Stories

These films present the history and culture of Mayo Clinic from diverse perspectives. Visit often to see new stories added to the list.

Honoring Our Founders: The "Mayo Ancestors" Statue in Arizona

Art, history and generosity come together in this story of how a dramatic statue on the Phoenix campus brings the Doctors Mayo “home” to Arizona.
(7:31 mins.)

The Kid Who Played Catch with Lou Gehrig

In 1939, Bob Tierney was a teenager on the American Legion baseball team in Rochester, Minnesota. One day he met Lou Gehrig, who was in town for medical tests at Mayo Clinic. Seventy-five years later, Bob recalls their remarkable friendship.
(5:22 mins.)

Vintage Airplane Returns to Rochester

Come aboard the same type of airplane that served the Rochester airport when it opened in the late 1920s and discover interesting connections to Mayo Clinic.
(3:19 mins.)

Rochester Carillon

These bells and their beautiful music “strike the right note” of hope and healing to patients at Mayo Clinic.
(3:28 mins.)

Restoring the Mayo Family Diplomas

This project earned an A-plus in the careful conservation of three historic documents.
(4:16 mins.)

Healing the Heart

In 1955, a five-year-old girl from North Dakota was the first person at Mayo Clinic and the second person in the world to survive surgery with a heart-lung bypass machine. Learn about the teamwork and dedication that opened a new era in cardiovascular surgery.
(4:14 mins.)

The Gift of Music

To pass the time between appointments at Mayo Clinic, Fran and Marlow Cowan sat down at a piano in the lobby and began to play. The result was a YouTube sensation that brings the spirit of Mayo Clinic to life. (4:48 mins.)

A Half-Opened Door

Medicine has undergone remarkable changes since the era of the Mayo brothers. Yet their ideals and values remain equally true today. This film shares their timeless words with examples of Mayo Clinic’s ongoing leadership in patient care, education and research.
(3:27 mins.)