Page Content

Resident Life

Group photo of 2024 dermatology resdients

What do the Dermatology residents love about the program and living in Rochester? At work, they report feeling supported by peers and faculty to pursue their unique interests. They value learning about and treating common and rare dermatologic conditions while collaborating with specialties across Mayo Clinic to offer the best possible care. Our residents also feel the program has an excellent work/life balance, and faculty take feedback and concerns seriously so outside-of-work life is prioritized.

Rochester is consistently recognized as one of the best cities to live in the country. But take it from our residents: they love the safety, convenience, diversity, and entertainment and recreation options in the city. Residents with families have found it to be a wonderful place to raise children. Many of our residents come from large cities, and they are happy to say Rochester is a thriving, mid-sized city with no shortage of things to do (and commutes are much easier!). Inside and outside of work, they find a welcoming and supportive community from their peers, mentors, neighbors, and friends.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Mayo Clinic is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce to best serve our patients and communities. In Dermatology, you have access to all of Mayo Clinic’s DEI resources, as well as resources unique to the department:

  • Skin of Color Journal Club—quarterly meetings between Dermatology faculty and residents to review and discuss skin of color literature to better treat conditions unique to patients with skin of color.
  • Dermatology Diversity Team—a group of members from all areas of the department who work together in supporting DEI initiatives.
  • Educational Sessions—presentations and training from faculty and guest lecturers during the year to discuss skin of color and DEI topics.
  • EverybodyIN Conversations—virtual gatherings twice a month (open to all Mayo Clinic staff) to create a safe place to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, and our differences. Each conversation is led by a guest speaker and focuses on a different theme.
  • Mayo Employee Resource Groups (MERGs)— employee-led groups centered around different dimensions of diversity to promote belonging, increase cultural awareness, and foster an environment of respect and inclusivity. Any Mayo Clinic employee can join a group of interest and choose their level of involvement.
  • The OUTList— an internal resource created by the LGBTI MERG that promotes community, visibility, and mentoring among faculty, staff, and trainees who are part of the LGBTI community.
  • The Student National Medical Association and National Medical Association conferences—provide a place for you to share and learn diversity and inclusion best practices.
  • The Mayo Clinic Trainee Diversity and Inclusion Committee—a group that recruits and mentors applicants from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.
Nineteen people from the Dermatology Residency in Rochester, Minnesota, gathered for a group photo while on a beach outing.

Follow us on Instagram to keep up with our program!

Our resident-managed account shares resident accomplishments, publications, and other highlights of life in Rochester.

Wellness initiatives

Physical and mental health is important for everyone on the Dermatology team. During your time at Mayo Clinic, you’ll have access to resources, events, and benefits to support your wellness as a resident:

  • Planned resident events throughout the year (organized by the resident Well-Being Committee) to explore and enjoy Rochester with your fellow Dermatology residents.
  • Department events with the whole Dermatology team, like catered lunches/treats on-site, and baseball games and apple orchard trips off-campus.
  • Paid vacation and benefits, insurance programs, and family services.
  • Volunteer opportunities, either offered by the resident Service/Community Engagement Committee or the department.
  • Access to free counseling service through Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.
  • Dermatology faculty/resident fitness challenge each winter to keep you active during the colder months.

Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center

Trainees taking a yoga class at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.Trainees have access to the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC), which is located on both Mayo Clinic campuses (downtown and Saint Marys) in Rochester, Minnesota. This state-of-the-art fitness facility offers basic classes (including free weights, stretching, cardio, and more), drop-in classes, evaluation services, group training, virtual personal training, and virtual wellness coaching.

Membership to the DAHLC is available at a low cost to trainees and their families through payroll deduction.

Video: Dan Abraham Health Living Center 
Video: A look inside the Dan Abraham Health Living Center 

Groups on campus

Several groups on campus help you connect with other fellows and their families, such as the Mayo Fellows Association, the Mayo Families' Connection, and Mayo Employee Resource Groups.Several groups on campus help you connect with other fellows and their families, such as the Mayo Fellows Association, the Mayo Families' Connection, and Mayo Employee Resource Groups. These groups help enhance your training by providing and organizing wellness initiatives and social activities.

Workshops for spouses and significant others are also available.

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.

Accompanying Talent

Mayo Clinic is committed to helping your significant other find employment before your move to Rochester. This program, referred to as Accompanying Talent, is available to all matched trainees and has contacts with employers in Rochester, the surrounding area, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

We offer opportunities for your spouse or partner to connect with opportunities at Mayo Clinic as well as with external companies. Personalized support is available, including:

  • Career counseling
  • Resume writing and interviewing workshops
  • Mock interviews
  • Invitation-only networking
  • Informational interviews or job observations

A year in Rochester

Maybe you’ve heard Minnesota referred to as “MinneSNOWta.” It’s true, there can be lots of snowy days in the winter. But one of the joys of being in Rochester is experiencing all four seasons: fresh snow around the holidays, blooming flowers in the spring, long and sunny summer days, and colorful leaves with crisp weather in the fall. Even residents who come from warmer places enjoy all that Rochester has to offer throughout the year—including in winter!

Five residents took a group selfie while holding to-go drinks in front of a local coffee shop.

When fall comes, we’re ready for the coziness of warm drinks and crisp weather. A Rochester fall is a beautiful time of year for trips to apple orchards, hikes to see fall foliage, backyard bonfires, and celebrating Mayo Clinic Heritage Days.

Nine people wearing winter holiday sweaters stood in front of a holiday-decorated tree for a group photo.

You can make the most of the snow with ice skating, sledding, and skiing, but winter is also the perfect time for being together indoors by a fire. We always look forward to the holiday parties and the annual Social-ICE event in downtown Rochester.

Two residents play pickelball.

Spring brings warmer weather for being outside and on the pickleball courts. Our residents also love the walking and biking trails around Rochester to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Six residents wearing duck floaties and surrounded by other floatables gathered for a photo on the beach.

Summer in Minnesota means one thing: Lake time! We also recommend Thursdays Downtown, the farmers market, dinner on a restaurant patio, and live outdoor music in Rochester.

Residents' recommendations

There are so many things to try in Rochester, but here are some fan-favorite restaurants, events, and places our residents personally love.

Restaurants

  • Cafe Steam
  • ThaiPop
  • Benedict’s
  • Hollandberry Pannekoeken
  • Forager Brewery
  • Bleu Duck Kitchen
  • Pasquale’s
  • Nupa
  • The Workshop Food Hall
  • Flapdoodles

Events

  • Thursdays Downtown
  • Down by the Riverside concerts
  • Rochester Honkers Baseball
  • Rochester Pride
  • Rochester Farmers Market

Places

  • Quarry Hill Nature Center
  • Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC)
  • Mayo Civic Center
  • Roca Climbing & Fitness

A day in the life of a resident

The Dermatology residents enjoy being together during work hours and have lots of adventures outside of Mayo Clinic. See what they get up to at work, in Rochester, and even across the country.