.
  • Residency applicants who receive an appointment need to request an official transcript from their school(s).
  • Fellowship applicants who receive an appointment may have the official school transcript request waived if it was included within their submitted application.
• Successful candidates must fulfill all applicable licensure eligibility requirements before starting a Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education residency or fellowship.
• A preadmission health review and current immunization record are required prior to starting a Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education program.
• Prospective residents and fellows must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Appointment contract information

Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education extends its residency and fellowship appointment offers through:

• National Resident Matching Program
• SF Match
• Recruit (program director)

Appointments are confirmed via a written letter that constitutes a residency or fellowship appointment to Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. You will be asked to sign and return one copy of the appointment letter.

• View a sample appointment letter

Trainee policies and trainee job description

• View a summary of terms and conditions of appointment
• View trainee job description (including technical performance standards)

Stipend and benefits

• Stipend and benefits