Henry Ford Warren Hospital Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Henry Ford Hospital is structured to develop future leaders in gastrointestinal medicine with a focus on exceptional training and patient care. The program aims to produce skilled gastroenterologists equipped for independent practice. This is achieved through a combination of clinical training, research opportunities, and mentorship in a supportive environment. The fellowship consists of a three-year training program that accepts six fellows annually, ensuring a small cohort that fosters individualized attention.1

Program Overview and Aims

At the heart of the fellowship is a mission to cultivate critical thinking skills, empathy, and leadership in its trainees. Fellows are not only trained in the clinical management of gastrointestinal diseases but are also engaged in leading research projects and quality improvement initiatives. The program offers extensive exposure to specialized areas of gastroenterology, including but not limited to inflammatory bowel diseases, motility disorders, hepatology, interventional endoscopy, and bariatric medicine. This diverse training prepares fellows to meet the high standards of gastroenterology and practice effectively in various settings.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is rich in clinical experiences with significant opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The fellows participate in various rotations, including:

Inpatient Rotations

1. **Luminal GI Consultation Service**: The consult team handles a wide range of acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions, providing fellows hands-on experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic management.6

2. **Hepatology Consultation Service**: This rotation allows fellows to manage hospitalized patients with complex hepatologic issues and participate in liver transplant meetings.6

3. **Advanced GI Consultation Service**: Fellows manage patients with pancreaticobiliary diseases and complex therapeutic procedures.6

Outpatient Rotations

Fellows gain practical experience through outpatient gastroenterology consultations. They perform endoscopies under supervision and engage with various subspecialty clinics, including hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, fellows have a chance to tailor their elective rotations according to their interests.6

Research Opportunities

Participation in research is a critical component of the fellowship. Trainees are encouraged to identify research projects early in their training, progressing through data collection to national presentation. The program offers support for research through funding for conferences and provides access to institutional resources such as the Sladen Library.10

Educational Conferences

The program includes a structured series of educational conferences, covering vital topics in gastroenterology to prepare fellows for successful certification. Conferences include Clinical Updates, Morbidity and Mortality meetings, and Board Review sessions, all designed to reinforce the fellows' clinical expertise and knowledge base.8

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Henry Ford must meet specific criteria:

• A medical degree (MD or DO)
• US citizenship, permanent resident, or J1 visa status
• Completion of three years of ACGME-accredited residency training

All applications are processed through ERAS, requiring three letters of recommendation, USMLE scores (Steps 1, 2, and 3), a personal statement, and a medical school transcript.3

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to applicants with J1 visa status, accommodating a variety of international medical graduates. The competitive nature of the fellowship necessitates that applicants demonstrate strong clinical skills and a commitment to the field of gastroenterology. The program conducts interviews in a selective manner, looking for the most promising candidates for each cohort.9

Unique Features

One of the unique aspects of the Henry Ford Fellowship is its integration with a leading research institution while being situated in a high-volume quaternary care center. This provides fellows not only with ample clinical responsibility but also with the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence. The program prides itself on a supportive culture where faculty act as mentors to encourage fellows' development both professionally and personally.4

Living in Detroit

Detroit is a dynamic city with a rich cultural scene, offering a unique backdrop for fellowship training. The city is known for its history and diverse communities, providing fellows with an exceptional opportunity to engage with a wide-ranging patient population. Michigan’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities further enhance the living experience, creating a balanced lifestyle outside of clinical training.12