Office of Education Engagement and Outreach, Mayo Clinic

🎉 Congratulations to our Undergraduate Plummer Scholars (UPS) Academic Year learners on successfully completing the 2025–2026 program! Your dedication, curiosity, and commitment to growth have been inspiring to witness throughout the year.

We are also proud to celebrate those selected for the UPS+ Summer Program—an exciting next step in your journey. During this one-week immersive experience, scholars will participate in shadowing, MCAT prep, professional development workshops, and near-peer mentorship opportunities. This opportunity reflects your hard work and the promise you bring to the future of medicine and science.

Thank you for your passion, perseverance, and continued pursuit of excellence. We look forward to all that you will accomplish next! 🌟

Pittsburgh brought the energy, and so did we. The Office of Education Engagement and Outreach team joined Program Directors and Residents at the 62nd Annual SNMA AMEC Conference, connecting with 400+ future physicians. Every conversation was a chance to share what makes Mayo Clinic a place where people grow, lead, and make a difference.

Summer is just around the corner, and we have an exciting, new educational program for the future leaders of the medical industry.

Announcing the Pre‑College Healthcare Academy, an opportunity for high school students to gain interactive, hands-on experience at Mayo Clinic and explore what a future in healthcare truly looks like.

In Summer 2026, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is opening its doors to high school students aged 15-18 for a two-week residential program, inviting them into the same environments where pioneering research, breakthrough care and world‑class medical training take place every day. This program is ideal for teens with an interest in STEM and a curiosity about medicine who would like to learn alongside clinicians, scientists and educators at Mayo Clinic.

During the program, students will explore medicine and healthcare innovation through hands‑on labs, interactive clinical simulations and research‑based learning, mirroring how medical professionals and scientists build skills.

Interested in joining our inaugural cohort? Learn more: https://precollege.mayo.edu/

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top-rated national medical school for research.

In the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, the school was placed in Tier 1, the highest tier. The recognition highlights Mayo Clinic’s strength in medical research and its distinctive approach to physician education.

Through an integrated model that connects education, clinical practice and research, students are prepared to lead and advance patient care in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Read more about this recognition: https://mayocl.in/4skC4aG

Meet Dr. Caylon Pettis, M.D., a psychiatry resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester and an Ambassador of Excellence. 🧠

From April 1–5, he represented Mayo Clinic at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). In this Q&A, he shares what inspired his path, key moments from residency, and advice for future physicians.

1. Can you share a personal moment or experience that led you to choose psychiatry?

During medical school, I met a patient who was really struggling and clearly needed psychiatric care in the setting of significant psychosocial stressors. I was able to convince him to come into the hospital, and after that, I visited him every day. Part of that was because I had my own fear of locked psychiatric units, so I think I was pushing myself too. On the last day of his admission, he cried with me. That moment stayed with me. It was one of the first times I fully understood how powerful it can be to sit with someone in their pain, and it really solidified my decision to go into psychiatry.

2. What has been one of the most meaningful or memorable experiences during your residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester so far?

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had during residency happened while I was on my neurology block. I was caring for a patient with an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, and I had the chance to work closely with his family throughout his hospitalization. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he ultimately had to be terminally extubated. His family specifically asked me to be there during that moment. Even in the middle of so much sadness, I felt like I was able to offer real care and presence to them. That experience has stayed with me, and it is one of the moments I think about when residency gets especially hard.

3. Outside of medicine, what helps you recharge and stay grounded during residency?

My family is a huge source of support for me. My wife has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey in medicine, and she really helps ease some of the anxiety that can come with the constant grind of residency. Outside of that, I’m also an avid video gamer, and that gives me a way to decompress and step away mentally when I need to recharge.

4. Who has been a key influence or source of support in your journey to becoming a psychiatrist?

Two of the biggest influences in my journey have been Dr. Dionne Hart and Dr. Monica Taylor-Desir. Dr. Hart has been my mentor since medical school and has always challenged me to become not only a better psychiatrist, but also a better person. Dr. Taylor-Desir has been an incredibly supportive force during residency and has helped me a great deal as I think about building my career. Having mentors that show up for me has made a real difference.

Meet Ahauve Orusa, M.D., M.P.H., an Internal Medicine resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Rochester, Minnesota, and an MCSGME Ambassador of Excellence. ✨

From April 1–5, she will represent Mayo Clinic at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). In this Q&A, she shares what sparked her interest in Internal Medicine, meaningful moments from residency, and advice for students exploring residency programs.

1. Can you share a personal experience or moment that inspired you to pursue Internal Medicine?

My interest in Internal Medicine really started during a trip to Nigeria, when my grandmother suddenly became very ill. It opened my eyes to how much environment and access to care can shape someone’s health. Later in medical school, I found myself drawn to the puzzle solving and cerebral nature of thinking that Internal Medicine offers. It also felt like the right place to keep exploring different subspecialties, especially my growing interest in oncology.

2. What has been one of the most meaningful or memorable experiences during your residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester so far?

One of the most meaningful parts of my residency so far has been serving on the wellness committee. I helped lead a fitness challenge where residents and faculty came together for different fitness activities, and it ended up being such a fun way to build community. Seeing people step away from the hospital, cheer each other on, and connect through movement made the whole experience really memorable for me.

3. Internal Medicine requires both breadth and depth of knowledge, what aspects of the specialty do you find most rewarding?

One of the aspects I find most rewarding about Internal Medicine is being able to guide patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings through meaningful turning points in their care. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about uncovering a diagnosis, starting the right treatment, and watching someone finally feel relief. As a primary care provider in the community, some of my favorite moments are when patients come in excited to tell me how much better they’re doing.

And on the other end of the spectrum, I find a lot of meaning in guiding patients through conversations about their care preferences and priorities, especially near the end of life. Being able to give people the space, information, and support they need to make thoughtful decisions about end of life matters is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

4. Internal Medicine training can be demanding, what helps you stay grounded and maintain balance outside the hospital?

Yoga has become one of the most important ways I stay balanced outside the hospital. Rolling out my mat, whether it’s a quick flow at home or an in-person class, always leaves me feeling more grounded and refreshed. I also love jogging, reading, and catching up with family and friends. Those simple routines and connections help me reset and remind me of life outside the hospital, which keeps me centered through the busy stretches.

5. What message would you most like to share with medical students attending SNMA AMEC who are exploring Internal Medicine or residency programs?

I’d tell students not to give up on themselves or their dreams. This journey can be tough, but believing in yourself goes a long way. Keep an open mind as you explore different programs and be honest with yourself about what matters most to you.

I also recommend making a list of the qualities you’re looking for in an Internal Medicine program and use that to guide your questions. Don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for what you need. This is your training and you deserve to be at a place where you feel you can truly grow.

Meet Dr. Carlie Aurubin, M.D., Ph.D., an Internal Medicine resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Jacksonville, Florida, and an MCSGME Ambassador of Excellence. ✨

From April 1–5, she will represent Mayo Clinic at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). In this Q&A, she shares what sparked her interest in Internal Medicine, meaningful moments from residency, and advice for students exploring residency programs.

1. Can you share a personal experience or moment that inspired you to pursue Internal Medicine?

During my clinical rotations in medical school, I started to realize that some of the most important parts of medicine happen in the gray areas, not in the textbook answers. I cared for a patient with multiple chronic conditions whose clinical picture didn’t fit neatly into one diagnosis. And what stayed with me wasn’t just the complexity, it was the responsibility of stepping back, seeing the whole person, and asking, “what does this patient need from me right now?” In that moment, I understood that Internal Medicine isn’t just about knowing more, it’s about thinking deeply, listening closely, and showing up for patients in a way that’s both analytical and human. And that’s what drew me to the field.

2. What has been one of the most meaningful or memorable experiences during your residency at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville so far?

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville has been the mentorship I’ve received. There have been so many moments where I’ve been challenged by a complex case or uncertain about my next step, and instead of being given an answer, I’ve been met with guidance through senior physicians and mentors who take the time to ask thoughtful questions, who push my clinical reasoning, and who genuinely invest in my growth. What’s been most impactful is that mentorship here goes beyond just clinical teaching. It’s about people who see your potential, who advocate for you, and who help you envision the kind of physician you can become, even before you fully see it yourself. That kind of support has shaped not only how I practice medicine, but also the kind of mentor I hope to be in the future.

3. Internal Medicine requires both breadth and depth of knowledge, what aspects of the specialty do you find most rewarding?

What I find most rewarding about Internal Medicine is that it challenges you to hold both complexity and connection at the same time. You’re constantly thinking, analyzing data, considering different possible diagnoses, solving problems, but at the same time, you’re building trust with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. To me, the most powerful part is that intersection. It’s not just solving the puzzle, it’s walking alongside patients through it. And knowing that your presence, your thinking, and your care can truly change the course of someone’s life, that’s what makes it meaningful.

4. Internal Medicine training can be demanding, what helps you stay grounded and maintain balance outside the hospital?

What helps me stay grounded is staying connected to who I am outside of medicine. For me, that looks like creating, whether that’s designing spaces, planning events, or building things that bring people together. Those moments remind me that I’m more than my role as a physician, and they give me energy to come back and care for patients fully. I’ve also learned that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. Being present where I am, giving myself grace, and recognizing that taking care of myself is part of taking care of others.

5. What message would you most like to share with medical students attending SNMA AMEC who are exploring Internal Medicine or residency programs?

Remember you belong in every room you step into. As you explore different programs, look beyond just the reputation or the numbers. Pay attention to who is investing in you, who is mentoring you, and who is creating space for you to grow, not just as a physician, but as your full self. Medicine is a field that needs thoughtful, compassionate, and diverse voices. And wherever you choose to train, choose a place that doesn’t just accept you, but actively supports and elevates you.

Meet Dr. Olachi Oleru, M.D., a Plastic Surgery resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Phoenix and an Ambassador of Excellence. ✨

1. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired you to pursue Plastic Surgery?

My first real introduction to Plastic Surgery was seeing a complex procedure where a muscle was transferred from the inner thigh to the arm to help restore movement after a severe nerve injury. It was love at first sight. That was the moment I realized plastic surgery is not just about restoring appearance, but also about restoring function and improving quality of life.

2. What has been one of the most meaningful or rewarding experiences during your residency at Mayo Clinic Arizona so far?

A really meaningful experience has been our anatomy teaching rotation. Our program allows us to spend 2 months on the teaching team for the first-year medical students' anatomy class. It was super rewarding to get to work with students at that point in their studies, and to be able to share my excitement for the field of plastic surgery with students so early in their medical journey. Hopefully, there are a few plastics converts from that class!

3. Plastic Surgery can be highly demanding and detail-intensive—what helps you stay grounded and resilient outside the hospital?

Making time for myself, my family/friends, and my interests has definitely been a cornerstone of refilling my cup. Which is easier said than done, I know, but in any free time I have, I like to put myself around people that I love.

4. Who has been a significant influence or source of support on your path to becoming a plastic surgeon?

My family has definitely been my biggest support system, and I'm so grateful to have them. Even though they still have no idea what I do (no matter how many times I explain it), once I told them that my goal was to become a plastic surgeon, they put all ten toes down for me.

5. What message would you most like to share with medical students attending SNMA AMEC who are interested in competitive specialties like Plastic Surgery?

For your own sanity, know what is in your control and what isn't. Make connections, put yourself out there, perform to the best of your ability. Then, let the chips fall where they may. My path to Plastic Surgery has definitely not been linear, but things have a way of settling into the way they are meant to be.

Meet Dr. Obadi Obadi, M.D.,an Emergency Medicine resident at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester and an Ambassador of Excellence. 🌟

From April 1–5, he will represent Mayo Clinic at the SNMA Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC). In this Q&A, he shares what shaped his path, what keeps him grounded, and his advice for future physicians.

1. Can you share a defining moment that inspired you to pursue Emergency Medicine?
I was drawn to Emergency Medicine even before medical school, but during my rotations, I experienced a moment of clarity. I saw how EM physicians care for not only individual patients, but also support the broader community by serving as a point of access to care. It’s one of the few specialties where you can care for anyone, at any time. After that realization, there was no turning back.

2. What has been one of the most impactful or unforgettable experiences during your residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester?
The people. The sense of community here is what makes Mayo Clinic so meaningful. From day one, I’ve felt supported, welcomed, and valued. That sense of belonging has been the most impactful part of my residency and continues to shape both my personal and professional growth.

3. Emergency Medicine can be fast-paced and intense. What helps you stay grounded and resilient outside the hospital?
My family, friends, and faith keep me grounded. I’m also grateful for mentors and co-residents who support one another both inside and outside the hospital.

4. Who or what has been a major source of inspiration or support throughout your journey to becoming an emergency physician?
Residency can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose sight of your “why.” Patient experiences often bring that purpose back into focus. The individuals and communities we serve continue to inspire me every day.

5. What message would you most like to share with medical students attending SNMA AMEC who are considering Emergency Medicine or exploring residency programs?
Choosing a specialty and residency program isn’t always a purely logical decision. I considered many factors, but ultimately trusted my instincts. When evaluating programs, I focused on my “3 Ps”: patient population, place, and people. If a program didn’t align with at least two, it wasn’t the right fit for me. I remember leaving my Mayo interview and thinking, “This is the one.” Trust yourself—you’ll recognize when a program feels right.

Pittsburgh, we're on our way! ✈️🏙️

The Mayo Clinic team will be at the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) in 2026, and we'd love to see YOU at Booth #633.

Come by and let's talk — 🩺 Our programs 📚 Training opportunities 💙 What makes Mayo a great place to grow in medicine

Whether you have five minutes or fifty, we're here for it. Stop by, say hi, and let's chat about your future in healthcare.
See you in Pittsburgh! 🌉

📍 Booth #633 | Pittsburgh, PA
🗓️ April 1–5, 2026
🔗 snma.org/event/AMEC26Attendee

Cheers to a successful event hosted by the Office of Wellness and Academic Support yesterday on the Rochester campus! The No Expectations Café welcomed hundreds of students who stopped by for food, drinks, swag, and resources. We look forward to connecting with learners again at the next event.