Program Review
Staff / Faculty / Chairman
Chairman Dr Berry (joints) seemed like a nice guy that knew the residents and was approachable. PD Dr Hanssen (joints) was supposed to be hard to get along with, but I got along great with him. He seems demanding but fair (also stepping down this year). Asst PD Turner (Foot and Ankle) seemed like an all around nice guy, and he will be PD starting next year. Otherwise, this is the Mayo Clinic and there are top names in every field. They seemed to get along with and know the residents pretty well. There were a few attendings that seemed like residents didn't like working with, but that is to be expected anywhere.
Didactics / Teaching
I only saw the morning didactics on joints, hand, and upper extremity. They were all cases from the previous week presented by residents and fellows, where all of the attendings then chimed in on the topics that the cases brought up. Thought they were excellent and educational. Program has 6 months of afternoon protected time in PGY-2 for basic science didactics and labs. I thought this was a great way to get everyone orthopedic education before they hit many of their rotations, residents that I met really liked this.
Operating Experience
This is the big question with Mayo I think. From what I saw I think the residents were pretty good and got their hands dirty regularly. Each resident does 3-month rotations with an attending, so they do more the longer into the rotation that they are. Three or four of the chiefs this year are going directly into private practice, which makes me think they are very happy with their operative training. Also, your PGY5 year contains 9 months of elective time, so that is almost a mini-fellowship right there. Lots of PA and surg tech help in the OR with things like draping and dressings.
Clinic Experience
I thought this was excellent with lots of teaching and learning going on, although I'm sure like at any place this is attending dependent. Lots of PA help.
Research Opportunities
The databases are incredible and you can probably answer any clinical question you want. There are some labs where you can work if you do the research-track, which is research as a PGY-2 and still graduate in 5 years. One paper is required by graduation. Can do a lot if this is your thing.
Residents
Only met a few, given that there are 55-60 of them, but the ones I met seemed to be down to earth good people. I didn't meet any bad apples in my month here.
Lifestyle
Pretty cush lifestyle, 6-6 days with rounding on the weekends and occasional call (remember call is split up between all of those residents).
Location / Housing
Well housing is very affordable and the summer is beautiful, winters on the other hand are brutal. Have to like small town living if you come here.
Limitations
I think a big limitation of going to this program is the fact that you do 3 months with each attending. If you get the attendings that you want to deal with, then great. But I could see where you might not get to work with the attendings that you were expecting to be able to work with. This (along with the weather) brought it down a few spots for me.
Overall Rotation Experience / Conclusion
Excellent place for a rotation if you want to get a letter from a big-name attending as you will be one-on-one with them. As far as residency goes I think it is a solid training program, with a great name, in a not so great location, you just have to figure out what you want for these 5 years of your life.
