Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program

Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship Overview

The Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at Cook County Health is designed to cultivate the next generation of gastroenterologists. The primary mission of the program is to empower fellows to excel both in private practice and academia, ensuring they deliver high-quality patient care. This commitment aligns with the broader mission of Cook County Health to provide world-class healthcare to all residents, regardless of their financial situation, as it is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the United States 1.

A unique advantage of this fellowship is the exposure to a vast array of uncommon and complex pathologies. The fellows gain extensive experience in endoscopy, emphasizing a high volume of procedures, including advanced techniques such as ERCP, which is integral to gastroenterology training 1.

Curriculum and Training Approach

The fellowship spans three years and is accredited by the ACGME. The curriculum is designed with a heavy focus on clinical training, allowing fellows to acquire in-depth knowledge and refine their skills in dealing with various gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic disorders. In addition to hands-on clinical experience, the program offers ample opportunities for research, facilitating an environment where fellows can pursue scholarly activities alongside their clinical responsibilities 1.

The training facilities are state-of-the-art and feature cutting-edge medical technology, including AI-powered resources, to ensure that fellows are well-versed in the latest advancements in gastroenterology. The fellowship includes training in standard endoscopic procedures and more advanced methods, including:

• Complex ERCP
• Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Video Capsule Endoscopy
• Single Balloon Enteroscopy
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Barrett’s Esophagus
• High-Resolution Manometry

Didactic Learning

The educational component features weekly core topic lectures led by faculty specializing in relevant fields. Additionally, the fellows participate in board review sessions, clinical case conferences, and grand rounds in collaboration with Rush University. Bi-weekly journal clubs foster a critical analysis of current literature and encourage the integration of new research into clinical practice 1.

Training Sites and Clinical Exposure

The program is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center, which enhances the training experience by providing exposure to a diverse patient population. This partnership allows fellows to also engage with the liver transplant service, enriching their clinical knowledge and expertise 1.

Application Process and Eligibility

Candidates for the fellowship must have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and be board certified or board eligible by the start of the fellowship. The program primarily operates through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and requires a completed application submitted via ERAS, to include:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Copies of USMLE scores
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcripts
• Curriculum vitae

The program typically accepts three fellows each year, encouraging a collaborative environment where clinical excellence and academic achievement can flourish 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, attracting a diverse range of candidates including both U.S. and international medical graduates. Specific eligibility requirements may include restrictions on the maximum number of failed USMLE Step exams and the allowed year of graduation for applicants. It is essential for potential candidates to thoroughly prepare their application materials to best reflect their qualifications and fit for the program 1.

Visa Support

The program provides support for visa sponsorship, accommodating international graduates. The types of visas that may be sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing eligible international medical graduates to participate in this extensive training program while gaining invaluable experience in the U.S. healthcare system 1.