Program Name: Mayo Clinic, rochester, MN
Where did u stay, nearest hotel, travel etc: hotel provided- doubletree by hilton. used gorochester shuttle to travel from minneapolis to rochester. Its about 1.5 hour drive.
interview itinerary: orientation by PD then interviews, lunch with fellows in nearby restaurant, hospital tour in afternoon.
How many interviewers: 5
How many applicants: 5
Tour included visits to: hospital, endocrine clinic, gym
Questions asked: same old questions
happy fellows: yes / no / ? : hmmm...cant say...fellows liked the program.. but everyone hated location...some of them didnt like the dress code - which is wearing suit everyday. Fellows also complained that their spouses do get depressed there and only thing they do is to go to gym. they were tired of eating food in the same restaurants, which are few in number and located nearby the medical center.
research opportunities: yes / no / ? yes a lot
3 year research track? they only have 3 year program
visa sponsored? yes h1/j1
City: very isloated small city. population of 80,000.. the hospital is like an oasis in desert. you drive about 1.5 hours from minnepolis..there is nothing in between..only you see is farmland...and suddenly a big building appears which is mayo clinic.. fellows have to go to minneapolis for shopping.. nothing for recreation in the city..boring place to be.
Things I liked about the program: very organized curriculum.. rare clinical cases...great infrastructure and awesome faculty.
Things I disliked about the program: dress code, isolated town, mandatory 3 year track, "not being exposed to bread and butter cases as I want to" - one of the resident there.
Rate experience (0-10): 7
Conclusion: if you are looking for a solid 3 year program to prepare you for academic career, this is the program!!!!! only thing that can make a difference in the rank order list is the location. Talk to your spouse before submitting ROL
