Resident Life

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The main Phoenix campus buildings are shown at sunrise

Wellness initiatives

As a trainee, your physical and mental health are priorities to Mayo Clinic and the department. Trainees 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 PerkSpot, a Mayo Clinic employee discount program. PerkSpot provides you with many well-being options. Mayo Clinic residents or fellows at our three campuses can get discounted membership fees to area gyms.

All Mayo employees, including Arizona learners, can also sign up to take live virtual fitness classes or view recorded fitness classes offered by the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC).

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. MERGs are employee-led affinity groups 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.

Well-being

Cardiovascular diseases fellow works on a computer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Office of Academic Support and Well-Being 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 Academic Support and Well-Being office.

Life in Arizona

City living

Phoenix is a vibrant and rapidly growing city, now the fifth largest in the U.S. with a metro population of over 5 million. Known for its unique blend of urban energy and suburban comfort, Phoenix offers something for everyone — from dynamic downtown living to quieter residential neighborhoods. Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s clinical sites are conveniently located, and many of our residents live within a short 10–15-minute drive from work. Phoenix boasts a wide range of housing options to fit your lifestyle.

Weather and outdoor recreation

With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Winters are mild and pleasant, offering an ideal setting for hiking, running, cycling, and exploring the desert landscapes. Phoenix is consistently ranked among the top cities for hiking and outdoor recreation, featuring over 180 city parks, 30,000 acres of desert preserves, and nearly 200 miles of trails. Whether you're climbing Camelback Mountain before a shift or enjoying a sunset hike on South Mountain, outdoor adventures are always close by.

Sports and culture

Phoenix offers a vibrant sports and cultural scene year-round. The city is home to major professional teams in the NFL, NBA, and MLB, along with the energy of college athletics at nearby Arizona State University. Spring Training is a local tradition, with 15 Major League Baseball teams calling the Valley home each year. For those interested in the arts, Phoenix offers world-class performances at venues like the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Ballet, and the historic Orpheum Theatre, along with countless concerts, festivals, and art walks throughout the year.

Food and dining

Phoenix’s culinary scene is diverse, innovative, and growing rapidly. From award-winning chefs to neighborhood gems, the city offers a wide array of dining experiences. Residents enjoy everything from authentic street tacos and trendy brunch spots to upscale farm-to-table restaurants and global cuisine. Whether you're celebrating after a night shift or enjoying a relaxed weekend meal, you’ll find plenty of options that suit every craving and budget. The local coffee, craft beer, and cocktail scenes are thriving as well, making Phoenix a true hidden gem for food lovers.

Resident resources

Fitness and wellness resources

As a resident at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, you’ll have access to a private, learners-only fitness center and wellness studio, conveniently located right on our Phoenix campus. In addition, Mayo residents and fellows receive discounted memberships to local gyms and fitness centers through PerkSpot, Mayo Clinic’s employee discount program. Beyond the gym, all Arizona trainees can participate in a variety of fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and health seminars through the Department of Integrative Health and the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Program — offering even more ways to stay active and prioritize your health during residency.

Support for well-being

At Mayo Clinic, your well-being is a top priority. Our institution offers a wide range of resources designed to support your academic success, emotional health, financial literacy, and personal growth. Services include coaching and mentorship, interview preparation, and accommodations for learners with disabilities or health needs. Mental health services are readily available, including confidential counseling, stress management workshops, and burnout prevention programs. Additional enrichment sessions cover essential life skills such as budgeting, resilience building, and career development — helping you thrive both inside and outside of the hospital.

Community and connection

Mayo Clinic fosters a strong sense of community by offering opportunities for residents to connect beyond clinical training. Learners are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of campus groups, social events, and interest-based organizations. Residents can also join one or more Mayo Employee Resource Groups (MERGs) — employee-led affinity groups that promote belonging, cultural awareness, and an inclusive environment. MERGs provide valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and personal growth experiences throughout your training.

Belonging

At Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the Department of Emergency Medicine is committed to building a residency program and workforce that reflects the diverse and vibrant community we serve. We believe that fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens every aspect of our mission across Mayo’s three shields: patient care, research, and education. A wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhances innovation, deepens research insights, improves patient outcomes, and helps create a more supportive, resilient healthcare environment.

This commitment is rooted in the vision of our founders. As Dr. William J. Mayo stated, "Within its walls all classes of people, the poor as well as the rich, without regard to color or creed, shall be cared for without discrimination." We continue to honor that promise today, striving to ensure that every patient, learner, and team member is welcomed, respected, and valued.

Our leadership is dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of a workforce that mirrors the community we serve. Our culture is guided by Mayo Clinic’s core values — Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence, and Stewardship — the principles known as RICH TIES. These values shape how we work together, how we care for patients, and how we grow as a community.

Mayo Fellows Association (MFA)

The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) offers a peer and social support network for residents and fellows and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The MFA also holds an annual resident and fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support.