As national attention continues to focus on the urgent need for advances in brain tumor care, Mayo Clinic is preparing the next generation of physicians and scientists to change the future of treatment and research. Across Mayo’s campuses, residents, medical students and research trainees are working alongside internationally recognized experts to tackle some of the toughest questions in neuro-oncology, from understanding how tumors grow to developing more precise and personalized therapies.

In Mayo Clinic’s uniquely collaborative environment, discoveries in the lab are closely connected to the needs of patients and families facing brain tumors today. For these emerging doctors and scientists, the mission is deeply personal: improve outcomes, expand treatment options and bring new hope to patients confronting life-altering diagnoses. Hear from several emerging doctors and scientists who are helping shape the future of brain tumor care.

Panos Kerezoudis, M.D.

Neurosurgery resident, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

My interest in brain tumors developed organically during my neurosurgical training, where these cases consistently present some of the most demanding challenges we face as surgeons. Mayo Clinic has been an exceptional place to train because the volume and complexity of cases here are matched by a genuine culture of academic rigor. As residents, we are expected to ask hard questions about the care we deliver and pursue the evidence to answer them.

The case that has shaped me most during residency involved a pregnant woman in her third trimester who presented with rapidly progressive vision loss from a large tumor above the pituitary gland that was compressing her optic nerves. The urgency was real — delay risked that she would have permanent blindness — yet every decision carried risk for both mother and unborn child. Being part of the multidisciplinary team that planned and performed her surgery, and then seeing her recover near-complete vision and later deliver a healthy baby, reinforced for me that neurosurgical outcomes are never just about the operation itself. They are the product of coordinated planning, careful decision-making and the infrastructure that surrounds the surgeon.

That experience has pushed me to include clinical outcomes research in my training — studying not just whether surgery works, but how we organize and deliver care around it. For brain tumor patients, that means asking questions like: Which surgical approaches lead to fewer complications? Which patients are most likely to benefit from early intervention? And how do we build care systems that give every patient the safest possible experience?

Evelyn Turcotte

Medical student, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona

I'm pursuing an M.D. degree through Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and a master's degree through Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, a combination that has positioned me to pursue my long-term goals of becoming both a neurosurgeon and translational researcher. Throughout medical school, my interests have evolved from neuro-oncology to include a broader focus on how technology such as artificial intelligence and robotics can impact neurosurgical care. Under the mentorship of Bernard Bendok, M.D., in the Precision Neurotherapeutics Lab, I have had the opportunity to explore emerging robotic technologies aimed at expanding access to specialized neurosurgical treatment.

Our research team is exploring how robotic systems could eventually allow expert neurosurgeons to perform or assist with certain procedures — such as removing a brain tumor or addressing a stroke — from a remote site. While these technologies are still in early stages of development, the broader vision is to create tools that can improve precision and ultimately help deliver advanced care to more patients regardless of geographic location. What excites me most about this work is the idea that innovation should not only advance what is technically possible but also broaden who can benefit from those advances as the technologies reach underserved or rural areas. As I prepare for neurosurgery residency, my hope is to contribute to the development and clinical translation of technologies that improve neurosurgical outcomes, increase access to expert care and offer patients and families greater hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Marissa Russo, Ph.D.

Recent graduate student, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; postdoctoral fellow in Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic in Florida

I've always been interested in the brain and cancer biology. When I was applying to graduate school, I wanted to find a program where I could conduct translational research — making discoveries that can be applied to patient care. This year I completed my Ph.D. in neuroscience and have begun a postdoctoral research fellowship at Mayo Clinic. My research with mentor Hugo Guerrero Cazares, M.D., Ph.D., has focused on understanding glioblastomas, which are among the most aggressive and lethal brain tumors. Our goal is to understand the biological factors that make these tumors so dire.

My studies have focused on small particles, known as extracellular vesicles, that are released by glioblastoma cells and contain molecules generated by the tumor. The molecules that are transported help the tumor "communicate" with the surrounding area in the brain. My research identified extracellular vesicle proteins that influence cell processes such as proliferation and migration, making the microenvironment more favorable for the tumor to grow. My wish is that studies like these will bring new hope. As we identify new pathways, we can then target them with new therapeutic strategies, ultimately making a difference in patients' lives.

The post Joining the frontier against brain tumors  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Clinic celebrated the graduation of 19 physicians and scientists at its Jacksonville, Florida, campus, recognizing the achievements of students from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

The ceremony reflects the continued growth of the Florida campus and its role in preparing future leaders in medicine and science. Medical student graduates in Florida follow a distinctive training pathway, completing foundational coursework in Arizona or Minnesota before finishing their clinical education in Jacksonville.

The 19 Florida medical and graduate school graduates join 164 classmates graduating across Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester and Arizona this spring, forming a national cohort of physicians and scientists who will advance to residencies and research roles at Mayo Clinic and institutions nationwide. Together, they will contribute to patient care, scientific discovery and the evolving needs of healthcare.

Student speakers emphasized the importance of purpose, growth and responsibility as graduates move into the next phase of their training and careers.

Graduating medical student Ryan May reflected on the shared experience of growth and the commitment ahead.

"We are each graduating as beautifully distinct works in progress, headed to further hone our craft and continue carving our respective paths," he said. "What I do hope we share is a commitment to showing up fully — for our patients, for each other and for ourselves."

Graduating Ph.D. student Jaida Lue spoke to the personal transformation that defines scientific training.

"Your degree is as much about who you are becoming as it is about academic achievement," she said. "It forces you to decide who you are when no benchmark exists, and no one is keeping score. It asks you to set your own standard in the absence of a clear one. To believe in work that has not yet produced results. To defend ideas you built from nothing in front of people who have spent their lives in that exact space. To find motivation from within when external validation is scarce."

Abba Zubair, M.D., Ph.D., vice dean of the medical school in Florida, encouraged graduates to carry forward the Mayo Clinic mission.

"I am reminded of the profound legacy of Mayo Clinic and its unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care, research and medical education," he said. "Go forth and make a difference in the world, for you are the future of medicine."

Class of 2026

The ceremony reflects Mayo Clinic's integrated approach to education, research and clinical practice, preparing graduates to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Commencement recordings

Visit the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science website to view the commencement ceremony recordings and future livestreams from Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

Please use the courtesy "Mayo Clinic."

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine 
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of physician leaders through excellence in education and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As part of the integrated Mayo Clinic enterprise, the school delivers a learner-centered curriculum grounded in strong scientific foundations, ethical practice and real-world clinical experience. Small class sizes, a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio, and a national multi-campus model foster close mentorship with world-renowned physicians and scientists. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-value, evidence-based care while leading improvements in compassionate healthcare delivery and scientific discovery.

About Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MCGSBS) is revolutionizing healthcare by catalyzing multidisciplinary science and preparing the next generation of leaders in biomedical research. Embedded within Mayo Clinic's integrated model of research and patient care, the school delivers innovative, individualized and technologically advanced training that advances discovery and improves lives worldwide. Across its campuses in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, students work alongside internationally recognized mentors to translate scientific breakthroughs into meaningful impact.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

The post Where journeys converge: Mayo Clinic celebrates commencement in Florida appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences celebrated the graduation of 48 students in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 15, marking the beginning of their next chapter as physicians and scientists.

This is the first graduating class from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Arizona. Six students earned their Ph.D. 

These Arizona students join more than 135 of their fellow students in Florida and Minnesota who are graduating throughout May.

The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievement, but the responsibility graduates carry to uphold core values and invest in others.

"In these moments, I urge you to return to the values that have anchored your training here — Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence and Stewardship," said Jewel Kling, M.D., Suzanne Hanson Poole Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine —Arizona Campus, referencing the set of Mayo values referred to as "RICH TIES." "These are not just aspirational words — they are lived commitments."

Graduates will continue their training in residencies and research roles across Mayo Clinic and the nation, where they will care for patients and help shape the future of medicine.

The student speakers at commencement reflected on the personal and professional growth during their time in the programs ­—and the responsibility ahead.

Arizona medical student speaker Stephanie Hernandez, M.D., said that an attribute of this class is shared joy and its hallmark is mutual respect. "What I am most proud of is to be part of a class that is not only intelligent, ambitious, perseverant but that we cared for each other. Our class built a community on the knowledge that each one of us belonged here, had something to contribute and were cared for."

One of the first class of Arizona Ph.D. graduates, Natalie Elliot, Ph.D., said, "Today as we step forward as scientists, scholars and leaders, may we carry with us humility, collaboration and a sense of wonder. May we continue to ask bold questions, support one another generously and build lives that are as meaningful as the work we do."

Leigh Griffiths, Ph.D., MRCVS, Dean of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, emphasized that leadership in medicine includes lifting others along the way.

"Aim to nurture others' advancement and be known for those efforts just as much as your own work," he said. "Your impact will be defined not only by what you achieve, but by who you help along the way."

The keynote speaker was Fredric Meyer, M.D., former Waugh Executive Dean of Education at Mayo Clinic and an alumnus of the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Meyer told graduates to stay true to their values throughout their career.

"All of you who have been trained at Mayo Clinic know our primary value: the needs of the patient come first," he said. "I would also add humility as a key value. Humility as a core value will help you steer your ship straight even during the most difficult times."

Graduates leave prepared to advance medicine and science while fostering a culture grounded in mentorship, values and shared success.

Commencement recordings

Visit the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science website to view the commencement ceremony recordings from Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network."

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine 
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of physician leaders through excellence in education and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As part of the integrated Mayo Clinic enterprise, the school delivers a learner-centered curriculum grounded in strong scientific foundations, ethical practice and real-world clinical experience. Small class sizes, a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio, and a national multi-campus model foster close mentorship with world-renowned physicians and scientists. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-value, evidence-based care while leading improvements in compassionate healthcare delivery and scientific discovery.

About Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MCGSBS) is revolutionizing healthcare by catalyzing multidisciplinary science and preparing the next generation of leaders in biomedical research. Embedded within Mayo Clinic's integrated model of research and patient care, the school delivers innovative, individualized and technologically advanced training that advances discovery and improves lives worldwide. Across its campuses in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, students work alongside internationally recognized mentors to translate scientific breakthroughs into meaningful impact.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

The post Advancing medicine and science through values and mentorship: Mayo Clinic celebrates commencement in Arizona appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Clinic honored the achievements of its newest physicians and scientists from the Class of 2026 during a combined commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 9, in Rochester, Minnesota. Degrees were conferred by Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

At the Rochester ceremony, 46 new physicians joined the Mayo Clinic alumni community, 34 biomedical scientists received doctoral degrees, and six students earned dual M.D.-Ph.D. degrees through the Medical Scientist Training Program. In addition, 29 students received master's degrees.

These graduates join 48 Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students in Arizona and Florida who will graduate next week, along with 14 additional biomedical scientists. The Class of 2026 will move on to residencies and professional roles at Mayo Clinic and across the country, helping strengthen the healthcare workforce and advancing innovation in science and medicine.

Dr. Fredric Meyer, former Waugh Executive Dean of Education, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Meyer is the distinguished Alfred Uihlein Family Professor of Neurologic Surgery, former enterprise chair of Neurological Surgery, and executive director emeritus of the American Board of Neurological Surgery. He is an alum of the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. 

Dr. Meyer encouraged graduates to work hard and take advantage of opportunities presented. 

"Careers rarely unfold in straight lines. The things that seem irrelevant at one stage of life may prove decisive later, so pursue excellence. Trust your instincts," said Dr. Meyer. "It is critical to be humble. What matters is that you work hard, communicate clearly, build trust, treat patients and colleagues with kindness, and learn from those around you."

The commencement ceremony featured a student speaker from each school. Dr. Skip Harvey, the student speaker from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and a soon-to-be pediatric resident, reflected on achievement and gratitude.

"Words cannot contain how much I owe you (Class of 2026) for shaping me as a human, peer and physician," said Dr. Harvey. "And I want you to be able to see you and your greatness through my eyes. Each of you has inspired me as I've watched you over the last four years. I am better for having known each and every one of you." 

Class of 2026

Dr. Megan Ritting, the student speaker from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, spoke to the power of persistence and perspective.

"Each of us arrived here on a different path — different backgrounds, different disciplines, different stories of how we got to this stage today. But while those journeys may look very different, they share something important in common. Every one of us has proven that we can persist through things we didn't know we were capable of," said Dr. Ritting. "Here, science is not separate from impact —it's deeply connected to it. It represents perseverance in the face of uncertainty, curiosity that refused to fade, and proof — to ourselves more than anyone else — that we can do hard things."

Dr. Nneka Comfere, the new Waugh Executive Dean of Education, encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and purpose. 

"Graduates, your ability to become an extraordinary physician or scientist is not defined by a location, a title or a reputation. It is defined by your habits, your character and your unwavering commitment to your patients," she said. "What comes next will challenge you, but it will also shape you. We look forward to the discoveries you will make, the innovations you will lead, and the difference you will create. Your journey is just beginning, and we are proud to call you Mayo Clinic alumni."

Commencement recordings and livestreams

Visit the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science website to view the commencement ceremony recordings and future livestreams from Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic"

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of physician leaders through excellence in education and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As part of the integrated Mayo Clinic enterprise, the school delivers a learner-centered curriculum grounded in strong scientific foundations, ethical practice and real-world clinical experience. Small class sizes, a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio, and a national multi-campus model foster close mentorship with world-renowned physicians and scientists. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-value, evidence-based care while leading improvements in compassionate healthcare delivery and scientific discovery.

About Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MCGSBS) is revolutionizing healthcare by catalyzing multidisciplinary science and preparing the next generation of leaders in biomedical research. Embedded within Mayo Clinic's integrated model of research and patient care, the school delivers innovative, individualized and technologically advanced training that advances discovery and improves lives worldwide. Across its campuses in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, students work alongside internationally recognized mentors to translate scientific breakthroughs into meaningful impact. MCGSBS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as an independent Ph.D. and M.S. degree-granting institution.

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

The post A milestone moment: Mayo Clinic celebrates new physicians and scientists in Rochester  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

From the moment David Sanborn, M.D., arrived at Mayo Clinic as a resident in 2018, he envisioned a career built around caring for the whole patient. What he did not anticipate was how fully Mayo's education programs, mentorship culture and research capabilities would shape his training — and launch his career as a clinician‑scientist in lung transplantation.

Dr. Sanborn completed all of his graduate medical training at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, including internal medicine residency, a chief resident year, pulmonary and critical care fellowship, and a highly specialized transplant‑focused fellowship. Along the way, Mayo's educational flexibility allowed him to explore his interests before narrowing his focus.

"I wanted deeper expertise," he says, "but I never wanted to give up taking care of the whole patient."

That philosophy ultimately drew him to lung transplantation, where he could care for patients over many years, not just during moments of crisis, and see how treatment decisions shaped their quality of life. The specialty offered what he was seeking from the beginning: ongoing relationships with patients and families, complex medicine, and the chance to help people reclaim milestones they once thought were out of reach.

Training future colleagues to advance the science of transplantation

Dr. Sanborn's training coincided with a period of rapid program growth. Over the past several years, the number of lung transplants performed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has increased, highlighting a national shortage of physicians prepared to manage the complex, long-term needs of these patients. In response, Mayo launched the Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Fellowship in 2023.

"In planning for that growth, it became clear that we needed not only more staff, but better training pathways," says Cassie Kennedy, M.D., Dr. Sanborn's research mentor and medical director of Lung Transplantation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. "There are very few programs in the U.S. preparing physicians to care for lung transplant patients at this level. One of our goals was to train future colleagues who excel clinically, are committed educators, and are motivated to advance the science of transplantation. Dr. Sanborn is a clear example of that vision in practice."

A defining feature of his fellowship was protected research time and faculty mentorship. Supported by Dr. Kennedy and fellowship director  Kelly Pennington, M.D., a Mayo Clinic transplant pulmonologist and critical care specialist, Dr. Sanborn devoted a full year of research to studying chronic lung transplant rejection, an area that historically lacked predictive tools.

His work adapts Mayo‑developed CALIPER imaging technology and applies machine‑learning approaches to identify early, noninvasive changes associated with rejection.

"Dr. Sanborn brings a level of curiosity and drive that elevates the entire team," says Dr. Pennington. "He consistently turns clinical questions into meaningful research. His success reflects both his dedication and an environment that encourages innovation and mentorship."

As the project expanded, Dr. Sanborn recognized the need for formal research training. "I knew I needed stronger grounding in statistics and study design if I wanted to do this well," he says.

With faculty advocacy, Mayo provided fully funded tuition and protected time for him to pursue a master's degree in clinical and translational science through Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences during his fellowship. The program connected him with statisticians, ethicists and clinical trial experts who became long-term collaborators. He will complete the degree in June, the same month he finishes his fellowship.

Helping trainees build meaningful careers

Mentorship remains central to Dr. Sanborn's work. A former chief resident, he actively mentors residents and fellows and recently began mentoring a Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine student developing a transplant‑related research project. He sees teaching as essential to sustaining academic medicine and helping trainees build meaningful careers.

That pipeline extends to MCASOM students at all three campuses (Rochester, Arizona and Florida) through elective transplant rotations, which immerse learners in the full transplant journey. Students observe liver, kidney and pancreas transplant surgeries, participate in organ recovery, join transplant rounds, and engage in post‑transplant inpatient care. They also attend transplant selection and education conferences, gaining insight from evaluation through recovery.  

In July, Dr. Sanborn will join the Mayo Clinic staff as a transplant pulmonologist, continuing both his clinical work and research with dedicated time.

"Mayo didn't just train me," he says. "They invested in what I wanted my career to look like, and now I get to stay, care for patients and help move the field forward. That means everything to me."

The post Shaped by curiosity, supported by Education: How Mayo Clinic propelled Dr. David Sanborn’s career in transplant medicine appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

John Zajac, a certified golf physical therapist at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, demonstrates the best pre-golf dynamic warmup stretches. 

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:04) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

Mayo Clinic doesn’t just advise golfers on stretches and strength. For 25 years, it has served as the official medical sponsor of the WM Phoenix Open, providing on-site care for athletes, event staff and spectators. Supporting one of the world’s largest golf events, from heat-related illness to musculoskeletal injuries, reflects deep expertise in both prevention and knowing when specialized care is needed. 

The golf swing requires coordinated rotation through the hips and upper back. When those areas are stiff, the lower spine often compensates, increasing strain and risk of injury. Spend 5-10 minutes warming up before each round. It helps improve performance and protects your joints. 

These golf warmup stretches help you stay healthy and out of the orthopedics office. See you on the green. 

Related posts:

• Mayo Clinic Minute: 4 physical therapist-recommended golf exercises
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Are the yips just nerves or something more?
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Golf-related wrist pain and injuries

The post Mayo Clinic Minute: Dynamic golf warmup to prevent injuries appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top-rated national medical school. The publication released its latest "Best Graduate Schools" rankings today, placing Mayo Clinic in Tier 1, the highest tier, and highlighting the school's strength in medical research and its distinctive approach to physician education. 

The U.S. News methodology categorizes medical schools into four tiers based on a range of academic and institutional measures. The top-tier recognition reflects the collective dedication of the school's faculty, staff and students — and affirms Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine as a Category-of-One model for medical education. 

"This distinction reflects more than academic excellence. It reflects Mayo Clinic's development of physician-leaders," says Nneka I. Comfere, M.D., Waugh Executive Dean of Education at Mayo Clinic and dean of Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. "Within Mayo Clinic's integrated practice, a focus on teamwork and patient-centric outcomes shapes every aspect of student development. We are intentionally cultivating physician-leaders who will lead with integrity, adapt to a changing healthcare landscape and drive innovation that improves lives."

Dr. Comfere also credits the faculty and staff for their dedication and purpose. "Our faculty and staff are the foundation of our success. It is their daily commitment to excellence — in the classroom, in the lab and across our clinical practice — that ensures we continue to educate physicians who uphold the highest standards of the Mayo Clinic Model of Care."

At Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, education is deeply integrated with research and clinical practice, an approach that distinguishes the school nationally. Students are immersed in an environment where scientific discovery and innovation are closely connected to patient care, preparing them to think critically, contribute to advances in medicine and lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

"This recognition exemplifies how our strength lies in the integration of education, research and clinical practice," says John Poe, chair, Education Administration. "Students are immersed in a culture of teamwork and collaboration with access to world-class mentors, along with opportunities to engage in research and innovation that directly shape the future of patient care."

As part of an integrated academic medical center with a multi-campus model across Minnesota, Arizona and Florida, the school provides a unified curriculum and shared culture while offering students exposure to diverse patient populations and care settings. 

National ratings are just one of many measures of quality and value for prospective students. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine shares quality and value data, including Quick Facts, so prospective students can evaluate what distinguishes the school from other leading medical schools.

The 2026 ratings are based on selected school data submitted to U.S. News & World Report as well as third-party verifications.

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of physician leaders through excellence in education and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As part of the integrated Mayo Clinic enterprise, the school delivers a learner-centered curriculum grounded in strong scientific foundations, ethical practice and real-world clinical experience. Small class sizes, a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio and a national multi-campus model foster close mentorship with world-renowned physicians and scientists. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-value, evidence-based care while leading improvements in compassionate healthcare delivery and scientific discovery.

About Mayo Clinic 

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

The post Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine recognized among nation’s leading medical schools appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Innovation in healthcare begins with curiosity — and with caregivers who are trained to ask better questions. At Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME), the Clinical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Academy helps residents and fellows build an entrepreneurial mindset by integrating hands‑on innovation, collaboration and problem‑solving directly into their training.

That spirit was on full display during Platform Experience Day on Dec. 18, where trainees explored real‑world scenarios on Mayo Clinic Platform to see how de‑identified, large‑scale data can inform clinical decisions, accelerate research and spark innovation in everyday practice.Experiences like this — hallmarks of the CIE program — foster leadership skills in trainees, accelerating their ability to affect meaningful change in the practice. 

Watch to learn more about how MCSGME is leveraging today's data‑driven, technology‑enabled learning environment for its trainees. 

Hands-on exploration meets real-world questions

During the immersive experience, trainees rotated through case studies and brainstorming exercises, then tested their own questions on the Platform. They learned to define cohorts, explore associations, check feasibility and examine population‑level outcomes such as hospitalizations and emergency department visits. These kinds of early indicators emerge when exploring data through Mayo Clinic Platform, one of the largest sets of de-identified healthcare data in the world.

One team explored how often patients completed their pre‑appointment lab work before seeing an endocrinologist. Using Platform, they quickly created "case" and "control" groups based on whether labs were completed before or after the visit. From there, they could easily compare the number of consults in each group, see who referred patients and understand why patients were being sent to Endocrinology in the first place. The process showed how helpful Platform can be for answering practical clinical questions without the burden of manual chart review.

"Participating in this experience significantly reinforced my belief that digital health and data-driven medicine are not simply future concepts, but essential components of modern clinical care," says Leticia Sandoval, M.D., a participant in the CIE Academy. "It highlighted how much high-quality data we already generate — across labs, imaging, genomics and clinical documentation — and how transformative it can be when those data are meaningfully integrated rather than siloed."

Creating superusers who accelerate progress

Residents and fellows who participated in Platform Experience Day are becoming "superusers" who can serve as go‑to resources in their departments. CIE created guidance for GME leaders on how Platform-trained learners can support innovation within their departments, leveraging the trainees' new expertise when program directors may not have had the time to dive into the Platform as much as the trainees did.

"If trainees know the pathway and have baseline experience, they can jump two or three steps ahead," says Rena Hale, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Innovation and Entrepreneurship program. "They're not stuck asking, 'What is this? 'They're already applying it to real problems."

During the event, trainees used the basic version of Mayo Clinic Platform to explore their own questions and get a sense of what the tool can reveal. They gained a clear understanding of how to incorporate the Platform into future work, and they also learned that the full version can provide deeper insights with the right guidance.

"Going into the session, I had only a general sense of what the Platform could do," says Evan Wilder, M.D., a fourth‑year gastroenterology fellow at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and a trainee in the CIE Academy. "Getting to use it firsthand showed me how powerful it is for looking at large groups of patients and spotting patterns you wouldn't see otherwise."

Building confidence that benefits the institution

As more residents and fellows show interest in hands‑on innovation, Mayo Clinic continues to expand opportunities like these across the organization. The ongoing partnership between MCSGME and Mayo Clinic Platform will create even more ways for trainees to explore real‑world questions and build skills that shape their future careers 

CIE is also a part of a growing MCSGME initiative to build additional long-term experiences designed to help trainees shape and differentiate their careers. Similar to CIE, these academies — such as the Clinician Educator Academy and the Resident Leadership Academy — offer structured, yearlong experiences that support professional growth and open doors to new paths within the practice 

Ultimately, says Dr. Hale, Platform Experience Day is about confidence. It equips learners to ask better questions, choose the right tools and move with purpose. "No one walks out a master," she says, "but they do leave with knowledge, experience and the ability to act. That speed and clarity are difference makers for our trainees and for Mayo Clinic."

The post Residents and fellows step into the Platform ‘sandbox’ to turn data into better care appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

96 students at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota joined more than 40,000 medical students nationwide as they opened envelopes on Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m. CDT to learn their residency training placements through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Match Day marks one of the most meaningful milestones in the journey to becoming a physician. At precisely the same moment, surrounded by classmates, family and mentors, students open their envelopes to view their results and discover the next chapter of their medical careers.

"When the time came to choose a medical school, Mayo stood out because it aligned strongly with the kind of physician I hoped to become," says Ryan May, a Florida medical student. "Looking back now as a graduating student, that decision proved to be the right one. Mayo provided not only outstanding clinical training and mentorship but also a community that challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. The environment of collaboration, humility and commitment to excellence has profoundly shaped the physician I am becoming."

"Match Day is not a finish line. It is a transition," says Nneka I. Comfere, M.D., Waugh Executive Dean of Education and dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, at the ceremony. "With your match, you are one step closer to the career you have imagined. Soon, however, you begin something deeper — the responsibility and purpose of becoming a physician-leader."

While the moment itself is brief, the significance of Match Day reflects years of dedication, perseverance and growth. During medical school, students immerse themselves in the science of medicine, learning clinical skills and developing the professional values that define compassionate, patient-centered care. Match Day represents the evolution from medical student to physician-in-training.

"The opportunity to grow within this type of environment has been one of the greatest privileges of my training career," says M.D.-Ph.D. student Kit Knier. "Mayo Clinic’s strength comes from its people and their integrity, dedication, and shared commitment to care. That's what makes this place truly extraordinary."

Many Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students who matched today will continue their journeys across the country, while others will stay at Mayo Clinic for their residency training.

That training that follows Match Day is a critical phase of physician development. Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education remains one of the nation's largest graduate medical education institutions, with more than 1,900 physicians in training. Over the years, it has educated approximately half of Mayo Clinic’s current physician workforce. In 2026, all of the school's 66 residency programs across Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin participated in the NRMP, offering 379 residency positions to medical students across the country.

"Training here has shown me what truly coordinated, patient-centered care looks like and set a high bar for how I hope to practice medicine moving forward," says Emma Willcocks, an Arizona medical student. "I've had the best possible experience at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and truly wouldn't trade it for anything."

For Mayo Clinic, Match Day is also a moment of pride and reflection. It highlights the collective work of faculty, staff and mentors who have supported students throughout their training. Behind every match result is a community that has invested in teaching, guidance and mentorship to help prepare the next generation of physicians.

Perhaps most importantly, Match Day is not a finish line but a new beginning.

"Today celebrates your achievement. Tomorrow begins your growth. You matched. Now you begin," concludes Dr. Comfere.

###

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine 
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of physician leaders through excellence in education and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As part of the integrated Mayo Clinic enterprise, the school delivers a learner-centered curriculum grounded in strong scientific foundations, ethical practice and real-world clinical experience. Small class sizes, a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio and a national multi-campus model foster close mentorship with world-renowned physicians and scientists. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-value, evidence-based care while leading improvements in compassionate healthcare delivery and scientific discovery.

About Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education  
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME) is shaping the future of healthcare by inspiring and preparing the next generation of physician leaders to transform patient care at Mayo Clinic and around the world. MCSGME advances graduate medical education through innovative, personalized and technology-enabled training that accelerates readiness for practice and leadership. With more than 2,000 trainees across 380 residency and fellowship programs spanning Mayo Clinic's Minnesota, Florida and Arizona campuses and Mayo Clinic Health System, MCSGME builds on a legacy of developing physicians who have transformed healthcare since 1915.

About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

The post You matched; now you begin: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students celebrate Match Day appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

When the federal Drug Enforcement Agency's Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act took effect in 2023, academic medical centers across the country faced the same challenge: Every DEA-registered clinician would need to complete eight hours of training on substance use disorders before their next registration renewal.

At Mayo Clinic, the response became more than a compliance effort. It became a case study in how continuing professional development can function as an effective and supportive workforce strategy.

Benjamin Lai, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., chair of Mayo Clinic's Opioid Stewardship Program, and Garrett Schramm, senior director of Education and Professional Development at Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development (MCSCPD), share lessons learned and what other institutions might consider.

Q: What made the MATE Act particularly challenging for a large academic medical center?

Dr. Lai: The scope and timing. The requirement applied to any clinician with prescribing authority —  physicians, residents and fellows, advanced practice professionals, even dentists. For a large, multisite organization that represents thousands of people, all working under different renewal timelines, it was both urgent and high-stakes.

We knew we needed a solution that would meet the requirement but also make sense within the realities of clinical practice.

Q: Many institutions relied on existing external modules. Why develop an internal course?

Schramm: We saw this as more than a box to check. Regulatory requirements create stress for clinicians, especially when timelines are tight. If education is going to demand their time, it should deliver real value.

Developing an internal course allowed us to align the content with the Mayo model of care and feature trusted experts from across our institution. It also allowed us to design the experience around our clinicians rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Q: What did that look like in practice?

Schramm: Within weeks, MCSCPD assembled subject matter experts from across Mayo Clinic and built an accredited, eight-hour curriculum tailored to substance use disorder screening, prevention and treatment.

But the design decisions went beyond content:

• The course was offered free to anyone with a Mayo Clinic email address.
• Clinicians received automated reminders 12 weeks before their DEA renewal deadline.
• Learners could choose from more modules than required, allowing flexibility based on their role and experience.
• The course emphasized high-quality video featuring Mayo faculty rather than relying solely on text and quizzes.
• An audiobook and podcast option included patient and family perspectives.

Together, these decisions reduced friction and helped clinicians engage with the material in a way that felt relevant and practical for their roles.

Since launching in September 2023, the Opioid Treatment Best Practices course and its companion audiobook have served nearly 5,000 learners and drawn interest from external audiences as well.

Q: What lessons did you learn about supporting clinicians under regulatory pressure?

Schramm: First, speed matters, but so does design. It's possible to move quickly without compromising quality if you have the right educational infrastructure in place.

Second, reduce administrative burden wherever possible. Automated reminders, a simple enrollment process and clear communication are not small details. They signal respect for clinicians' time.

Third, treat compliance education as an opportunity to reinforce institutional values. We approached this work with a focus on stewardship and patient-centered care. That framing resonated.

Q: How does this connect to workforce strategy?

Schramm: Education plays a significant role in retention and engagement. When clinicians feel supported rather than burdened, it changes how they experience regulatory requirements.

Continuing professional development should equip clinicians for the realities of daily work. When we design education around those realities, we strengthen the workforce and, ultimately, patient care.

Q: How can other institutions scale a similar approach?

Dr. Lai: Start with partnership. Clinical leaders understand the urgency and nuance of the requirement. Education leaders understand design, accreditation and distribution. Bringing those perspectives together early makes a difference.

Schramm: Invest in infrastructure before a crisis hits. The ability to mobilize faculty, produce high-quality content and distribute it efficiently does not happen overnight.

And listen to learners. As we prepare for the next iteration of the course, we're surveying clinicians to understand skills gaps and areas where they need more support. Regulatory requirements evolve, and so should education.

The post From compliance to workforce strategy: How Mayo Clinic responded to the DEA MATE Act  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.