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.

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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

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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."

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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. 

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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.

Think about the moments that shape a patient's experience at Mayo Clinic. When a patient is in a hospital room with new or worsening symptoms, who helps answer their first questions? Who stays a few extra minutes to explain what happens next? Who checks in again before the day ends? Often, it is a resident or fellow.   

At Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME), residents and fellows are often among the first to hear patient concerns and the last to leave the bedside. They lead with empathy, curiosity and skill, ensuring that patients feel seen, heard and supported.  

"Mayo Clinic delivers the best care in the world, and we would be unable to do so without the hard work, compassion and collective brilliance of our residents and fellows. They are central to our education and our practice missions, and I'm grateful every day that they've chosen to join us at this stage of their careers. As we mark Thank a Resident and Fellow Day, we extend our deepest appreciation for all they contribute to Mayo Clinic," says Lyell Jones, M.D., dean of Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. 

In honor of National Thank a Resident Day on Friday, Feb. 27, we're highlighting patient stories and moments of exceptional care, reminding everyone how often those experiences are made possible by the compassion and clinical excellence of our residents and fellows. Their work reflects the core value of Mayo Clinic — the needs of the patient come first. 

Here is what some patients and fellow care team members had to say about our residents: 

"My most recent visit was with Dr. McEwen, and I truly believe her actions and care saved my life. She thought outside the box into my symptoms and consulted neurology who recommended imaging which showed a vertebral artery dissection. Without imaging, we wouldn't have caught this and started proper treatment. Dr. McEwen did such a fabulous job following up with me, checking in after treatments and in her overall care. My husband, boys and I are grateful for her!" 

• Patient of Courtney McEwen Cho, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology resident, Rochester

"When everything in my life felt unmanageable, Dr. Sarah Larson reached out personally and offered to visit me with a behavioral health colleague. They helped me sort through my most urgent needs, find a way to afford my medications and reconnect with mental health care. Her kindness — and willingness to meet me where I was — made me feel supported at a time when I truly needed it." 

• Patient of Sarah N. Larson, M.D., Family Medicine resident, Mankato

"Dr. Khan's attention to every single detail and determination to find a solution was the pinnacle of the Mayo Standard. In addition to his professional demeanor, he was so pleasant. Though a resident, I feel confident Dr. Khan will be a valuable asset to the medical community." 

• Patient of Hamaad Khan, D.O., Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation resident, Florida 

"Dr. Lin provided outstanding care to a patient who was acutely decompensating. She took all the necessary clinical steps and played a key role in coordinating the transfer to a higher level of care when it became needed. Her proactive approach and dedication to patient care were evident throughout. I'm excited to see her growth in the program, and I look forward to collaborating with her in future." 

• Care team associate of Katherine Lin, M.D., General Surgery resident, Rochester

"We were there all day as the team worked to understand what was going on and ran tests to find the diagnosis. I was very impressed with Dr. Shock, who recognized our anxiety and went above and beyond to keep us updated as plans shifted. He tracked down lab and test results to expedite decisions related to the treatment plan. He was direct, communicated clearly, explained issues thoroughly, and he was compassionate and empathetic. He is an asset to your team!" 

• Patient of Jordan Shock, M.D., Transitional Year resident, Arizona

"Dr. Kotsis has shown exemplary excellence and compassion by taking charge of the situation and taking ownership of the patient with very complex medical, oncologic and psychological conditions. He demonstrated clinical judgment and communication skills above and beyond what is expected of his training and experience. What a privilege to work with such rising stars who lead with compassion!" 

• (FNU) Shweta, M.B.B.S., faculty of Christopher Kotsis, M.D., Family Medicine  resident, Eau Claire

About Thank a Resident and Fellow Day 
In 2018, the Gold Humanism Honor Society dedicated a day of recognition for residents and fellows, encouraging medical students at chapters throughout the nation to show their gratitude and appreciation. Thank a Resident and Fellow Day has since expanded to hundreds of programs around the country. 

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 more than 350 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. 

The post Residents and fellows in action: Patient and care team stories  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Carleigh Eagle's path to Mayo Clinic began not in an engineering lab or medical school classroom, but as an intern in the Clinical Research Internship Study Program (CRISP). Immersed in the intersection of science and medicine, Eagle discovered a new way to impact patient care without becoming a physician.

At the time, Eagle was a physics major hoping to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. A conversation with a Mayo faculty member led her to apply for CRISP, where she worked on a project focused on hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, a heart condition where the muscle becomes abnormally thick, narrowing the outflow path and making it harder for blood to leave the heart. Using 3D modeling to guide septal wall resections, Eagle worked with radiologists and heart surgeons to help plan and improve surgery on the heart’s septal wall. That experience helped open her eyes to the power of engineering in medicine and sparked a passion that has defined her career.

"CRISP showed me that I could be at the forefront of medicine without going to medical school," Eagle says. "It was a turning point."

Leading the way in 3D anatomical modeling

Today, Eagle is the lead engineer in the Anatomic Modeling Unit (AMU) at Mayo Clinic in Florida, where she helps transform surgical planning and patient care through advanced 3D technology, including additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. The AMU supports more than 25 clinical specialties, creating anatomical models and surgical guides that enhance surgeons' precision and improve patient understanding. 

"When a doctor holds a patient's 3D-printed heart in their hands, it helps them truly understand their patient's care," Eagle says. This understanding in turn helps patients make better medical decisions and proceed with confidence in their treatment plans.

Since joining Mayo in 2021, Eagle has helped position her AMU as the largest additive manufacturing hub at Mayo Clinic in Florida. Her team estimates that they perform one of the highest number of virtually planned scapula (shoulder blade) reconstruction procedures worldwide and have introduced innovative techniques such as "green stick" scapula bending simulations, which allow surgeons to virtually model bone adjustments before entering the operating room.

Her contributions extend beyond surgical planning. Eagle has co-developed lifelike simulators for pelvic anatomy and neurosurgical procedures, giving clinicians hands-on practice for complex cases. A graduate of the University of North Florida (UNF), Eagle also co-developed UNF's Anatomy and 3D course and is now pursuing her master's degree there in materials science and engineering. She was recently honored with UNF's Young Alumni Achievement Award. 

She also co-founded Mayo's Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Internship, mentoring more than 30 students and inspiring new cohorts of innovators. 

"Seeing Mayo through the eyes of interns reminds us why we fell in love with what we do," says Eagle. "Even those who move on carry Mayo values like compassion and patient-centered care into their future roles."

Why CRISP matters

For Eagle, CRISP was more than an internship — it was a bridge between academic learning and clinical application. From her days in the program to her role today as an engineering leader, Eagle exemplifies how experiential learning at Mayo Clinic can continue to spark breakthroughs that improve patient care.

“Carleigh is a shining example of what’s possible when students get early exposure through programs like CRISP and others offers through ONCEP (Office of Non-Clinical Education Programs),” says Michael Boniface, M.D., program director of CRISP in Florida. “She’s not only done an amazing job in her own role, but she’s also helped build a one-of-a-kind internship experience in Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering. That’s the kind of impact these programs can have.”

The post From intern to engineer: How CRISP sparked Carleigh Eagle’s role in 3D surgical innovation appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

These discoveries reflect progress across three major innovation efforts at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic clinicians and scientists are working together to develop tools to predict and intercept biological processes before they evolve into disease or progress into complex, hard-to-treat conditions through the Precure initiative. They are advancing new cures for end-organ failure beyond traditional transplantation as part of the Genesis initiative. They are also uniting clinical insight with cutting-edge engineering to deliver novel neurological diagnostics and therapies through the Bioelectronics Neuromodulation Innovation to Cure (BIONIC) initiative. 
 

1. 'Virtual clinical trials' may predict success of heart failure drugs 

Mayo Clinic researchers have created "virtual clinical trials" that advance the discovery of therapies while reducing time, cost and the risk of failed studies by combining advanced computer modeling with real-world patient data as part of the Precure and Genesis initiatives. Through one virtual clinical trial, they have developed a new way to predict whether existing drugs could be repurposed to treat heart failure, one of the world's most pressing health challenges. 

"Clinical trials will always remain essential," says Cui Tao, Ph.D., the Nancy Peretsman and Robert Scully Chair of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics and vice president of Mayo Clinic Platform Informatics. "But this innovation demonstrates how AI can make research more efficient, affordable and broadly accessible. Integrating trial emulation, simulation, synthetic trials and biomedical knowledge modeling opens the door to a new paradigm in translational science." 

2. New discovery may unlock regenerative therapies for lung disease

Mayo Clinic researchers have uncovered the molecular "switch" that directs a small but powerful set of cells that choose whether to repair tissue or fight infection, a discovery that could inform regenerative therapies for chronic lung diseases, which is part of Mayo Clinic's Genesis initiative.
 
"We were surprised to find that these specialized cells cannot do both jobs at once," says Douglas Brownfield, Ph.D., senior author of the study. "Some commit to rebuilding, while others focus on defense. That division of labor is essential — and by uncovering the switch that controls it, we can start thinking about how to restore balance when it breaks down in disease." 

3. Stem cells may offer new hope for end-stage kidney disease treatment

Mayo Clinic researchers found that injecting patients' own stem cells from fat cells into the vein before hemodialysis, a treatment for end-stage kidney disease, often helped prevent inflammation and vein narrowing. This could help millions of people tolerate dialysis longer, extending the time before they require a kidney transplant as part of the Mayo Clinic Genesis initiative. 

"This approach has the potential to improve outcomes for millions of patients with kidney failure, reduce healthcare costs and inform new clinical guidelines for dialysis access management if validated in larger clinical trials," says Sanjay Misra, M.D., a Mayo Clinic interventional radiologist. 

4. Mayo Clinic physicians map patients' brain waves to personalize epilepsy treatment

Using detailed maps of each patient's unique brain wave patterns, Mayo Clinic physicians can now pinpoint where stimulation is most effective, moving beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to epilepsy treatment. This research is part of the BIONIC initiative.

"The long-term goal is to quiet the seizure network, so it is eventually forgotten. Reorganizing the neuronal network could move us beyond controlling seizures to actually curing epilepsy," says Nick Gregg, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist. 

5. New genetic biomarker flags aggressive brain tumors

Mayo Clinic researchers found when meningiomas — the most common type of brain tumor — show activity in a gene called telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), it tends to recur more quickly, even if it looks low grade under the microscope. This is part of the Mayo Clinic Precure initiative. 

"High TERT expression is strongly linked to faster disease progression," says Gelareh Zadeh, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic and senior author of the study. "This makes it a promising new biomarker for identifying patients who may be at greater risk of developing aggressive disease."

6. Mayo Clinic researchers discover the immune system's 'fountain of youth'

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that some older people maintain "immune youth" – a new term coined by Mayo researchers to explain a young immune system in someone over age 60.  
 
"We observed that these patients have very young immune systems despite being in their 60s and 70s. But the price they pay for that is autoimmunity," says Cornelia Weyand, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist and clinician-scientist. This is part of the Mayo Clinic Precure initiative.

7. Mayo Clinic tools predict, identify and diagnose Alzheimer's, dementia quicker

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed new tools to estimate a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms appear as part of the Precure initiative and to help clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using one scan. They also confirmed the accuracy of an FDA-approved blood test that can be used at outpatient memory clinics to diagnose the disease in patients with a range of cognitive impairment. 

"Every patient who walks into my clinic carries a unique story shaped by the brain's complexity," says David T. Jones, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist. "That complexity drew me to neurology and continues to drive my commitment to clearer answers."

8. Mayo Clinic research improves dense breast cancer screening and early detection

Nearly half of all women in the U.S. have dense breast tissue, which can make detecting breast cancer difficult with a mammogram. Mayo Clinic researchers found that adding another test, called molecular breast imaging, or MBI, to a 3D mammogram, improved the ability to find cancer in dense tissue by more than double. 
 
"Our research focuses on detecting the most lethal cancers, which can include invasive tumors that grow quickly. If these are detected earlier, we likely can save more lives," says Carrie Hruska, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic professor of medical physics and lead author of the study. 

9. Mayo Clinic researchers find 'sugar coating' cells can protect those typically destroyed in type 1 diabetes

After identifying a sugar molecule that cancer cells use on their surfaces to hide from the immune system, Mayo Clinic researchers have found the same molecule may eventually help in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes. 

"A goal would be to provide transplantable cells without the need for immunosuppression," says Virginia Shapiro, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic immunology researcher. "Though we're still in the early stages, this study may be one step toward improving care."

10. New study calculates autoimmune disease prevalence

Mayo Clinic researchers and collaborators have described — for the first time — the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the U.S. Their research reports that about 15 million people are estimated to have one or more of 105 autoimmune diseases. The study also found that autoimmune diseases occur most often in women, and it identified the top autoimmune diseases by prevalence, sex and age. 
 
"Knowing the number of patients with an autoimmune disease in the U.S. is critical to assess whether these diseases are increasing or decreasing over time and with treatment," says DeLisa Fairweather, Ph.D., vice-chair of translational research for the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Florida and corresponding author of the study.

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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. 

Media contact: 

• Julie Ferris-Tillman, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

The post A Year of Discovery: 10 Mayo Clinic research breakthroughs moving medicine forward  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.