The first thing I realized when checking in to the Mayo is how incredibly well organized they are. The staff are genuinely friendly; from check-in to phlebotomy to MRI and all the technicians poking and proding me in between. With so many patients, you'd think they would be treating us like cattle, but their sincerity and sense of caring is evident in their smiles and laughter. This is truly a world class facility.
A Sense of the Mayo
This is not your typical hospital. The Mayo is a series of hospitals and clinics connected through surface level walkways. The hallways and foyers have the feeling of an airport blended with a high end mall. Grand stair cases. Five story ceilings. Coffee shops. Modern amenities and buildings mixed with classic architecture. There are waiting rooms the size of a train station. And boutique rooms for an individualized experience.
Again, you'd think that with being such a massive facility that they Mayo would not be very accommodating to scheduling changes. In fact, it's quite the opposite.
My first appointment with the blood sucking phlebotimists wrapped up about an hour before my next appointment with the murmuring EKG'rs. We meandered our way to EKG and asked if we could come in early. Without hesitation, the check-in staff said no problem. 10 minutes later I was half naked with a dozen wires strapped to my body and a friendly nurse chatting me up. Not long after we found ourselves three stories up and 2 1/2 hours early for
my scheduled MRI appointment. Once again, they said I could come early and 2 minutes later I was in the prep room getting an IV for the radioactive contrast that was soon to be injected and expose my gremlin for the tumor it is.
Makes me wonder why every other physician's office and hospital I've been to in the past makes me wait at least 30 minutes in the exam room before I'm seen. While the Mayo clinic has very little wait time in comparison and with 10x's the number of patients.
Surrounding the Mayo
We haven't had much time to explore the area around the Mayo. But, from the 10 or so blocks we walked from the Mayo back to our hotel, there was the air of a college town in the Fall. The trees are turning colors. Two story family homes look lived in and friendly. People walking through the neighborhoods. Really, quite a pleasant area.
Hopefully we can find an inexpensive cafe with flavorful food for tonight's dinner. Any suggestions?
Thanks for listening.