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Meet the Faculty

Two fellows from the Physician Scientist Program talking in a classroom

Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in Rochester, Minnesota, is one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world. A highly skilled team of medical professionals including physicians, scientists, medical technologists, medical technicians, lab assistants, biologists, chemists, microbiologists, geneticists, and other specialists work collaboratively.

  • Mayo Clinic has 22 core research laboratories with 798 physicians involved in research and 297 scientific faculty (career scientists). Mayo Clinic Research
  • Mayo Clinic houses 1,105,791 square feet of research space.
  • Mayo Clinic has nearly 10,000 active Institutional Review Board-approved human research studies and 5,881 active grants. (Research Facts and Mayo Clinic Research)
  • There are currently more than 3,000 clinical trials underway. (Clinical Trials)

From the Program Director

Robin Patel, M.D.Welcome to the Physician Scientist Research Fellowship within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your educational journey to become a career researcher who practices laboratory medicine and/or pathology.

We launched our two-year Physician Scientist Research Fellowship in 2024 with the goal of providing the research training necessary for our clinical residents and fellows to become independent investigators. The fellowship supports two years of dedicated research time, with career mentorship provided. We are looking for prospective fellows who have a strong interest, and ideally, substantial prior experience, in research.

As a clinician-investigator myself, it is my pleasure to lead this new program. A profession in laboratory medicine and pathology combined with investigative research is truly exciting. If this opportunity intrigues you, I invite you to apply and look forward to visiting with you further!

Robin Patel, M.D.
Physician Scientist Research Fellowship Program Director

From the Associate Program Director

Trish Simner, Ph.D.Welcome to the Physician Scientist Research Fellowship at Mayo Clinic!

As a Faculty member performing high impact research, one of my passions and responsibilities throughout my career has been to be a part of teaching, curriculum development and continuing education. I have focused significant effort on formal classroom instruction, individual mentorship, and informal education in the clinical microbiology laboratory as well as my research laboratory. Over the span of my career, I have had the opportunity to mentor more than 50 trainees, many of whom have progressed to careers in academic medicine.

Overall, teaching and education is an integral part of my daily routine. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate and inspire the next generation of physician scientists, helping them achieve their research goals and make meaningful contributions to the field. I look forward to discussing how I can provide guidance and support for your individualized research within the fellowship!

Trish Simner, Ph.D.
Physician Scientist Research Fellowship Associate Program Director

Advisers and mentors

Faculty advisers are available to provide comprehensive mentorship and personal support. You meet with your adviser periodically throughout the program to review your progress and career goals and ensure that your educational needs are being met. Your adviser may serve as a contact point for introducing you and your family to Rochester, Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic Health System.

Visiting professors

Many prominent professors visit Mayo Clinic each year. They present their work during lectures, participate in hospital rounds, and have informal discussions with trainees. You are encouraged to take full advantage of these educational opportunities.