Integrated Community and Rural Surgery Track

A dedicated year within Mayo Clinic Health System for senior residents promotes independent decision-making under the close supervision of board-certified general surgeons and surgical subspecialists in gynecology, orthopedic surgery, urology, otolaryngology, and plastic surgery.

This residencytrack builds on already successful general surgical six-week rotations at Mayo Clinic Health System sites in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Owatonna, Minnesota, where current second-and third-year residents enthusiastically attend continuously. Based on this experience, residents in this track are expected to perform 250 to 300 major operations during these rotations alone.

In addition to operating, residents participate in other educational activities. They are expected to attend office hours, where they have the opportunity to see new patients of the practice. Communications skills are emphasized among referring colleagues, emergency room staff, associate providers, medical colleagues, support staff, family, and, above all, with patients. Residents also have the opportunity to learn the business of medicine, procedural and clinical coding, and office management.

Mayo Clinic's world-renowned research opportunities allow interested residents the option to complete research applicable to the community and rural surgical setting. While not required, allotted time facilitates completion of peer-reviewed articles.

The Integrated Community and Rural Surgery Track adheres to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) work-hour regulations and teaches ACGME competencies. In addition, all faculty are appointed and approved by the Mayo Clinic General Surgery Residency, and all policies are equivalent to the General Surgery Residency. Residents have access to appropriate educational conferences and receive excellent supervision and meaningful evaluations.

The Integrated Community and Rural Surgery Track proudly promotes "the spirit of Mayo Clinic" in its training. Compassion, integrity, cooperation, commitment, wisdom, and professionalism are emphasized as we ready surgeons for the future. Successful graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of community and rural practices and carry with them the Mayo Clinic model of care to the communities of this country and the world.