Fellow Life

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Gastroenterology fellow does yoga outside in Rochester, Minnesota.

Work-life balance is highly influenced by the nature of the people with whom you work. Mayo Clinic has more than 1,900 residents, fellows, medical, and postgraduate students in Rochester, Minnesota. Over 90 percent of trainees are moving to Rochester from elsewhere and all are looking for friends and people with whom they want to spend time. Numerous activities are organized to allow kindred spirits to find each other.

Many trainees at Mayo Clinic choose to purchase a home here because the cost of living is relatively low. Approximately 30 percent of trainees are single, 30 percent are involved in a serious relationship, and 40 percent are married. Approximately 25 percent of trainees have children. All have been selected because of the richness they will add to the community and their ability to bring out the best in those around them. It is no surprise that trainees develop some of their closest friendships with one another.

Wellness initiatives

As a fellow, your physical and mental health is a priority to both Mayo Clinic and the department. You'll have access to several resources to promote well-being, as well as time off clinical duties to attend appointments. Learn more about life as a Gastroenterology Fellow at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
Groups on campus
Well-being

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.

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.

Life in Rochester

For a relatively small city, Rochester offers a surprising breadth of cultural, recreational, and educational activities. Our fellows love the small town safety and conveniences paired with the big city entertainment and diverse restaurants. With live concerts, craft breweries, and over 3,500 acres of parks and trails, it's never hard to find something to do.

Learn more about our community and what our fellows love about living here:

Food and drinks. Many of our fellows enjoy shopping at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market, spending their free time at one of our many local breweries, or enjoy getting dinner together at one of our local diverse restaurants.
Music, theatre, and art. Our fellows enjoy live music at Down by the Riverside, Harmony for Mayo, Rochester Symphony, and the Choral Arts Ensemble. The Rochester Civic Theatre Company, Commonweal Theatre Company, and the Rochester Repertory Theatre all offer wonderful live theatre productions, and the Rochester Art Center offers both museum and education opportunities.
Recreation. Our fellows often cite the extensive biking and hiking trails as one of the best things Rochester has to offer.
Volunteer opportunities. Many of our fellows choose to spend some of their free time volunteering. Two local opportunities for volunteer work include the Salvation Army free clinic and the Paws and Claws Humane Society.

My favorite things to do in Rochester include going to the Farmer's Market, Thursdays Downtown, and visiting local pizza farms and wineries during the summer months. I like to drive down to the bluffs near La Crescent, Minnesota, as well as to local apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall. I go ice fishing in the winter, and in the spring I visit the local Amish community for my flower and garden planting needs!

Siri Urquhart, M.D.
Gastroenterology Fellow

I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of Rochester. Mayo Clinic is a vibrant presence that brings in people from all over the world while maintaining the intimacy of communities. Summer is most gorgeous, but we do outdoor activities all year long. Every weekend there are numerous free activities organized by community individuals and groups. We love taking our kids to hike, bike, and camp, and really enjoy the Olmstead County Fair.

Johnny Zheng, M.D.
Gastroenterology Fellow