Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields is a three-year fully accredited ACGME training program designed to develop tomorrow's leaders in the field of gastroenterology. Comprising a cohort of five fellows, the program emphasizes clinical training and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares fellows to manage a diverse population of patients with various gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic diseases.

Fellows gain extensive hands-on experience through inpatient rotations, outpatient clinics, and subspecialty consultation services. They will also participate in didactic sessions and clinical research opportunities throughout their training. The program aims to cultivate both clinical skills and academic excellence, ensuring that fellows are well-equipped to excel in private practice, academic settings, or pursue additional fellowship training.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the fellowship program is structured around six core competencies outlined by ACGME, which include medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice. Each year of training is focused on progressive mastery of these competencies through a structured series of experiences and evaluations.

The first year (PGY-4) lays the groundwork in gastroenterology techniques, focusing on diagnostic procedures such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, alongside foundational knowledge in managing acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases. The second year (PGY-5) expands on this foundation, where fellows take on a larger patient volume and start performing advanced procedures under direct supervision. By the third year (PGY-6), fellows are expected to demonstrate near-attending-level capabilities in patient management and training others, while honing their skills in complex procedures.

Clinical Rotations and Experiences

The fellowship includes rotations at affiliated institutions such as Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medical Center. This exposure introduces fellows to a wider array of clinical cases and advanced procedural experiences, enhancing competency and confidence in managing complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Pursuant to fulfilling clinical requirements, fellows will manage and evaluate new consults, partaking in both outpatient continuity clinics and inpatient teaching services. These experiences ensure that they are well-prepared to handle a variety of cases, including inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal bleeding, through direct patient care and procedure-based evaluations.

Didactic Learning

The program incorporates robust didactic teaching into its curriculum, including weekly conferences focused on various high-yield GI topics and case presentations. Monthly journal clubs encourage fellows to engage with current gastrointestinal literature and enhance their evidence-based medicine skills. Tumor board sessions provide interdisciplinary exposure, showcasing collaborative management strategies for complex gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Fellow Benefits

Fellowship benefits are structured to support the professional and personal growth of trainees throughout their time in the program. Details on specific benefits offered during the fellowship, which may include stipends, insurance options, vacation time, and professional development opportunities, are accessible through the program's official resources.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

Admission to the fellowship is competitive and requires strong credentials. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application via ERAS, including a curriculum vitae, personal statement, letters of recommendation, USMLE scores (including successful completion of Step III prior to the start), medical school transcripts, and a wallet-sized photo. The detailed review process culminates in interviews, generally conducted around October, which help select candidates based on fit and preparedness for the program.

Furthermore, the program actively supports international medical graduates (IMGs) and has provisions for visa sponsorship, typically offering support for J-1 visas for qualified candidates. This aspect reinforces the program's commitment to creating a diverse cohort of fellows.

Life in Chicago and Community

Living in the Chicago area provides fellows with a vibrant urban experience characterized by cultural diversity and numerous recreational activities. The city offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, arts, dining, and entertainment, ensuring a well-rounded lifestyle for residents and fellows. Many trainees choose to live in downtown Chicago or its suburbs, creating a balance of professional commitment and personal enjoyment.

Current Fellows and Alumni Network

The program boasts a strong alumni network that plays an important role in mentoring current fellows. Recent graduates have successfully entered both clinical practice and advanced fellowship opportunities, reflecting the program's commitment to developing capable and well-prepared gastroenterologists.