Care team
Who is on your care team?
Health care is a team effort, and you are the most important member of your team. We'll work to understand your needs and goals, and partner with you to achieve them.
Doctors
Doctors lead the care team. They guide your care, diagnose and treat complex health problems, create plans of care, and support other members of your team.
Our doctors have expertise in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. Many of them are in our residency program. You may hear them referred to as residents. Residents are medical doctors who have entered the phase of their extensive training that includes caring for people in clinical practices. Staff doctors partner with and guide the residents who provide your care.
Some people receive care from medical residents. These residents have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and often 1 to 3 years of postgraduate training. They are licensed physicians who work in close partnership with their other care team members.
Your doctors also have access to experts in Mayo Clinic's many medical specialties, such as heart conditions (cardiologists) and cancer (oncologists).
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants diagnose and treat complex and acute health concerns. They work with doctors to identify the best plan of care for you.
Registered nurses
If your doctor or nurse practitioner has designed a customized plan of care for you, a registered nurse coordinates the plan. Registered nurses may provide education for people diagnosed with a new condition, blood pressure checks, some well-child assessments and adult wellness screenings. Nurses can also diagnose and offer treatment options for common complaints — often over the phone.
Licensed practical nurses, medical assistants and clinical assistants
These providers prepare you for your appointment, coordinate your preventive screenings and give vaccinations.
Pharmacists
Clinic pharmacists are key members of the care team. They work closely with your care team and help you manage medications — for example, by identifying and resolving medication safety issues and advising you on cost-effective medication decisions.
Social workers
Social workers are trained to assist with many issues, including counseling people on stress-related concerns and connecting them with the right social services.
Appointment line and customer service staff
When you call or request an appointment online, you'll connect with clinic employees dedicated to helping you find the right care team member or service to meet your needs.
Additional specialists
Your primary care team will bring onto the team other health professionals as needed, such as dietitians and mental health specialists. Additional experts are available to you through virtual or in-person consultations organized by your primary care provider. This will help you avoid extra appointments.
The providers you see at an appointment will depend on your needs that day. Your team is committed to giving you exactly the care you need, in the most supportive and convenient way possible.