The M.D. degree is a broad undifferentiated degree attesting to the mastery of general knowledge in all fields required for entry into graduate medical education programs (residencies). Graduates must possess the essential knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care safely and effectively.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine has specified the following nonacademic criteria (technical standards), which all students must meet to participate in the medical education program and the practice of medicine.

Participation and observation

• Attend and participate in all classroom, small group, and laboratory exercises, and all clinical experiences throughout the curriculum
• Interview, assess, and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned to them for examination, diagnosis, and treatment
• Access information electronically and utilize technology for learning, such as online modules, web-based learning, simulation, and electronic medical records

Communication

Communicate respectfully, effectively, and sensitively with patients to:

• Elicit information
• Describe changes in mood, activity, and posture
• Assess nonverbal communications

Respectfully, effectively, and efficiently transmit information to fellow students, faculty, staff, and all members of the healthcare team.

Motor

Have sufficient motor function to complete a comprehensive physical examination of patients, including:

• Elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers
• Execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to all patients
• Use an electronic medical record to document clinical encounters and order tests/treatments

Intellectual, integrative, and quantitative abilities

Have the capacity to:

• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and problem-solve
• Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures
• Perform problem-solving skills in a timely fashion

Behavioral attributes

Have the capacity to:

• Exhibit honesty and integrity
• Exercise good judgment
• Demonstrate compassion and cultural humility
• Promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients
• Cultivate mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and others
• Tolerate taxing workloads
• Function effectively under stress
• Display flexibility and adapt to changing environments
• Function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the practice of medicine

In order to protect our students, patients, and staff from possible exposures to infectious diseases that are of concern in a health care environment, students are required to provide proof of vaccination status. Mayo Clinic immunization guidelines are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for healthcare workers and are in alignment with the AAMC standardized immunization requirements.

Accepted and waitlisted learners will receive the required attestation forms as admissions offers begin at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Students must submit completed attestation forms signed by an NP/PA/MD/DO as well as copies of all immunization records and any applicable lab reports indicating immunity. Full immunity from vaccination takes time, so even if you ultimately choose a different medical school, it is recommended you start your immunization review as soon as possible.

If you have questions about these requirements, please email mccmadmissions@mayo.edu.

Vaccination attestation

Mandatory vaccines with no declination possible

The below vaccines are mandatory with no declination possible. You must have these or your ability to receive these must be determined to be medically contraindicated by your provider.

• Varicella: Learners are required to have proof of two vaccines or proof of immunity by serology.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Learners are required to have proof of two vaccines or proof of immunity by serology.

Vaccines with declination possible

The below vaccines are non-mandatory and have declination possible. To be allowed to decline a vaccination for Mayo Clinic purposes, your provider must sign that they counseled you on the risks and benefits of the immunization.

• Meningitis vaccine: Learners are encouraged to have the age appropriate vaccination for meningitis.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Learners must submit proof of immunity by quantitative serology (defined as >10mIU/mL). Please be aware there are two types of lab tests of immunity. Qualitative immunity shows result as either positive or negative. Quantitative immunity shows results as a measure of the amount of antibody present. It is required that students submit a lab report with a quantitative value.
  • Alternatively, one of the following must apply:
    • Learners may be in the process of completing their initial vaccination series.
    • Learners may be in the process of completing a second vaccine series following a negative serology.
    • Learners may decline (please be aware that this may limit your ability to participate in certain clinical rotations).
  • For more information on Hepatitis B requirements, visit the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Hep B FAQs.
• COVID-19: Learners should provide documentation of vaccination or must formally decline if they choose not to be vaccinated.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Td, Tdap): Learners are required to have a record of a tetanus vaccine including a pertussis component given within the past 10 years.

TB attestation

Documentation of tuberculosis status is required of all students. The preferred method of testing is by Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). This lab must be drawn within three months prior to program start. Alternatively, the student may opt to submit a two-step TB skin test.

If a two-step skin test is submitted, the first test must be done not more than 12 months prior to the program start and a second test within three months prior to the program start date, a minimum of one week apart.

For students with a history of a prior positive TB skin test (>10mm), a blood test is required. If a blood test is positive, documentation of a chest X-ray and any treatment received is required.  The student’s healthcare provider must attest that baseline screening has been provided and that the student is free from active TB infection. Copies of lab and X-ray results must be included with the attestation form.

Minnesota background study

A Minnesota background study is required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) in order to work with patients directly. This can be completed prior to arrival on campus or within first seven days on campus.

Drug screen

Appointment at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen.