Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees elects Matthew R. Callstrom, M.D., Ph.D., as next president and CEO

The steady hum of innovation and the quiet dedication to patient care that defines Mayo Clinic will continue under new leadership, as the Board of Trustees announced Friday, November 13, 2026, the selection of Dr. Matthew R. Callstrom as the next president and CEO. This transition marks a significant moment for the globally renowned medical institution, one built on decades of unwavering commitment to healing and scientific advancement. Dr. Callstrom will officially assume his role on January 1, 2027, succeeding Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, who has served as president and CEO since January 2019.

What Happened

The Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees’ decision to appoint Dr. Callstrom reflects a desire to build upon the foundation established by his predecessor while embracing the possibilities of the future. Richard Davis, chair of the Board, expressed confidence in Dr. Callstrom's ability to lead the organization forward, stating, “Dr. Callstrom is an accomplished physician-scientist and enterprise leader who brings nearly 25 years of experience at Mayo Clinic and a deep commitment to our values and mission.” His background in patient care, research, strategy, and innovation, combined with his expertise in emerging technology, positions him well to guide Mayo Clinic through its next chapter. Dr. Callstrom’s appointment follows a period of significant growth and evolution for the health system, including advancements in artificial intelligence and expansion projects across its campuses.

Dr. Callstrom, an Albert Lea, Minnesota native, has been a vital part of the Mayo Clinic family since 2002. As a radiologist and researcher, Callstrom has contributed to “artificial intelligence and interventional tumor ablation and image-guided treatments of lung, liver, kidney, bone, and soft tissue neoplasms,” per his Board of Trustees biography. He is also the medical director of Mayo Clinic’s Generative Artificial Intelligence program. “We're building AI into the fabric of Mayo,” Callstrom said at the health system’s 2025 AI Summit, highlighting his vision for the future of healthcare. He previously served as chair of the Department of Radiology and, in February, was called to testify in a civil trial between Mayo Clinic and Dr. Michael Joyner. Callstrom led the 2020 internal investigation into Joyner’s behavior that resulted in a reprimand. A judge ultimately ruled in Mayo Clinic’s favor. The organization’s bylaws mandate that its top executive be a physician who has been a Voting Staff member for at least five years, ensuring that medical expertise remains at the helm.

Outgoing president and CEO Dr. Gianrico Farrugia will conclude his tenure at the end of 2026, having led the institution for eight years. During his leadership, he oversaw the development of the Mayo Clinic Platform, a groundbreaking initiative utilizing de-identified medical records to train healthcare AI tools. Expansion projects, including the “Bold. Forward. Unbound.” initiative in Rochester, also occurred under his watch. In 2024, Dr. Farrugia received a salary of $4.88 million, a 13% increase from the previous year, reflecting the significant responsibility and demands of the position.

Community Reaction

The news of Dr. Callstrom’s appointment was met with optimism within the medical community. The selection of a leader with Dr. Callstrom’s deep understanding of Mayo Clinic’s values and commitment to innovation signals a continued focus on patient care and scientific advancement. The transition also provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Farrugia’s contributions, particularly his championing of artificial intelligence in healthcare, which has the potential to transform medical practice and improve patient outcomes for individuals across the region and beyond.

Dr. Callstrom's Vision

Dr. Callstrom’s own words offer a glimpse into his vision for Mayo Clinic's future. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead Mayo Clinic in this moment, serving alongside colleagues whose expertise, curiosity and commitment to our patients inspire me every day,” he stated. His emphasis on translating scientific discovery and emerging technologies into better care underscores a commitment to innovation and accessibility, aiming to extend Mayo Clinic’s reach and impact to more patients. He envisions a future where technology seamlessly integrates into patient care, empowering physicians and caregivers with the information they need to provide the best possible treatment.

Key Dates

• January 2019: Dr. Gianrico Farrugia begins his tenure as president and CEO of Mayo Clinic.
• 2020: Dr. Callstrom leads an internal investigation into Dr. Michael Joyner’s behavior.
• November 13, 2026: The Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees announces the selection of Dr. Matthew R. Callstrom as the next president and CEO.
• January 1, 2027: Dr. Matthew R. Callstrom officially assumes the role of president and CEO.

Impact on Residents

For residents of the Bismarck-Mandan area, the change in leadership at Mayo Clinic carries significant implications. As a leading healthcare provider in the region, Mayo Clinic’s decisions and innovations often ripple outwards, impacting access to specialized care and influencing regional health trends. The focus on artificial intelligence, spearheaded by Dr. Callstrom, promises to bring advanced diagnostic and treatment options closer to home, potentially improving outcomes for patients facing complex medical challenges. While Mayo Clinic has faced challenges in maintaining rural clinic services during Dr. Farrugia's tenure, the new leadership may prioritize strategies to ensure accessibility for all communities.

Sophie's Take

The transition at Mayo Clinic feels particularly poignant in our current era of rapid technological advancement and evolving healthcare needs. Dr. Callstrom’s emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence isn’t just about adopting new tools; it’s about fundamentally reshaping how we approach patient care—prioritizing the physician’s expertise while leveraging technology to enhance their abilities. As a community, we should be asking ourselves: how can we best prepare for this shift? How do we ensure that these advancements benefit all families, regardless of their access to resources or location? The stability of families and communities is inextricably linked to the health and well-being of their members. Strong marriages and intact families are the bedrock of a thriving society, and access to quality healthcare is a vital component of that foundation. It’s encouraging to see Mayo Clinic prioritizing innovation, but it’s equally important to ensure that those innovations are implemented in a way that strengthens the fabric of our community and supports the values we hold dear.

What's Next

As Dr. Callstrom prepares to assume his new role, the focus will undoubtedly be on building upon the existing foundation of excellence while charting a course for the future. The implementation of the “Bold. Forward. Unbound.” expansion in Rochester will continue, and further developments in artificial intelligence are anticipated. The Board of Trustees has expressed confidence in Dr. Callstrom’s ability to navigate these challenges and opportunities, ensuring that Mayo Clinic remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. Residents can find more information about Mayo Clinic’s initiatives and services at Mayo Clinic's website. Further updates on Dr. Callstrom’s vision and plans for the future are expected in the coming months.

The transition also provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Farrugia's legacy and the challenges he faced during his tenure. While expansions and technological advancements occurred, closures and cutbacks in rural clinics highlighted the ongoing complexities of providing accessible healthcare in a geographically diverse region. The new leadership will be tasked with addressing these challenges and ensuring that Mayo Clinic continues to serve as a vital resource for communities across the Upper Midwest. For those seeking local resources and support, the Bismarck State College offers various healthcare programs and community outreach initiatives. The City of Bismarck website website provides information on local health services and resources, while the North Dakota Department of Health offers statewide health information and programs.

The future of healthcare is undoubtedly intertwined with technological innovation, and the leadership of Dr. Matthew R. Callstrom at Mayo Clinic signals a commitment to embracing that future while upholding the values of compassion, integrity, and patient-centered care. As our community navigates these changes, it’s essential to remain engaged, informed, and supportive of initiatives that promote health and well-being for all.

The Mayo Clinic is a vital resource for communities across the region, and the transition in leadership represents a moment of both change and opportunity. With a renewed focus on innovation and accessibility, Mayo Clinic is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in healthcare for generations to come. Resources are available at Mayo Clinic's website, the City of Bismarck website website, and the North Dakota Department of Health website.