How would you describe the work/life balance of the Urology Residency program at Mayo Clinic?

"A strength of our residency is great work/life balance. The high volume operative experience that begins early in surgical training is a foundation of our program. However, there is a deliberate focus from the department on resident wellness and adherence to duty hours. Home call is infrequent due to our residency size, 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, cross fit, golf, and jog which is a reflection of our relationship with both staff and our co-residents."

Medical school: Louisiana State University Health and Sciences Center

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."

Medical school: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

How has Mayo's mentorship model impacted 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."

Medical school: Meharry Medical College

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 exposes 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 will one day make me a worthy surgeon."

Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine 

What is it like to live in Rochester, and how is Mayo helping you reach your career goals?

My husband and I love living in Rochester. We were able to afford a beautiful home and have made great friends both from Mayo and throughout town. We enjoy the parks and restaurants and ease of living here.

Mayo's faculty are dedicated to helping us achieve our individual career goals. There are so many opportunities to engage in research and traveling to conferences which has fostered great academic growth.

Medical school: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine