In terms of the dress code for women, it's pretty much the same as the men though we can get away with a little more. I've definitely gotten away with (and seen people get away with) black workout leggings, as well as jeans and any variety of t-shirts. When patients are here, I generally go with decent slacks, a business top and a blazer/dress cardigan or a dress and a blazer/dress cardigan, but I haven't gone full suit since the first day of orientation. Always flats because I frankly hurt myself in heels. No one has ever said anything to me about those standards. FWIW, a third year told me the old dress code was "show up in anything except sweatpants/pajamas" but people kept showing up in sweatpants and pajamas, so they made the code stricter (but as has been mentioned, they haven't made any motion enforce the things like no shorts and no workout clothes). When I've been at Mayo hospital, I tend towards slacks and blouse/dress and blazer/cardigan combo, and I've never been told I'm not dressy enough. When I'm at PCH or MIHS, I go more true business casual and everyone is fine. MIHS doctors I think would laugh if I showed up in my suit. Different hospitals, different cultures.
Honestly, the dumbest thing in the world that we mock constantly is that technically, all shoulders must be covered, because clearly my shoulders are just the height of disrespect. But again, those are just letters of the law. We've had active physician-lecturers give class in sleeveless dresses and most of the women I can think of have worn sleeveless tops of some sort at some time. What is written down, and what you will be told on the first or second day or orientation, is vastly different than what is actually enforced. Trust me, while we ish follow the dress code, we made it very well known then that we think certain parts of it are silly, especially when there won't be any patients. If you are super averse to ever wearing a suit for patient contact, though, Mayo-Rochester is not going to be the place for you. Mayo-AZ and Mayo-FL are much more relaxed about their physician dress. But part of the 'one campus' thing is a technically identical dress code in MN and AZ despite campus cultural differences.
As far as missing class, it is recorded if you're sick/at a conference/whatever. Some classes have 'highly suggested' attendance instead of mandatory, and you will see in your syllabus where attendance matters for your grade in the form of professor evaluations. I honestly don't mind it. Save one class so far and a could sporadic lectures, I've felt like attending class is very much a good use of my time. The professors and TAs are really good about putting things into clinically relevant context and helping you individually with your questions. If you are going to medical school thrilled about not having to go to class, either Mayo probably doesn't suit you. But as someone who didn't love that heading in, I've found it doesn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it would. Same with the dress code, honestly.
