HCA Healthcare Riverside Program

Program Overview

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at Riverside Community Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education program, is a comprehensive community-based fellowship offering advanced training in the field of gastroenterology. The program has a strong commitment to developing the next generation of gastroenterologists through a rigorous educational framework centered on patient care and improving quality of life for a diverse patient population.

As an ACGME-accredited program, it offers two fellowship positions per year. The fellowship is designed to be completed over three years, giving fellows a substantial amount of time to build expertise in a high-volume, high-acuity clinical setting.

Clinical Training Environment

Riverside Community Hospital, with its 478 beds, serves as a level I trauma center and regional tertiary care referral center, providing fellows with extensive exposure to rare and complex cases. The hospital's location in one of Southern California's fastest-growing yet underserved areas facilitates a rich clinical experience with a varied patient demographic. Trainees are immersed in a supportive and collegial atmosphere, conducive to both personal and professional growth.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured around the six core competencies defined by the ACGME: patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, systems-based practice, interpersonal and communication skills, and practice-based learning and improvement. This curriculum ensures a well-rounded educational experience, with fellows participating in various rotations that include advanced endoscopic procedures, consultative care, and clinical research. Fellows also have the opportunity to work closely with experienced academic faculty who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the program.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in projects that seek to enhance the understanding and application of gastroenterology in practice. Fellows are supported in their research endeavors with resources available for developing and presenting their findings in various academic settings.

Leadership Development

Recognizing the importance of leadership in healthcare, the program integrates leadership training throughout the fellowship. Opportunities include participation in tumor boards, hospital committees, and various mentoring programs aimed at refining fellows' leadership skills.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are compensated with stipends that increase each year: PGY4 at $87,110, PGY5 at $91,021, and PGY6 at $95,118. Benefits include comprehensive insurance plans (medical, dental, vision, and life), long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) with company match. Additionally, various employee recognition programs and education assistance are offered.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas that may be sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that international candidates have the opportunity to apply and participate in the fellowship without immigration-related hurdles.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered competitive for allopathic and osteopathic candidates, accepting applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates must provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation and have passed all relevant licensing examinations, including USMLE or COMLEX, with no more than one failure on any Step.

Moreover, the program highly values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from a broad spectrum of graduates, including those from international medical schools.

Educational Environment

With a focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning atmosphere, fellows at Riverside Community Hospital benefit not only from individualized mentorship but also from interacting with a variety of professionals across multiple specialties. This interdisciplinary approach promotes a comprehensive understanding of gastroenterology within the broader context of healthcare.