HCA Healthcare Sunrise Health GME/Southern Hills Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program offered by HCA Healthcare at Southern Hills Hospital is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of gastroenterology. This fellowship is based primarily at Southern Hills Hospital and MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas and is conducted in partnership with the Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada. Each year, the program accepts three new fellows, providing a focused and supportive learning environment for the development of future leaders in gastroenterology.

The program emphasizes practical experience, integrating clinical training with advanced gastroenterological procedures. Fellows will receive extensive exposure to a diverse patient population, ranging from cases with common gastrointestinal disorders to those requiring advanced care. The clinical setting is vital, as it enables fellows to engage in systems-based learning within a community that is one of the fastest-growing, yet underserved, regions in the United States 1.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program must meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates should be US citizens or possess permanent resident status (green card) as the program does not sponsor visas. Successful completion of an accredited Internal Medicine residency is mandatory. The program places a preference on applicants who graduated from residency no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date. Additionally, potential fellows must be eligible for licensure in Nevada and demonstrate a proven interest in gastroenterology, which may be highlighted through prior accomplishments or sustained interest in the specialty 4.

Application Process

The application process involves a mandatory background check and the selection committee will review applications based on the established criteria. Applicants not fulfilling all requirements may be considered on an individual merit basis. This rigorous selection process aims to find candidates who not only fulfill the academic and professional standards but also exhibit a commitment to serving underserved populations within the region 3.

Curriculum and Rotation Schedule

The curriculum focuses on structured educational activities, combining both didactic learning and clinical experiences. Weekly Wednesday evening sessions are dedicated to fellows, facilitating case discussions and a review of weekly modules featuring varied topics relevant to gastroenterology. This engagement encourages open dialogue among fellows, faculty, and residents, contributing to a rich learning environment and fostering collaboration 2.

Faculty Team

The program is led by a distinguished faculty team, comprised of experts with extensive training from prestigious universities. The core faculty includes professionals skilled in various subspecialties, ensuring comprehensive educational coverage. Faculty members not only teach but are also actively engaged in clinical research, thus providing fellows with exposure to the most current and relevant medical practices in gastroenterology 3.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows in the program receive a competitive salary along with a benefits package that includes health benefits, access to physician lounges, an education fund that covers society memberships, meals during hospital shifts, and additional protections such as long-term disability and life insurance. However, moonlighting is not permitted, which allows fellows to focus entirely on their training and professional development 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program emphasizes its commitment to advancing the quality of care for patients with complex digestive disorders. The faculty’s extensive involvement in clinical research, along with diverse patient interactions, aims to prepare adept gastroenterologists who are capable of addressing both the clinical and community-specific challenges within the region. The program's mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of physicians while promoting advancements in the field 4.