Class of 2021

How would you describe the work/life balance of the Urology Residency program at Mayo Clinic? A strength of the Urology Residency program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is great work/life balance. The high volume operative experience that begins early in surgical training is a foundation of the program. However, there is a deliberate focus from the department on resident wellness and adherence to duty hours. Home call is infrequent due to residency size, and increasing time off on weekends. Likewise, residents are allowed to take time off in any day increments which allows flexibility with taking time off to visit family and friends. Lastly, residents and staff frequently meet outside of work to mountain bike, CrossFit, golf, and jog which is a reflection of the relationship with both staff and co-residents.

Class of 2022

What was it like to live in Rochester, and how did Mayo help you reach your career goals? My husband and I loved living in Rochester. We were able to afford a beautiful home and have made great friends both from Mayo and throughout town. We enjoyed the parks and restaurants and ease of living there. Mayo's faculty are dedicated to helping residents achieve their individual career goals. There are so many opportunities to engage in research and traveling to conferences which helped foster great academic growth.

Class of 2023

How did Mayo's mentorship model impact your training? My initial exposure to the mentorship model occurred during my away rotation at Mayo Clinic as a fourth-year medical student. I was excited to explore this learning approach for surgical training as I had had similar experiences in my training in football. The relationship and exposure to a single coach over an extended period of time provided a more effective transfer of that coach’s technical skills and experience to a young player. I also considered the fact that the foundations of medical training laid in an apprenticeship system. The mentorship system therefore had its roots in respectable antiquity and provides a unique emotional catalyst that is so essential to the solid acquisition of knowledge.

Class of 2024

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic? Mayo Clinic has a reputation of being the best surgical training program and offers a plethora of ground-breaking basic science and clinical research opportunities. The emphasis placed on patient care, research, and education is unparalleled. What attracted me the most to this program was the warm camaraderie and family-feel to the department. Regardless of the day or time, I know that my co-residents, consultants, and staff will have my back. I will always cherish the life-long relationships I have made here.

What do you miss most about residency and Rochester? I miss the people the most. My co-residents, consultants, nursing staff, OR staff, and clinic staff are all incredible people. We all worked towards one goal, taking care of the patient but in the process developed deep friendships. I feel lucky to have them in my life.

Class of 2024

What is something you love most about this program? Mayo Clinic’s reputation of exceptional surgical training attracted me as an applicant and remains one of my favorite aspects of the program. There is a clear focus on early operative exposure and allows for graduated responsibility that maximizes development of technical proficiency. Additionally, training here exposed me to some of the most complex surgical pathologies that can only be managed by a multidisciplinary OR of specialists unique to this institution. Above all else, I am grateful for my senior residents who invited me into their ORs with open arms and set aside time to teach me the skills and nuances that helped make me a worthy surgeon.