Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings January 2014, Volume 27, Number 1 | Page 63

Roberts: Has the number of patients at the Mayo Clinic held
up pretty well with the economy changes?
Phillips: We had a decline in patient volume when the
economy was bad. We seem to be rebounding now and demand
seems to be up again. Patients come from the local community
and from the surrounding areas, and many patients travel long
distances to see us.
Roberts: Has the Mayo medical school worked out well?
Phillips: It’s a nontraditional medical school model. I’m
involved in the circulation block, teaching cardiac physiology.
It’s a comprehensive block where the students learn everything
from pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and physical examination packed into a very dense course. It’s an interesting way
of learning.
Roberts: How much time do you spend teaching?
Phillips: My part of the circulation block is 3 weeks long.
In the morning the students may do a clinical rotation or be in
the simulation center. The afternoon is lecture or small group
discussions.
Roberts: Do they have anatomy classes?
Phillips: Yes, but only a short course. In our group, we see
hearts with pathologist William Edwards, who demonstrates
normal and abnorma