HCA Florida Healthcare/Aventura Hospital Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital is designed to provide comprehensive training over a span of three years. This program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), was initially established in 2017 and aims to cultivate the next generation of gastroenterology experts. The program emphasizes a multifaceted approach to education, promoting both clinical proficiency and research acumen.1

Program Overview

In addition to rigorous clinical training, the Gastroenterology Fellowship emphasizes professional development, mentorship, and research opportunities. The program endeavors to foster a supportive environment conducive to wellness, recognizing the importance of mental and physical health in medical training. A dedicated wellness committee organizes events throughout the year intended to enhance fellows' fellowship experience beyond clinical responsibilities.1

Curriculum and Rotation Schedule

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured to maximize educational engagement and skill acquisition. The training is divided across three years, ensuring varied clinical exposure:

• PGY4: 9 months in Gastroenterology Inpatient, 2 months in Hepatology.
• PGY5: 5 months in Gastroenterology Inpatient, 1 month in Motility, 1 month in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 2 months in Liver Transplant/Hepatology, and 2 months in Research.
• PGY6: 1 month in Hepatology, 4 months in Research, and 6 months split between Gastroenterology Inpatient/Therapeutic Endoscopy.

Each year includes an allotted vacation month, ensuring fellows can recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.2

Didactic Conferences

Fellows actively participate in a variety of didactic conferences, including:

• Monthly Grand Rounds that cover contemporary and significant topics in gastroenterology.
• Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences that review cases with a focus on clinical outcomes.
• Daily bedside rounds for hands-on training with faculty supervision.
• Regular research conferences designed to stimulate innovative research ideas and project development.

These didactic sessions are designed to blend clinical education with practical experience, further enhancing fellows' learning opportunities.1

Program Benefits

Fellows in the program receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Annual salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• CorePlus voluntary benefits
• HCA 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• 20 days of paid time off annually
• Paid training and certification for BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS
• Access to meals and free parking on-site
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program for personal issues affecting work performance.

Fellows are also provided with a library facility for academic research and study, further enriching their educational experience.1

Application Process

The application process requires several essential documents, including a completed ERAS application, curriculum vitae, personal statement, official medical school transcript, three letters of recommendation, a passport-style photograph, and USMLE transcripts for Steps 1, 2, and 3. It is important to note that HCA Florida Aventura Hospital does not sponsor visas for clinical trainees, which may affect international applicants.1

Competitive Nature and Requirements

The fellowship program’s competitive nature necessitates that applicants be well-prepared and markedly accomplished. While specific criteria for application can vary, the program is selective in its admission process which can include a maximum of failed STEP exams.

Interviews for selected candidates are typically scheduled in mid-September and mid-October, by invitation only.1

Faculty and Mentorship

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program boasts a faculty that is committed to educational excellence and enhancing clinical skills, ensuring that fellows are supported throughout their training. The experience of the faculty members enriches the fellowship and provides valuable mentorship opportunities that are critical for professional growth and development in the field of gastroenterology.3