As someone who interviewed at Mayo:
This is an extremely strong program. The residents seem very happy with the quality of their training as well as their quality of life.
Observations:
1. World class teaching and faculty support - there are multiple experts in each sub-specialty who love to teach, they are readily available for support.
2. Balanced level of autonomy vs. supervision. Residents rotate through a resident run clinic. If the first year feels comfortable, he or she can work alone. With questions, the first year first asks a 3rd year, all of whom have an office in the resident clinic. This gives 3rd years time to teach as well as a chance to solidify knowledge. Faculty is always available and quick to help if more help is requested for a complex patient.
3. Surgery. Mayo residents get good surgical exposure. The numbers are solid. They are not top numbers in the nation, but my impression is they are well above average. Mayo serves a large population (Minnesota, the Dakota's, Iowa, Wisconsin - make up most of the patients, but complex referrals are common as well), and there are no "private patients." 3rd years do a 3 month rotation at the Minneapolis VA (1.5 hours north of Rochester) where they are provided living arrangements (apartment). There is a surgery simulator, and residents get human eyes as often as they'd like for the wet lab. They get extensive cornea suturing training in the wet lab.
4. Facilities: Mayo must be one of the most beautiful medical centers in the world. The world-class art and marble buildings are a testament to countless patients who were so happy with their care that they continually donate huge amounts of $ to the clinic.
5. Residents get top fellowship positions! 2007 grads: plastics at Mayo, plastics at Indiana, cornea at Iowa, retina and uveitis in DC. This is a huge strength of the program. Also, residents not uncommonly go into compressive practice right out of the program, including places like Alaska.
6. Rochester is a small, family-oriented, Midwest culture town. Living is inexpensive, traffic is a non-issue, and it is safe. It is an easy drive from the Twin Cities.
7. All residents do at least 1 research project, typical with other programs. The level of support of the residents who do want to do serious research is probably as good as it gets. Those who just want to do a simple project can get away with it. Residents get their way paid to as many conferences as they want to present at, and they also get their way paid to 1 conference they just want to attend. Many faculty are eager to have residents involved in their research.
8. Residents have continuity of care with their patients. All patients you'd see in the resident clinic, or on call, or from consults, become YOUR patients, and they follow up with you. This sounds unique.
9. The support staff and infrastructure are probably as good as they come.
