Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport is an accredited three-year program that emphasizes exceptional training in both clinical gastroenterology and hepatology.

The program is structured to provide fellows with comprehensive exposure to a variety of patient cases, drawing from the diverse patient population at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. This robust clinical experience is aligned with the national core curriculum standards set for gastroenterology and hepatology training.

Curriculum and Training Rotations

The fellowship comprises a carefully structured curriculum designed around clinical management and direct patient care across multiple environments. Training encompasses inpatient consults, outpatient care, and specialized rotations in areas such as motility and hepatology. First-year fellows typically commence with inpatient consults at both Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and the Overton Brooks VA Hospital. Additionally, they engage in a one-month research rotation, which is critical in developing their academic skills.

In the second year, fellows rotate through advanced procedures and gain experience in endoscopic techniques, including upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. The third year emphasizes advanced endoscopy procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Continuous involvement in research during the fellowship prepares fellows for academic and clinical roles upon graduation.

Endoscopy Training

Fellows receive extensive training in endoscopy, which includes not only routine procedures but also advanced techniques such as polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Training emphasizes patient safety and comfort through the judicious use of sedating medications. Fellows are trained rigorously to interpret findings from various procedures, enabling them to make informed treatment decisions and recommendations.

Research Opportunities

Research is a foundational aspect of the fellowship. Each fellow is allotted three to four months of dedicated research time, free from direct patient care responsibilities. During this time, fellows engage in either clinical or basic science research projects, cultivating their investigative skills with guidance from faculty mentors. The fellowship encourages fellows to present their research at national conferences and to publish in peer-reviewed journals, promoting a commitment to scholarly activities throughout the training period.

Visa Support

The program exclusively accepts J-1 Visas for international medical graduates. This ensures that qualified international candidates can benefit from the program while gaining valuable experience in the U.S. healthcare system. Prospective fellows on J-1 Visas need to be aware that a license to practice medicine in Louisiana is required after acceptance into the fellowship.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Admission to the fellowship program is competitive, requiring candidates to be either eligible for or certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. All applications must be submitted through the ERAS system, and the program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for fellowship positions. Additionally, candidates must fulfill specific requirements regarding their medical education background, such as the scrutiny that graduates of non-U.S. medical schools must endure based on state regulations.

Training Sites

The primary training site is Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, a 450-bed teaching hospital. Fellows also rotate at the Overton Brooks Veterans Administration Hospital, providing a unique opportunity to treat a diverse demographic of patients. Training at these facilities equips fellows to handle a variety of clinical situations, preparing them for careers in both academic and clinical settings.

Life in Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana, offers a vibrant living experience characterized by a low cost of living, a rich arts scene, and easy access to neighboring major cities. This setting provides fellows with a supportive community reflective of a collegial atmosphere, where they can thrive both professionally and personally.