Johns Hopkins University Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. Upon completion of the training experience, fellows will acquire the essential clinical, investigative, and teaching skills necessary for a prominent role in academic and clinical gastroenterology.

The program consists of three distinct fellowship tracks, ensuring that fellows can choose a path that best aligns with their career goals:

Fellowship Tracks

Clinical Track

This three-year track is tailored for fellows aiming to become academic clinicians and educators. The first year remains consistent across all tracks and includes inpatient clinical rotations at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, focusing on inpatient endoscopy and hepatology services. In years two and three, fellows engage in limited inpatient rotations and emphasize outpatient endoscopy, continuity clinics, and subspecialty clinics. Fellows in this track can concentrate on specific areas of interest such as inflammatory bowel disease, neurogastroenterology, or liver disease while pursuing clinical research projects.

Research Track

The research track, designed for those aspiring for independent research careers, also spans three years. After completing the first year of clinical rotations, fellows select research mentors and focus on specific investigative areas. This track allows for reduced clinical duties in the second and third years, dedicating significant time to research endeavors while maintaining participation in outpatient clinics and endoscopic training to meet certification requirements.

Combination Track

This additional track merges clinical responsibilities with research endeavors, providing fellows an opportunity to address both educational and investigative goals

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in a well-structured clinical rotation schedule that covers both inpatient and outpatient services:

Inpatient Rotations

During the first year, fellows engage with the GI Consult Service at both The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center, as well as inpatient hepatology and endoscopy services.

Outpatient Rotations

Each fellow dedicates one-half day per week to Continuity Clinic with faculty preceptors, while upper-level fellows rotate through various subspecialty clinics.

Endoscopic Training

Fellows receive training in ACGME-required endoscopic procedures, starting primarily in inpatient settings during their first year. As they advance, they rotate through various endoscopy blocks in outpatient settings, gaining comprehensive experience.

Conferences

The program emphasizes continued education through attendance at multiple weekly conferences including Fellow Didactics, GI Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Conferences, and specialty-specific conferences such as Hepatology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Application Process

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program requires candidates to participate in the NRMP match system and adheres to the ERAS application process. Special application requirements include the necessity for applicants to have completed an internal medicine residency prior to beginning fellowship training.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, supporting J-1 exchange visitor visas. This support is crucial for IMGs seeking to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness

This program is highly competitive, attracting top candidates from various backgrounds including U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, as well as international medical graduates. The program is known for being supportive of DOs and IMGs, offering a welcoming environment to a diverse array of applicants.

Wellness and Support

Johns Hopkins emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being for its fellows. There are numerous wellness programs and resources tailored to support the personal and professional development of fellows.

Living in Baltimore

Baltimore is often described as a spirited city marked by its historical charm and cultural vibrancy. With various opportunities for recreation, dining, and cultural exploration, fellows can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while pursuing their training.