Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

Step into the forefront of emergency medicine at the Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine Residency Program in Rochester, Minnesota, where innovation meets patient-centered care. The program is committed to developing future leaders in emergency medicine, guided by the core value that ‘the needs of the patient come first.’ This residency offers a comprehensive 48-month curriculum designed to provide residents with unparalleled exposure to a wide variety of clinical cases, from routine emergencies to complex conditions, including solid organ transplant complications and complications of advanced oncologic care.

The Mayo Clinic boasts a vast catchment area and serves as a major provider of emergency care for a large region, treating approximately 85,000 patients annually at the Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. The facility includes a Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reinforcing the program’s commitment to high-acuity and complex medical emergencies.

Curriculum Overview

The program has undergone a significant transition to a robust 48-month curriculum that emphasizes specialized tracks tailored to residents’ interests and career goals. Residents benefit from a blend of challenging clinical rotations across the Mayo Clinic’s extensive network, including opportunities at the Florida and Arizona campuses. Structures are in place to foster continual feedback and the development of new rotations to keep pace with advancements in emergency medicine.

Core Rotations

First-year residents (PGY-1) engage in a universal rooming system, providing them immediate access to various levels of acuity within the emergency department. Early training involves participation as primary airway providers after completing intensive airway courses. Subsequent years include increasingly complex rotations in critical care disciplines such as cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics. Special attention is given to developing skills in emergency ultrasound, trauma care, and procedural expertise. Rotations in community hospitals also allow for valuable diverse experiences in resource-limited settings.

Specialized Training Tracks

Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, residents will have the option to select from specialized tracks, including Clinical Innovation and Informatics, Critical Care Medicine, Education, Emergency Medical Services, Global Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Research. These tracks provide structured pathways for residents to deepen their expertise in areas of interest and prepare for fellowship opportunities.

Research Opportunities

The Mayo Clinic fosters a strong research culture within its Department of Emergency Medicine. Residents are encouraged to engage in hypothesis-driven research, actively supported by a robust infrastructure that includes experienced mentors and access to extensive research resources. Opportunities span across multiple domains, ensuring residents gain necessary knowledge in epidemiology, health equity, and medical education.

Unique Aspects of the Program

In addition to rigorous academic training, residents partake in innovative simulation training sessions that enrich learning experiences. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, with residents frequently working alongside nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists to enhance the patient care team dynamic. The curriculum also includes cadaver-based procedural labs for advanced techniques, and mock scenarios designed to cultivate leadership and teamwork skills.

Wellness and Community

The wellbeing of residents is prioritized through numerous resources and initiatives offered by Mayo Clinic. The Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center provides access to fitness resources, promoting physical, mental, and emotional health. A variety of social groups on campus foster community engagement and support.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Mayo Clinic Emergency Medicine Residency is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and is considered DO-friendly. The program has specific requirements for application eligibility, including the completion of medical school. Applicants may be evaluated based on performance, including standardized tests, with provisions available for visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

Application Process and Requirements

Nine residency positions are available each year, and the application process requires submitting through ERAS with supplementary documentation by a specified deadline. An in-person interview is a critical component of the selection process, with candidates invited based on their application materials.