Howard University Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program at Howard University is designed to provide comprehensive training in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and hepatological diseases. It operates under the auspices of Howard University Hospital, a prominent teaching hospital integral to the College of Medicine. This facility has a rich history dating back to 1862, incorporating a depth of clinical resources essential for fellows in their training.

The fellowship lasts for three years and is meticulously aligned with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements, as well as guidelines from various Gastroenterology associations, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) 1. This structure ensures that fellows receive both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary for board certification and independent practice in Gastroenterology/Hepatology.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses extensive clinical training alongside a robust emphasis on research. Fellows participate in rotations covering a wide array of subspecialties within gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy. The rotations aim to ensure that fellows gain hands-on experience in managing various conditions, including liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and digestive tract malignancies. During their fellowship, trainees will have access to specialized clinics and state-of-the-art technology at Howard University Hospital, a recognized DC Level 1 Trauma Center with comprehensive health care services 1.

In addition to clinical rotations, the program encourages fellows to engage in scholarly activities, allowing them to contribute to and lead research projects in gastrointestinal diseases. This research component is essential for enhancing clinical acumen while promoting the acquisition of new knowledge in the field.

Training Sites

The Howard University Hospital serves as the core training site for fellows in the Gastroenterology Fellowship program. This hospital not only offers routine medical and surgical care but also specializes in various subspecialties, providing a rich environment for fellow training. Here, fellows will encounter a diverse patient population and address numerous gastroenterological conditions, providing invaluable experience in treating patients from medically underserved communities 2.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages an inquisitive mindset, promoting research that can impact the treatment and understanding of gastrointestinal diseases. Fellows are provided access to a strong mentorship structure and are actively encouraged to contribute to ongoing research, thereby enhancing their academic credentials and veterinary knowledge 3. This focus on research aims to tackle health disparities prevalent in the community.

Visa Support

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program at Howard University College of Medicine is inclusive and international student-friendly, including support for visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. Typically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for international medical graduates seeking to complete their fellowship training in the United States 4.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the fellowship is competitive. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong academic performance during their residency in Internal Medicine, alongside successful completion of the USMLE Steps 1 and 2. The program fosters an environment that encourages diversity, accommodating both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. It is essential for applicants to have a solid grounding in their postgraduate training, with no more than one attempt on USMLE Step 1 acceptable for eligibility 5.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive and it aims to foster a collaborative training atmosphere. The fellowship's design emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills, teamwork, and commitment to serving underserved communities. Candidates are evaluated not only on academic metrics but also on their commitment to equity in health care 6.