Wellness Initiatives
As a trainee, your physical and mental health is a priority to both 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.
- The physics residents have established a well-being program that includes monthly and quarterly group activities; monthly well-being lunches focus on specific wellness topics, while the quarterly social events foster camaraderie among the residents outside of work.
- The Department of Radiation Oncology has a social and well-being committee dedicated to fostering values that allow our residents to maintain their well-being as they participate in Mayo Clinic's three shields of patient care, education, and research. Department events are scheduled throughout the year and range from fitness and trivia challenges, pickle ball tournament, puzzle party, earth day festivities, and much more.
- The Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education has a Trainee Well-Being Program. They provide internal and external well-being resources for the GME community, including access to free counseling service, academic success advisors and financial coaching, to name a few.
- The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) also organizes social and wellness events, providing peer support and helping all residents thrive in Rochester.
- Paid vacation and benefits, insurance programs, and family services.
- Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
- Groups on campus
- Well-being
Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center
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. 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
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.
I think the work/life balance in this program is unmatched. Efforts from program directors, the department, and the hospital are constantly looking to provide wellness programs and improve resident experiences. There are four weeks of PTO, and the faculty mentors are always working with us to ensure an optimum workload that looks at long term burnout as well as a timeframe to accomplish short term goals.
Daiki Hara, Ph.D.
Physics resident, class of 2026
The medical physics residency program involves excellent mentorship and a great work-life balance that reflects the mental well-being of myself and my colleagues.
Shaquan David, Ph.D.
Physics resident, class of 2025