Introducing the Humanitarian Visiting Professorship
Bringing Mayo Values to the World
The Humanitarian Visiting Professorship reflects the enduring mission of Mayo Clinic and its alumni: to serve patients with compassion, excellence and innovation — wherever they are in the world.
We invite our alumni community to learn more, nominate a colleague, or apply to be part of this transformative initiative.
Honoring Service. Advancing Knowledge. Inspiring Global Impact.
The Mayo Clinic Alumni Association is proud to announce the launch of the Humanitarian Visiting Professorship, a new initiative supported by the Alumni Humanitarian Endowment. This annual opportunity celebrates and empowers Mayo Clinic alumni who dedicate their careers to serving medically underserved populations around the world.
Background & Purpose
Established in 2018, the Alumni Humanitarian Endowment was created to support international service efforts by Mayo Clinic alumni. While early scholarship cycles enabled alumni participation in Mayo Clinic Abroad initiatives, evolving global health strategies and the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reimagining of how best to honor and support humanitarian work.
The Humanitarian Visiting Professorship is the result—a sustainable, meaningful way to recognize alumni who exemplify Mayo Clinic values through their commitment to global health equity.
About the Professorship
Each year, one distinguished alumnus will be selected to visit a Mayo Clinic campus for a three-day engagement. This immersive experience is designed to foster mutual learning, share expertise and deepen connections between Mayo Clinic and alumni working in underserved international communities.
The Visiting Professorship includes:
- Delivery of Two Lectures
- One for Mayo Clinic colleagues and learners
- One for medical students, residents, or fellows
- Topics will reflect the alumnus’s specialty and their work addressing global health disparities.
- Clinical Shadowing
- The opportunity to observe Mayo Clinic staff and explore emerging best practices in their field.
- Learner Engagement
- Conversations with current trainees interested in humanitarian service.
- Private Dinner
- A hosted evening with select Mayo Clinic colleagues.
- Travel Reimbursement
- Up to $8,000 annually for travel, lodging, and meals.
Eligibility & Selection
This opportunity is open to Mayo Clinic alumni who:
- Practice medicine in medically underserved international areas, either full-time or through structured mission programs.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving global health outcomes.
Applications are reviewed annually by members of the MCAA Board of Directors, with final approval by Mayo Clinic education leadership.
Application
To nominate a candidate, please complete the online application form below and upload the required materials by March 1, 2026. All components must be submitted together; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required materials to attach include:
- Nominee Statement: A 1–2 page summary from the nominee describing their most significant research contributions, personal attributes, and accomplishments. This statement should also address the following:
- How their work reflects Mayo Clinic values
- What they hope to gain from the Professorship experience
- How they plan to share the knowledge gained with their community
- Curriculum Vitae and Bibliography: A comprehensive overview of the nominee’s academic and professional background.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters from Mayo alumni or other qualified individuals. Only three letters will be accepted; additional letters will not be reviewed.