Tell us about your residency experience as an international medical graduate.

Intern year is challenging no matter where you train, but as an international medical graduate, being away from home adds an extra layer of difficulty. That said, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive exceptional support from my co-residents and the residency leadership team. From day one, I felt welcomed into a community that genuinely cares about each other's well-being. Over the past year, I have built lasting friendships and established a support system that has truly become my home away from home. The collaborative spirit and camaraderie within the program have made the challenges of residency feel more manageable.

What is the camaraderie like among residents?

The camaraderie among residents here is truly remarkable. Moving to Rochester alone, thousands of miles from my family, I never anticipated how quickly my co-residents would become my second family. They have become my closest support system, offering guidance, friendship, and a sense of belonging. I genuinely rely on them for both professional support and personal encouragement, making this experience far more meaningful than I could have imagined.

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for your residency training?

When I was selecting a residency program, the characteristic I prioritized highest was the happiness of the current residents. I knew that a lot of the programs on my list would provide great training, but I wanted to know that residents were well taken care of. When I met the current residents and chiefs, I saw that they were friends and not just colleagues, had bright smiles even when coming straight from an inpatient shift and heard of all of the program’s benefits otherwise. Having trained here, I can confirm what I heard multiple times during our virtual second looks: “This was the best choice I made both personally and professionally."

What drew you to Mayo Clinic for your residency training?   

Fit is one of the most important aspects of residency training, and Mayo Clinic was exactly the right fit for me and my family. I had the opportunity to experience the culture here firsthand as a visiting medical student. A lot of places talk the talk when it comes to teamwork and patient-centered care, but Mayo truly walks the walk, and I could immediately see how the culture of humility, collaboration, and compassion translates into patient care that is second to none. I was also drawn to the opportunity to learn from world-renowned mentors while caring for a diverse, medically complex patient population, along with the program’s unmatched support for trainees pursuing academic and research interests. 

How is the work-life balance in the training program?  

Work-life balance is one of the greatest strengths of our residency program. While the Internal Medicine program is rigorous, the schedule is thoughtfully structured to allow us to recharge, particularly through the alternating inpatient and outpatient months. By the end of an outpatient block, I feel rested and genuinely excited to return to the fast-paced inpatient environment. Program leadership has been highly responsive to resident feedback and clearly prioritizes wellness, which is reflected in our resident-friendly scheduling and the elimination of 24-hour shifts. We also have a strong float pool that helps ensure protected time off during sick days or emergencies. Importantly, I’ve been able to maintain time for activities that bring me joy, such as spending time outdoors, socializing with friends, and hosting small get-togethers.