Mayo Clinic Surgical Fellowships: Stipends, Eligibility, and Application Steps

Author: Michael | Published: August 17, 2026

Mayo Clinic surgical fellowships

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education offers advanced subspecialty surgical fellowships across its campuses in Rochester (Minnesota), Jacksonville (Florida), and Phoenix/Scottsdale (Arizona). These programs combine intensive operative training, subspecialty research, and outpatient management. Applicants are assessed on clinical competence, academic record, and career goals.

Salary and Benefits

PGY LevelAnnual SalaryBiweekly Payment
PGY-5$89,036$3,424
PGY-6$92,376$3,553
PGY-7$95,417$3,670
PGY-8$99,058$3,810
PGY-9$102,594$3,946
PGY-10$106,096$4,081

Additional benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
  • Meal subsidies during on-call shifts
  • Free employee parking at all campuses
  • Housing loan options via Mayo Employees Credit Union
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and professional leave for conferences

Eligibility Requirements for Mayo Clinic School

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Medical Degree: MD, DO, or international equivalent from an accredited institution
  • Residency Training: Completion of an ACGME-accredited or Canadian RCPSC-accredited residency in General Surgery or related discipline
  • Examinations: Passing scores on USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 (or COMLEX equivalents)
  • International Graduates: Valid ECFMG certification required before appointment
  • Visa Sponsorship: J-1 clinical visas supported through ECFMG; H-1B visas considered in limited cases

Fellowship Responsibilities

  • Clinical Practice Fellows perform complex surgical procedures under faculty supervision, manage inpatient services, run outpatient clinics, and cover emergency consultations. Duty hours comply with ACGME regulations.
  • Research Each fellow must complete a clinical or laboratory research project, submit abstracts to surgical societies, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Mayo Clinic must be listed as the primary institutional affiliation.
  • Teaching Fellows train residents and medical students, lead morbidity and mortality conferences, and participate in journal clubs.

Required Application Documents

  1. Standard application form (via SAFAS, ERAS, SF Match, or Mayo Recruit system)
  2. Detailed CV including education, rotations, awards, and publications
  3. Personal statement outlining career goals and subspecialty interests
  4. Minimum of three recommendation letters, including one from your residency Program Director
  5. Official medical school transcripts and MSPE/Dean’s Letter
  6. Board exam transcripts (USMLE or COMLEX)
  7. ECFMG status report (for international graduates)

Application Timelines

  • Surgical Critical Care: Apply via SAFAS; interviews July–September; match through NRMP Specialties Matching Service
  • Colorectal Surgery: Apply via ERAS or subspecialty portals; follows national match calendar
  • Surgical Pathology and Subspecialties: Apply directly through Mayo Recruit system; interviews July–November

Most subspecialties require applications 18–24 months before the fellowship start date.

How to Start Your Application

  1. Identify your subspecialty on the Mayo Clinic Graduate Medical Education portal.
  2. Confirm program availability with the Education Program Coordinator.
  3. Request your Program Director’s recommendation letter early.
  4. Complete USMLE Step 3 before applying; applications without full score reports are not reviewed.
  5. Submit all documents through the designated application platform.

Access official program listing pages, coordinator contacts and apply through the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education Portal.

See NUS Merit Scholarship in Singapore and Toronto Corporate Internship in Canada detailed guides to explore other scholarship opportunities.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Fellowship policies, stipends, and application requirements may change. Always verify details directly with the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education before submitting your application.