Fellow Life

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Five attendees pose for a photo with a large, light-up ‘Grad 2023’ sign during the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME) graduation and award ceremony.

We are a tight-knit program that recognizes the strenuous nature of training and the importance of making sure our fellows are happy, healthy, and maintaining a great work-life balance. Outside of work, our fellows are able to enjoy the Phoenix/Scottsdale areas and their numerous attractions. While Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the nation, it is unique in its closeness to wilderness and nature, providing opportunities to enjoy both city life and the great outdoors.

Wellness initiatives

As a trainee, your physical and mental health is a priority to both Mayo Clinic and our department. You will have access to several resources to promote well-being, as well as time off clinical duties to attend appointments.

Fitness centers
Groups on campus
Well-being

Fitness centers

Fitness options at Mayo Clinic in Arizona As a resident or fellow at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, you have access to an exclusive learners-only gym and wellness center conveniently located on the Phoenix campus. Additionally, Mayo Clinic residents or fellows at our three campuses get discounted membership fees to area gyms through PerkSpot, the Mayo Clinic employee discount program.

All Arizona learners can also sign up to take fitness classes and health workshops through the department of Integrative Health or through the Mayo Clinic Well-Being program.

Groups on campus

Trainees at the MERG fair Opportunities to join a variety of groups on campus provide regular social activities and can help enhance your training while connecting with a broad group of peers.

Trainees have the opportunity to join a Mayo Employee Resource Group (MERG) at any time during their training program. Current MERGs on the Phoenix/Scottsdale campus in Arizona include groups based on African, Asian, and Latino heritage as well as groups focused on veterans, global health, leadership development, and LGBTI and differently-abled staff and allies.

Well-being

Cardiovascular diseases fellow works on a computer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Student Services office provides resources to promote academic, emotional, social, cognitive, financial, and physical well-being. Career and academic services include academic advising, peer tutoring, and accommodations for learners with disabilities or health conditions. Mental health services, counseling, interview practice, and a variety of enrichment sessions on topics like budgeting, resiliency, and stress and burn-out are also available through the Student Services office.

Mayo Clinic Arizona Residents and Fellows Association (RFA)

The Mayo Clinic Arizona Residents and Fellows Association (RFA) offers a peer and social support network for trainees and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The RFA also holds an annual Resident-Fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support.

Life in Phoenix

Our fellows love the beautiful scenery and opportunities for adventure that Arizona has to offer, as well as the big city entertainment and diverse restaurants in the Phoenix area. Our beautiful and rugged landscape offers year-round recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, and biking. In Downtown Phoenix, you'll enjoy an eclectic art scene, sports arenas, concert venues, and endless dining options, and many of our fellows love the nightlife scene in Scottsdale's entertainment district.

Advanced esophageal disease fellow Diana Snyder, M.D.

Living in Scottsdale is wonderful! There are many activities to do on the weekends in the local Scottsdale and Phoenix area, including many hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Fun weekend road trips to nearby towns in Arizona are essential, including hiking in the red rocks of Sedona, skiing in Flagstaff, and touring the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon. It is also a reasonable drive to the national parks of southern Utah, with Zion and Bryce being my favorite.

Diana Snyder, M.D.
2021 Advanced Esophageal Disease Fellowship Graduate

After doing my residency and fellowship in the northeast and midwest, I was excited to move to Scottsdale! There are great restaurants with a diversity of cuisine. There are also several opportunities for outdoor activities from hiking to sking!

Nasim Parsa, M.D.
2022 Advanced Esophageal Disease Fellowship Graduate