Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport offers a fully accredited three-year training experience focused on both clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The program aims to deliver excellent training through hands-on supervised clinical exposure at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, providing fellows with substantial case exposure and adherence to the national core curriculum in Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1.

Upon completion of the fellowship, trainees emerge as highly skilled specialists, combining extensive scientific knowledge with Internal Medicine training and superior endoscopic skills. The program incorporates the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, enhancing fellows' capabilities in both outpatient and inpatient settings 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is divided into three years consisting of structured clinical rotations and didactic sessions that cover a comprehensive range of topics. In the first year, fellows predominantly engage in inpatient consults, along with a rotation in research and a hepatology rotation. Second-year fellows transition to procedural service at the teaching hospital and also complete special rotations focused on motility and advanced procedures 1.

In the third year, fellows undergo intensive training in advanced gastroenterology procedures, including EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). Research remains a prominent component, as fellows complete up to six months dedicated to scholarly activities across the three years 3.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a significant emphasis on research, providing fellows with three to four months of protected research time. Faculty members mentor fellows through clinical or basic research projects, during which fellows are expected to actively participate in national conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications 2.

Training Sites

The primary teaching hospital for the fellowship is Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, a 450-bed facility that offers a diverse patient population conducive to comprehensive training. Fellows also rotate at Overton Brooks Veterans Administration Hospital, further enhancing their clinical exposure 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program exclusively accepts J-1 visas; thus, international medical graduates interested in this fellowship must pursue this visa type 2. The fellowship is competitive, typically accepting well-qualified candidates who are eligible for or certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. While the competition level is high, the program is considered friendly towards DOs and international medical graduates 3.

Application Requirements

Prospective fellows must submit their application via the ERAS system and participate in the NRMP Medical Specialties Matching Program. Candidates are required to have completed a three-year Internal Medicine residency before enrolling in this fellowship. It is essential that applicants have successfully passed the relevant certification examinations prior to completion of fellowship training 2. A Louisiana medical license is mandatory following acceptance into the program, and specific scrutiny is applied to the academic credentials of graduates from non-U.S. medical schools 1.

Lifestyle in Shreveport

Shreveport, the third-largest city in Louisiana, presents a unique living experience with its vibrant cultural scene, various outdoor activities, and an affordable cost of living. The fellowship's location provides easy access to larger cities like Dallas and Hot Springs, enriching both personal and professional life 1.

In summary, the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport offers comprehensive training, significant research opportunities, and a supportive environment for developing proficient specialists in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.