Fellow Life

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Fellows pose for group photo — PCCM and PD fellows at Top Golf in the cities for 2nd Year Retreat!

The strong sense of camaraderie and belonging, along with the engaging learning environment are some of the most cited positives our fellows share at the conclusion of their training with us at Mayo.

Many fellows move to Rochester, Minnesota, from elsewhere and are looking for friends and to build a strong community. All of our trainees have been selected because of the richness they add to the group and their ability to bring out the best in those around them. It is no surprise that our fellows develop some of their closest friendships with one another!

In addition to the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellows, Mayo has more than 1,900 residents, fellows, and medical and postgraduate students in Rochester. This is a diverse group, as the size and reputation of the institution attract a wide variety of people to Rochester from around the country and the world. Numerous social activities are organized for residents and fellows throughout the year through the Mayo Fellows Association.

We'll support you both inside and outside of Mayo Clinic campus to promote wellness and ensure your work/life balance.

Our fellows love the small-town safety and conveniences paired with the big city entertainment and diverse restaurants Rochester has to offer. Rochester features over 3500 acres of parks and trails, hosts multiple live concerts, offers several craft breweries, a weekly farmers’ market year-round, Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, and several other unique community events such as Social-ICE (a winter festival) and Thursdays Downtown. It's never hard to find something to do! Learn more about our community and what our fellows love about living here.

Rochester Downtown

Parks and Trails

I love Rochester because of its amazing people! Wherever I go, I am greeted with friendly faces and a real family-like vibe that makes it so easy to connect. Everything I need is just about ten minutes away, which is a lifesaver during busy rotations - and I never have to worry about traffic! And if I am ever in the mood for a big-city feel, the Twin Cities are just a 90-minute drive. From the snowy magic of winter to the blooming beauty of spring and summer, every season brings its own beauty.

Joon Moon, M.D.
Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow

I love living in Rochester because it has everything I need without the stress of a big city. It’s well-organized, safe, and perfect for families with young children. The community is welcoming, and there’s always something to do—from enjoying a meal at a local restaurant or brewery to attending live music events. I also love how dog-friendly it is, with plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor dining options. Rochester is a young, diverse, and vibrant place, and I feel lucky to call it home.

Zeynep Seckin, M.D.
Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow

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.

Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
Well-being
Groups on campus

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

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.

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.

Belonging and inclusion

We strive to recruit and develop clinical leaders that are representative of our broader community and to foster a culture of safety and belonging for all staff, students, and patients. We are all responsible to and for our community which in turn provides a solid clinical foundation and encourages individual development, while fostering an environment of scholarly inquisitiveness, commitment to excellence, and creativity.

Our faculty includes individuals from diverse cultural and clinical training backgrounds. Our program values facilitating personally and professionally supportive and affirming relationships between residents, fellows, and faculty.

As a trainee, you'll have the opportunity to be a part of:

Mayo Employee Resource Groups (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.
The OUTList — an internal resource created by the LGBTI MERG that promotes community, visibility, and mentoring among Mayo's faculty, staff, and trainees by identifying mentors within Mayo Clinic interested in being a resource for others. All Mayo employees are welcome to contact individuals on the OUTList for advice and networking.
The Mayo Clinic Trainee Belonging Committee, a group that mentors applicants from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.

Accompanying Talent

Mayo Clinic is committed to help your spouse and/or significant other find employment prior to your move to Rochester. This program, referred to as Accompanying Talent, is available to all matched trainees and has contacts with employers in Rochester, the surrounding area, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

We offer opportunities for your spouse or significant other to connect with opportunities at Mayo Clinic as well as with external companies. Personalized support is available, including:

Career counseling
Resume writing and interviewing workshops
Mock interviews
Invitation-only networking
Informational interviews or job observations

Life in Rochester

Our fellows love the small-town safety and conveniences paired with the big city entertainment and diverse restaurants Rochester has to offer. 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.

Fellow Favorites in Rochester

Four Daughters Winery