Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) offers a distinguished training experience in the field of gastroenterology, emphasizing a fellow-centered curriculum that prepares practitioners for both clinical and academic roles. As part of Jefferson Health, LVHN encompasses 15 hospital campuses with over 1,700 licensed acute care beds, solidifying its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

This three-year program, which received initial accreditation in June 2015, caters to 3 fellows annually and provides an extensive array of opportunities in gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, LVHN's program emphasizes state-of-the-art care and innovative treatment methodologies in gastrointestinal and liver diseases, leveraging the largest and most advanced endoscopic repertoire available in the area, including technologies such as therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound and radio-frequency ablation 1.

Program Highlights

One of the defining aspects of the fellowship is its patient volume, with over 18,000 endoscopic procedures performed annually. This high volume ensures fellows are well-exposed to a diverse set of gastrointestinal cases, fostering an educational atmosphere that is both enriching and practical. Additionally, the fellowship aims to bridge gaps in care for uninsured and underinsured populations in Allentown, which presents unique case challenges 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously structured, allowing fellows to customize their training experiences based on their professional goals. Over the three years, fellows progress through various roles and responsibilities:

Year 1

Fellows spend nine months in clinical service, rotating through inpatient GI consultations, inpatient liver consultations, and ambulatory hepatology. The first year also includes establishing a mentoring relationship and planning for focused research or clinical training initiatives 3.

Year 2

The second year focuses on increased independence, where fellows solidify their career objectives and begin more specialized training. This is also a time when fellows interested in advanced training may apply for a fourth year 3.

Year 3

The final year includes extensive pancreaticobiliary training and significant research time, enabling the completion of ongoing projects. It also allows for elective choices tailored to the fellow's individual interests 3.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship strongly emphasizes research, with structured support from faculty mentors who guide fellows through various research processes, including hypothesis generation and manuscript preparation. Research efforts are supported by LVHN’s Network Office of Research and Innovation, providing fellows with essential resources for their academic growth 7.

Faculty and Mentorship

The gastroenterology division consists of 16 board-certified gastroenterologists, offering a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge across various areas of gastroenterology. This diverse faculty structure ensures that fellows have access to expert guidance and support throughout their training 4.

Fellowship Application Process

Prospective fellows must have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency, as well as passed USMLE/COMLEX Steps I, II, and III. The program accepts J1 and H1B visas, making it relatively friendly toward international applicants. However, observerships or externships are not offered 5.

Benefits and Lifestyle

Fellows at LVHN enjoy various benefits, including coverage for membership dues to the American Gastroenterological Association and support for attending national conferences like Digestive Disease Week (DDW) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2. Living in the Lehigh Valley also provides a favorable cost of living, as it is situated approximately 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 80 miles west of New York City, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in Pennsylvania 2.

Competitive Landscape

As an ACGME-accredited program, LVHN's Gastroenterology Fellowship is highly competitive, designed to attract top-tier candidates. The program also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, creating an enriching environment for all fellows 1.