Indiana University School of Medicine Program

Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship Overview

The Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is one of the few fellowship programs in the Midwest dedicated specifically to pediatric transplant hepatology. This comprehensive one-year program is ACGME-accredited, equipping trainees with the essential skills needed for a successful career in patient care, research, and teaching within this specialized field. The fellowship integrates both clinical and translational research into its curriculum, ensuring that fellows are prepared for active roles in academics and research initiatives.1

Fellows will receive training under the guidance of an excellent core faculty recognized nationally and internationally, and can design their own research projects based on personal interests with faculty mentorship. This encourages an environment where fellows can thrive academically while building a proficient clinical skill set.

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship offers a clinically intensive experience that focuses on all aspects of transplant care. Trainees become proficient in procedures and protocols needed for various phases of transplant care, including:

• Patient evaluation
• Pre-transplant management
• Peri-operative care
• Immediate postoperative care
• Long-term medical management

Training primarily occurs at two main sites: Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Indiana University Health University Hospital, both located in Indianapolis. The program offers a diverse clinical volume due to a statewide referral base, enhanced by a high faculty-to-fellow ratio and a collegial working environment that fosters professional development.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows have ample opportunities to engage in various research projects, supported by a substantial bench research capability available on the IU School of Medicine—Indianapolis campus. The fellowship is designed to encourage fellows to formulate their own research projects, which can be integrated with clinical practice and various subspecialty divisions in pediatrics and adult transplant hepatology.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is complemented by several unique academic opportunities, which include:

• Programs for master's degrees in Clinical or Translational Research and Public Health
• Academy of Teaching Scholars Program
• A global health curriculum for clinical and research initiatives

This structure promotes a comprehensive educational experience, preparing fellows for diverse career trajectories in medicine.

Application Process

To apply for the Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship, physicians should submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) along with the necessary documents required for consideration. Special application requirements may include specific qualifications around year of graduation or performance on board examinations, extending the program's competitiveness to a broader range of candidates.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is designed to be inclusive and is friendly toward international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants, enhancing its competitiveness. The program can support visas, specifically J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing international fellows to participate in the fellowship while obtaining the necessary legal documentation to work and train in the U.S.1