Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine Program in Gastroenterology, part of the Division of Digestive Diseases, offers an extensive gastroenterology fellowship program designed to prepare trainees for a career as independent, board-certified subspecialists. The program’s structure ensures that fellows receive thorough clinical and research training across various dimensions of digestive diseases while focusing on advanced care.

Fellowship Structure and Training

The fellowship comprises a three-year fully ACGME-accredited training program, accepting 5-6 fellows annually. Trainees will effectively become specialists in gastroenterology, gaining experience in both primary care and advanced techniques in sub-specialties such as hepatology and endoscopy through diverse clinical rotations performed across multiple hospitals.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through four primary teaching hospitals: Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital. This multi-hospital approach allows fellows to manage a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders while receiving mentorship from esteemed faculty members.6

At Grady Memorial Hospital, the inpatient and outpatient consultative services are provided by skilled GI faculty, enhancing fellows' exposure to complex cases. Emory University Hospital serves as a tertiary care center, where fellows engage in general gastroenterology and specific subspecialty clinics.8 The Atlanta VA Medical Center presents unique opportunities to serve veterans while participating in advanced endoscopic procedures under faculty supervision. Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital offers a comprehensive exposure to both general and advanced endoscopic techniques, fostering a broad clinical skill set.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research, allocating four to six months specifically dedicated to clinical research. Fellows get training in developing research projects from the ground up, including IRB approval and data analysis. Opportunities are available to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.7

Additional collaboration might occur with the Emory Digestive Disease Initiative, which connects researchers from various academic institutions to enhance clinical and translational research efforts in gastroenterology.14

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visas for international applicants, making it accessible for a diverse group of fellows, including those from international medical backgrounds.11

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, appealing to both Domestic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Applicants to the program must hold an MD and be board-eligible in Internal Medicine. Additional requirements include detailed application materials such as USMLE score reports and letters of reference, focusing on strong academic achievements and clinical experience.9

Special Application Notes

The program is selective regarding the applicant's graduation year and failed USMLE Step attempts, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards in academic and clinical excellence.10

Educational Environment

The program prides itself on a robust educational schedule with regular conferences, seminars, and mentorship opportunities tailored to enhance the learning experience of fellows. Weekly grand rounds allow fellows to present cases, share knowledge, and engage in discussions with faculty and peers, further enriching their education environment.5

Diversity and Inclusion

Emory's Division of Digestive Diseases promotes an inclusive environment through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, which works on recruitment and educational initiatives geared towards cultural awareness and sensitivity in teaching.13

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship encourages fellows to become proficient in advanced endoscopic techniques, including but not limited to ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound, and specialized procedures such as POEM and ESD.3 This unique training prepares graduates for not only clinical practice but also positions them to contribute significantly to the field through innovations in treatment approaches and techniques.

Overall, the Emory University School of Medicine gastroenterology fellowship program provides an integrated pathway to develop clinical, research, and educational skills, preparing fellows for proactive leadership roles in gastrointestinal health.