Henry Ford Genesys Hospital Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program at Ascension Genesys Hospital is a rigorous and comprehensive training program designed to encompass all aspects of gastroenterology. The program aims to provide fellows with extensive exposure to the field of digestive diseases, including endoscopic and invasive procedures such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), esophageal manometry, and pH studies. The program accepts one to two fellows per year into a structured three-year fellowship, ensuring that they gain the necessary skills to excel in this specialty 1.

Graduates of the Gastroenterology Fellowship program can expect to develop into competent clinical physicians and lifelong learners passionate about gastroenterology. Upon completion, fellows will have broad exposure across academic, clinical, and procedural domains within the specialty. Alumni have successfully transitioned into various practice settings, including advanced endoscopy fellowships and major tertiary centers 2.

About the Program

Ascension Genesys Hospital is a cutting-edge medical facility situated in Grand Blanc, Michigan. It features 410 beds, including 40 ICU beds, and handles approximately 65,000 emergency room visits each year. The medical procedures unit has five general procedure rooms and a dedicated suite for EUS and ERCP. The Gastroenterology Fellowship program is structured to foster the development of highly skilled gastroenterologists who are committed to ongoing learning. There are seven dedicated clinical faculty members, including one who has completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship 3.

Training Structure

The training structure for this fellowship is intensive and well-rounded over three years:

Year One

In the first year, fellows primarily rotate on the gastroenterology service and engage in performing key procedures like colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and paracentesis. This year also includes a two-week rotation on the Parenteral/Enteral Nutrition Team, academic development, and involvement in consultative services 4.

Year Two

The second year allows for increased exposure to advanced consultative services. Fellows progressively assume more responsibility for invasive procedures, including ERCP, EUS, and other techniques. Additional rotations in specialized areas such as hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease, and GI motility are included 4.

Year Three

The final year focuses on advanced technical training, including procedures like biliary stenting and advanced polypectomy techniques. Completion of research obligations, a significant requirement of the program, occurs during this year, alongside increased outpatient responsibilities 4.

Didactic Schedule

The fellowship incorporates a robust didactic schedule, which enhances learning through various conferences and lecture series. Key components include:

• Journal Club
• Pathology Conference
• Radiology Conference
• Motility Conference
• DDSEP/Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Board Review
• Core Curriculum Lecture Series
• Clinical Case Conference
• Morbidity/Mortality Conference
• Research and Quality Improvement Conference

Application Process

To apply for the Gastroenterology Fellowship, applicants must graduate from an AOA-accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine or an ACGME-accredited college of human medicine. Applicants should also have completed an ACGME Internal Medicine residency. Applications are submitted exclusively through ERAS. For visiting residents, a separate application process is outlined, requiring submission of documentation at least 60 days prior to the requested rotation 6.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for individuals who require it for training. It typically sponsors H-1B and J-1 visa types for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to pursue fellowship training in gastroenterology.6.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at Ascension Genesys Hospital is considered competitive but remains friendly to DO and IMG applicants. Specific application requirements might include a limit on failed USMLE Step exams, and graduates are expected to demonstrate a solid foundation in internal medicine prior to application 6.