Following the opening of Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester in 1889, the Mayo brothers developed a career in surgery that brought them international acclaim. Their surgical talents attracted numerous patients seeking treatment and a steady stream of visiting physicians eager to learn from the two brothers.

As a result, most of the Mayos' energy was concentrated on the care of patients needing surgery. Needing assistance, the brothers initially recruited medical staff to examine patients and assess their surgical needs. In 1892, Dr. Augustus Stinchfield, a prominent area physician, became the first of a series of partners to join the Doctors Mayo group. As new Mayo associates were appointed, they helped broaden the opportunities available for medical and surgical treatment in Rochester.