Cooper Medical School of Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University offers a comprehensive and academically robust training experience for aspiring gastroenterologists. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the program is designed to provide fellows with exceptional clinical exposure and academic knowledge in gastroenterology and hepatology during their three years of training.

The fellowship focuses on a diverse array of diseases and conditions involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as endoluminal diseases, pancreatic disorders, and hepatobiliary afflictions. Fellows will receive extensive training in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, as well as clinical management of patients with varied gastroenterological conditions, thereby fostering a solid foundation in the field.

Training Environment and Facilities

Cooper University Hospital functions as the principal clinical site for the fellowship, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience. As a key tertiary care center in southern New Jersey, it attracts a broad patient population presenting complex cases, which enriches the educational opportunities available to fellows. This diversity ensures exposure to a wide range of clinical scenarios, fostering adaptability and critical thinking in fellows as they manage real-world challenges.

Moreover, the program boasts several partnerships, including a collaboration with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, offering fellows the opportunity to engage in advanced oncological care, particularly related to GI cancers. This partnership enhances the academic breadth of the fellowship, enabling fellows to gain valuable insights and experiences related to the interdisciplinary approach to cancer management.

Curriculum and Didactics

The curriculum centers on a blend of hands-on clinical training and structured educational sessions. It incorporates a variety of didactic series designed to build fellows’ expertise and knowledge in gastroenterology. Over the three years, fellows will engage in a range of educational formats including workshops, lectures, and case discussions that address both common and nuanced issues in the field.

Research opportunities are an integral component of the fellowship, allowing fellows to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to advancing knowledge in gastroenterology. The faculty at Cooper University Hospital supports fellows in exploring research interests, providing mentorship that empowers fellows to pursue innovative projects from concept development through publication.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will rotate through various clinical settings within the Digestive Health Institute, thus receiving training in both inpatient and outpatient care. The emphasis will be on nuanced patient evaluations and developing advanced procedural skills in endoscopy, including therapeutic techniques for conditions like biliary obstructions and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Fellows will also have the opportunity to manage patients in specialized clinics, such as the Hepatology Clinic and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, allowing for in-depth knowledge and experience in managing chronic conditions with complex treatment protocols.

Mentorship and Faculty Support

The fellowship prioritizes mentorship and professional development, recognizing that the guidance of experienced faculty is crucial for the growth of fellows. Faculty members are not only skilled clinicians but also committed educators who foster a supportive learning environment. This collaborative atmosphere encourages open dialogue, enabling fellows to seek advice, present cases, and receive constructive feedback regularly.

Diversity and Inclusion

Emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the medical profession, the fellowship engages in recruiting underrepresented minorities in medicine and focuses on fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives. This commitment enriches the training environment and ultimately contributes to improved patient care through compassionate and culturally competent medical practice.

Application Details

The fellowship program welcomes applications from individuals who are currently completing their internal medicine training or are board-eligible in internal medicine. It maintains a holistic approach to applicant evaluation, prioritizing academic merit, clinical experiences, and personal attributes. Additionally, the program supports international applicants by offering J-1 visa sponsorship, thereby promoting inclusivity in its recruitment process.