
All Episodes - Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences
Mayo Clinic is a unique place: the culture, the values, the people. "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences" explores the experiences of Mayo Clinic staff as they navigate life personally and professionally. Sharing these experiences increases understanding of others and ultimately contributes to finding connections, belonging and inclusion at work.
View Podcast Details60 Episodes
Colleagues discuss their motivation for becoming a nurse and caring for others
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," two nurses, Brittaney and Juan, share their motivations for becoming nurses and reflect on their experiences caring for others.
Colleagues discuss the importance of caring for the spiritual well-being of our staff
In this episode, you will hear Corinne, a chaplain, and Pamala, a nurse manager, discuss the importance of caring for our staff’s spiritual well-being.
Colleagues discuss how creating art fosters healing and builds connections with patients
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," Robin Anderson, an artist, and Erin Gravemann, a social worker, discuss how their experience in creating art fosters healing and builds connections with patients.
On Career Advancement Through Educational Opportunities
This is the "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences" podcast, where we build trust and belonging through the authentic storytelling of our Mayo Clinic staff. In this episode, you will hear Emily, a clinical nurse specialist, and Mathew, an EHR support analyst, discuss their experience participating in educational offerings at Mayo Clinic to advance their career.
On Being Stewards and Living Our Passions
In a "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences" conversation, Amanda Holloway, director of sustainability, and Dru Larson, senior systems engineer, discuss their passion for environmental stewardship and how the work they do at Mayo Clinic plays a role in living their passion.
On Finding a Sense of Belonging through the Project SEARCH Program
In this conversation, you will hear Jose, team assistant, and Ian, desk operations specialist, share how their relationship formed during Jose’s internship with Project SEARCH, a transition-to-work program for young people with disabilities. Ian was Jose’s mentor as a Project SEARCH intern who made it his goal for Jose to find his confidence and thrive in a team-based environment. Jose, now a Mayo Clinic employee, shares his inspiring journey of finding a sense of belonging in his new workplace, and how he is paying it forward by being a Project SEARCH mentor for new interns. Ian and Jose now work together, serving the needs of our patients and creating an impactful experience for new Project SEARCH interns.
Mayo Clinic colleagues share their experiences giving back to patients through volunteer programs
Fred, emeritus staff member who was an orthodontist at Mayo Clinic from 2001 to 2018 and Jenn, a child life manager, share their experiences giving back to our patients through volunteer programs at Mayo Clinic. Fred is a retired Army colonel who serves as a Final Roll Call volunteer where they pay tribute to our service people in their final days. Jenn is a dog owner who volunteers with the Caring Canines program where they have specially trained and certified dogs to provide companionship and comfort to patients seeking care at Mayo Clinic.
On returning to Mayo Clinic as an employee
In this episode, you will hear Anne, a senior project manager, share her experience returning to Mayo Clinic following a move to a different state and Steph, a nurse manager, share her experience returning to Mayo Clinic in a role that fit her family schedule.
On taking action to promote belonging
In this episode, you will hear from Emmett, a care management assistant, and Wendy, a development officer, share their experiences with equity, inclusion and diversity and how, with the support of their leaders, take action in their work unit to encourage colleagues to learn and grow in this space.
Healing through giving and receiving peer support
In this Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences episode, you will hear Leslie, an OBGYN, and Susan, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the Cardiovascular Division, discuss their experiences with the Healing the Emotional Lives of Peers (HELP) program. The HELP Program is an enterprise-wide peer support program for colleagues who may experience emotional impacts after involvement in stressful or traumatic work-related events. The goal of the HELP Program is to assist colleagues who have been involved in such events return to a pre-event level of performance by use of trained peer supporters across Mayo Clinic.
On patients becoming employees
In this episode, you will hear Curt, an IT Senior Analyst/Programmer, and Molly, an Experience Education and Training Advisor, discuss their experience as a Mayo Clinic patient and their journey to becoming a Mayo Clinic employee. Explore Mayo Clinic. Check out careers at Mayo Clinic. Request an appointment. Subscribe to Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences podcast.
50th Episode
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, you will hear from the Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences Podcast team as they look back on the previous 49 episodes. The podcast team consists of colleagues in Human Resources coordinating the podcast participants, episodes and recording including Sarah Shtylla, Dani Budahn, Tom Jorgenson, and Chelsea Bladen Babin. The podcast production is supported by Rick Andresen from Media Support Services. The podcast team greatly appreciates all those who have participated, listened and recommended this series.
On first in family to go to college
In this episode, you will hear Amy, a financial counselor, and Melissa, an Associate Specialist in research, discuss their experiences on being the first in their family to graduate from college. Amy shares her perspective of being the first to graduate not only from college, but high school as well. She also talks about being a single mom and going back to college as an adult. Melissa talks about how her pursuit of education inspired her mom and a diagnosis has instilled even more intrinsic motivation. Both agree that educational opportunities have transformed as time has progressed.
Learning English as a second language
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, you will hear from Shanthi Siva, compliance analyst and Miguel Soto, community engagement coordinator as they discuss learning English as their second language. Siva talks about her native language being Tamil and knowing multiple languages. Soto shares his journey of learning English at the age of 18.
On the generous gift of life
In this episode, you will hear Heather Bird, a nurse transplant coordinator, share her journey needing a liver transplant due to a rare blood disorder and Mollie Luhman, a clinical research coordinator, share her perspective of being a kidney donor.
On finding a new mission at Mayo Clinic after military service
In this episode, you will hear Noe, clinical support services supervisor, and Paul, clinical support services manager, discuss their experiences bringing Noe onto the supply chain team after a long career in the U.S. Air Force.
On growing up experiencing homelessness and food insecurity
In this episode, you will hear Evy, HR advisor, and Danielle, senior program coordinator, share their experience of homelessness and food insecurity. Evy grew up in California and shares her story of moving from home to home while taking care of her siblings. Evy also shares how she put herself through college and grad school and worked at top companies to become financially secure and now, as a new employee at Mayo Clinic, she is working by choice. Danielle talks about living in 26 places by the time she was 26 years old and how she left her unsafe home at the age of 16 to live with a friend. Danielle didn’t recognize until later in life that she had experienced sheltered homelessness. Both share their journey of navigating life and how the support of friends helped them survive. Two types of homelessness experiences: According to Britannica.com, sheltered homelessness are individuals who spend the night in emergency shelters or in transitional, or temporary, housing. Unsheltered homelessness are individuals who sleep on the streets, in cars, in abandoned buildings, or in other places not intended for human habitation. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a situation of "limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways".
On family struggles with addiction, road to sobriety
In this episode, you will hear Jan Jenswold, mother of a recovering addict and a recently retired Mayo Clinic employee from the Psychiatry and Psychology Department, and Brien Gleeson, a recovering addict and psychotherapist specializing in addiction at Mayo Clinic, discuss their experiences with addiction.
On a lifetime of fun, challenges of being mistaken for each other as identical twins
In this episode, you will hear from Kim Baumann, a medical administrative assistant supervisor, and Kay Bachman, a nurse study coordinator. They both work in the Division of Allergic Diseases at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. They discuss their experience with being identical twins working in the same organization, their special bond, and their relationship as kids and into adulthood.
On being a first generation American
In this episode, you will hear Annie Lam, a communication specialist and Monica Ibarra, an equity, inclusion and diversity advisor, discuss their experience being first generation Americans.
On creating lasting bonds through mentoring others, being mentored
In this episode, you will hear Michelle Gishkowsky, an IT program manager, and Marcia Core, an IT application architect, discuss their experience with mentorship. Michelle shares the joy she finds in being a mentor. Marcia talks about how seeking a mentor helped her grow professionally and how she’s stepping into the role of mentor herself.
On raising children who are living with disabilities
In this episode, Alexandra Morrissey, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) neonatal nurse, and Matthew Rank, M.D., chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases, discuss their experiences parenting children who are living with disabilities. Morrissey talks about her daughter with down syndrome and what that means for her family. Dr. Rank shares his parenting experience raising a child living with cerebral palsy and another living with autism and epilepsy.
On balancing life, work as a single parent
In this episode, Hilary Seltun, a financial counselor, and Edgar Mtanous, a principal gifts officer, discuss the ups and downs of being a single parent. Seltun talks about co-parenting two of her children and being the only parent for her youngest child. Mtanous shares his experience of having full custody of his three daughters from a young age.
On celebrating Diwali and Hanukkah
In this episode, Sumathi Jayakumar, IT service delivery manager, and Cynthia Weiss, Public Affairs senior communications specialist, share their experiences celebrating Diwali and Hanukkah, both referred to as the "Festival of Lights." Jayakumar talks about Diwali and the meaning of the celebration for the Hindu culture. Weiss shares the history of Hanukkah and her traditions in the Jewish culture.
On service animals helping with invisible disabilities
In this episode, you'll hear from Cynthia Mathews, IT lead analyst and Sharyn French, clinical research assistant, as they share their experiences with a service dog by their side. Mathews' dog, Claire, is a blue standard poodle who helps her with an invisible disability. French's dog, Milo, is a black lab who supports her with her diabetes.
Mayo staff reflect on 20th anniversary of 9/11
In this episode, you will hear from Adria, a nurse practitioner, and Matt, Mayo’s chief security officer, as they discuss their experiences on 9/11. Adria was living outside New York City at the time. Her brother-in-law worked across the street from the World Trade Center, one of the buildings attacked on 9/11. Matt was a federal agent in Washington, D.C., and he shares what changed after the attacks from a security and law enforcement perspective. Listen as they reflect on their memories from 20 years ago and how it affects them today.
On reversing gender role stereotypes
In this episode, you will hear Dr. Starling, a female physician, and Tyler Bahr, a male nurse, discuss their experiences with gender stereotypes. Dr. Starling shares her perspective of being misidentified as a nurse and Bahr shares his experience of being misidentified as a physician based solely on their gender. Listen as they discuss the importance of clarifying their roles and normalizing their gender in their roles for future generations.
On why using the right pronoun matters
In this episode, you will hear from Crystal Buchak (they, them, theirs), a desk operations specialist, and Adam Schroeder (he, him, his), a nurse, as they discuss the importance of supporting one another by using the correct pronouns. Buchak identifies as gender-queer, which is commonly defined as a person whose gender identity cannot be solely described as male or female. Schroeder is a bisexual male, and notes that he is an ally for colleagues, no matter how they identify.
On finding tools, support to navigate mental health needs
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you will hear from Kristi Welhaven, Human Resources, and Valerie Kleinhans, Orthopedics, discuss their journeys with mental health. Welhaven shares her experience managing her depression while juggling a full-time job with children who were distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kleinhans shares her perspective of working in a high-stress environment at a previous job that led her to an outpatient program at Mayo Clinic Hospital ― Rochester.
Brothers who are Mayo physicians discuss growing up on a farm, family work ethic that shaped them
In this episode, you will hear from Bradford Smith, M.D., a cardiac anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and Mark M. Smith, M.D., a cardiac anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. They are brothers who grew up on a farm with a father who was also a physician, and they grew to support one another in their careers. Dr. Bradford Smith shares his perspective of being the younger brother, while older brother Dr. Mark Smith shares his appreciation for being part of his brother’s journey to being an anesthesiologist.
On making a difference in patients’ lives as a Mayo Clinic volunteer
In this episode, you will hear from Pat and Stephanie as they share their perspectives of being Mayo Clinic volunteers, helping patients and their families, and staff. Pat shares her perspective of being a longtime Mayo Clinic volunteer wearing many hats, while Stephanie talks about being a new volunteer who is already making a big difference for Mayo’s patients and their families.
On balancing work, curveballs of being a dad
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you will hear Scott Weber, a technical lead for Healthcare Technology Management, and Alan Janssen, a health systems engineer for Management Engineering and Consulting, share their journey of fatherhood. Weber shares his perspective of adopting two babies who grew up while he and his wife worked full time. Janssen talks about his life as a dad and working from home while his wife, Alicia, is a stay-at-home mom to three young children.
On first taste of the U.S. as immigrants, finding a window into the world
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you will hear from Axel Gumbel, a communications specialist, and Gaurav Jain, a section head in Information Technology, as they share their experiences and perspectives as first-generation immigrants to the U.S. Gumbel shares his experience coming to the U.S. as a high school exchange student from Germany. Jain shares his perspective on moving to the U.S. as a child.
On finding meaning in work and things that bring you joy
In this edition of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you will hear from Jenny Czapiewski, a nurse care coordinator, and Mark Wehde, chair of the Division of Engineering, as they discuss the importance of finding joy at work. Czapiewski shares her perspective of finding joy in the small moments and helping patients feel better. Wehde talks about finding meaning and purpose in his work, as well as the role of gratitude in creating joy at work.
On finding time for fitness in busy lives
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you will hear from Ashlie Smith, a Human Resources strategic communications specialist, and Alec Williams, D.N.P., a nurse practitioner, as they discuss how they've found ways to fit fitness into their routines while balancing their work and personal lives. Smith shares how she's found ways to make time for herself while working from home. Williams shares his perspective on how he fits in fitness while working in a patient care setting.
On being a working mom
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Brenda Brault, vice chair in Revenue Cycle, and Megan Reps, a nurse in Neurologic Surgery, share their journey of motherhood. Brault shares what it means to her to be a mom in a blended family with children ranging from high school to adult, while Reps shares her perspective of being a new mother.
On the rewards and challenges of raising children of color
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Yerronda Lewis, an administrative assistant supervisor, and Alisha Barton, a medical assistant, as they reflect on their experiences raising children of color. Lewis shares her perspective of being an African American mom raising four African American children while Barton shares her perspective of being a white mom raising children who are mixed race.
On taking steps to build team camaraderie, improve well-being
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Jennifer Harden, an ambulatory nurse manager in Hematology, and Ken Aggen, a nurse in Hematology, discuss how they listened to their staff and made small changes to enhance the well-being of their work unit.Harden shares her perspective of being in a leadership role and wanting to help build camaraderie within her team and improve morale. Aggen shares his perspective of being a part of the Wellness Committee that created fun ways to motivate their colleagues to improve their well-being.
Being a military parent
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Kristin Rosenbush, a nursing education specialist in Florida, and Marcia Edwards, a diversity recruitment specialist in Arizona, as they reflect on their experiences of having children in the armed forces.Rosenbush's daughter is in the Critical Care program in the U.S. Army as a nurse, while Edwards has two sons in the U.S. armed forces. Rosenbush's daughter was deployed to New York City to help in the Javits Center, a convention center that was converted into a field hospital because of COVID-19. One of Edwards' son is in the Air Force and has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.
On working from anywhere
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Nicola Damerel, an Information Technology analyst/programmer, and Brittany Bones, an administrative assistant in the Office of Access Management. They discuss how they have adjusted to working from anywhere. Damerel has worked remotely for seven years while Bones started a new position at Mayo Clinic and began working remotely on her second day of work.
On always being a student of your profession
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Abigail Kirk, a nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and Lisa M. Brown, a nurse midwife at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, as they reflect on their experiences as students in nurse midwifery at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.Kirk shares her perspective on life as a current student and her aspirations of becoming a nurse midwife. Brown looks back on her journey as a student in nurse midwifery and her current role in launching a Nurse Midwife Practice within the Department of Obstetrics in Mankato. They share their thoughts on always being students of their profession — regardless of where they are in their careers.
Finding connections in unexpected places
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Evette Eubanks, a case manager at Mayo Clinic, and Tara L. Miller, a surgery scheduler, as they share how a simple message on LinkedIn led them to make a connection, supporting one another and breaking down the walls that might otherwise separate them. How simply saying "I see you. What can I do?" helped lighten a heavy weight and led them to a deeper relationship and understanding.
Night shift or day shift – which is a better fit?
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear Haley Hernandez, a nursing team lead in Neurology, ENT and Plastics, and Bridget Tippins, a hospital supervisor in Nursing Administration, discuss the benefits and challenges of working night shifts versus day shifts. They share their perspectives on how and why their work shifts fit with their busy lives.
Going from butcher and ballet dancer to health care
In this episode of “Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences,” you’ll hear from Robert, a nurse in Pediatrics, and Rusty, a specialist in Patient Appointment Services, as they discuss the changes they’ve made to lead them to their careers in health care. Robert grew up in the family business as a sausage maker, while Rusty previously was a … Continue reading Going from butcher and ballet dancer to health care →
Working together when you’re generations apart
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Jane Jacobs and Rielyn Campbell as they share their experiences of working together while being generations apart. Jacobs, of Media Support Services, talks about being a baby boomer and the stereotypes that go along with that generation. Campbell, also of Media Support Services, discusses life as a millennial and the perceptions and misperceptions her generation faces.
Adopting and what it means to want a child of your own
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Alicia, a nurse in neurology, and Aaron Norman, a project manager in Health Sciences Research, as they discuss adoption. Alicia learns more about the adoption process from Norman and whether it could be the right fit for her and her husband. Norman shares his family's journey of becoming adoptive parents to two children. Norman also talks about how Mayo Clinic's Adoption Assistance Program made it possible for his family to adopt.
Being neurodiverse and finding your potential
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Georjina Dowdell and Francie Dahlin as they share the challenges and triumphs they've experienced as people who are neurodiverse. Dowdell, a previous intern of Project Search who has a mild cognitive delay, now works in Comparative Medicine with colleague Dahlin who has autism. They discuss their journey to becoming Mayo Clinic staff and their support for one another.
Father-Daughter share experiences working at Mayo Clinic
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experience, you’ll hear from two employees at different points in their career. But they’ve known each other for many years. Doug Holtan began his career at Mayo Clinic on the grounds crew during his summer breaks from college. Twenty-eight short years later, Holtan is chair of the Department of Facilities and Support Services. His daughter, Nora, was recently hired as an intern at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center.The father-daughter duo recently sat down to discuss their experiences working at Mayo Clinic.
An award-winning attitude
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, you’ll hear from Christine, manager of medical transcription, who shares her excitement at nominating Francisco, an Information Technology analyst, for the Individual Award for Service Excellence. This award is given to those who are high achievers and know how to tackle difficult challenges. Their good work inspires and motivates others. … Continue reading An award-winning attitude →
Joys and challenges of living life with a disability
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Barbara Hicks, an administrative assistant, and Ena Whitelaw, a certified clinical research coordinator, as they discuss their experiences living with a disability. Hicks has been in a wheelchair all her life. Whitelaw has experienced progressive vision loss since her late teens. They talk about the challenges, joys and benefits of being open with colleagues about their disabilities.
Being transgender and finding support in the workplace
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, you’ll hear from Julian and Scott — both of Central Service — as they reflect on the importance of friendship in the workplace. When Julian was outed as a transgender person, Scott’s support and that of others allowed him to find the courage to stand up for himself, … Continue reading Being transgender and finding support in the workplace →
Making the Transition to Civilian Life
In this episode, you'll hear from Kevin Wohl, a respiratory therapist, and Tosca Willis, a pharmacy technician II, as the married couple discusses their transitions from military to civilian life. Wohl is no longer in the military and shares his perspective of what it was like to prepare for work outside the military. Willis is in the reserves, and she shares the ongoing challenges of continuously transitioning roles from military life to civilian life.
Supporting Our Veterans
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear Peter Rhee, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon, and his wife Laura Rhee, D.O., a palliative medicine physician, discuss their experiences as a military family. Dr. Peter Rhee served in the U.S. Air Force, which included two deployments where he participated in multiple military exercises and provided patient care from the battlefield. He describes his spouse, Laura, as "the epitome of a military wife," noting her support for his role in the military, taking care of their children and many home emergencies during his deployment.
Supporting Women in the Workplace
In this episode of "Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences," you'll hear from Bayn Baxter-Smith and Eric Zimmerman Zuckerman as they discuss the role of women in balancing family and work. Baxter-Smith, a senior systems analyst in Radiology, shares the challenges women experience in the workplace and how she has found her authentic voice. Zimmerman Zuckerman, a development technologist for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, was recognized as a male ally for women by his supervisor, Monica, and shares what it means to be an ally.
Relocating at Mayo Clinic
In this episode, you'll hear from Andre and Luqing as they share their experience of relocating to a new campus while working for Mayo Clinic. Andre moved from Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus to Mayo Clinic's Florida campus to embrace the change and opportunities available in research. Luqing moved from Rochester to Arizona for a new start as an engineer and to escape Minnesota winters.
Boomerang Employees
In this episode, you'll hear Emily, a nurse practitioner, and Kristin, a nurse, discuss their experiences of being "boomerang" staff members. Both left Mayo and came back. There are many reasons for leaving an organization — to pursue an education, raise a family, experience different climates, explore a new career path, and many other dreams. Emily moved across the country to pursue her dream of working and living in California, and Kristin focused on raising her family while pursuing a nursing degree.
Community Giving
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, Jim Sprout from our Environmental Services team in Lake City, Minnesota and Terri Scutt, a Claims Adjuster for Quality in Arizona share some examples of giving back, and the importance of helping others.
Dating in the Workplace
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, Jessalyn and Tom discuss meeting in the workplace and developing a special connection. Listen as they share the benefits, challenges and sometimes awkward situations that occur when dating as colleagues.
Employee Well-Being
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, Antuane and Kim, both HIMS Specialists in Florida, share their experiences supporting well-being initiatives for their teams. They discuss the impact on their work together, their teams, and the community.
Spirit of Caring
In this episode of Mayo Clinic Employee Experiences, Kristina, a CT Scan Technologist talks with Tammy, a Human Resources Generalist about the Mayo Clinic Spirit of Caring program. Kristina shares the unforeseen circumstances that led her to apply for funding and Tammy shares her experience of delivering some much needed good news to Kristina.