Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The three-year Gastroenterology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, offers superior training in all areas of gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. The program is designed to equip fellows with expert skills in endoscopic training and the care of liver transplant patients. With a large patient population that presents a mix of both common and unusual disorders, fellows will also receive valuable clinical research training and experience, supported by an active educational conference program and outstanding facilities.

The objective of this fellowship is to develop clinical scholars who pursue career paths in subspecialty patient care and academic activities, which may include teaching and conducting clinical research. Graduates of the program typically find opportunities as clinical faculty members in university academic practices or as scholarly subspecialists at referral centers 1.

Program Structure

The Gastroenterology Fellowship fulfills the training requirements specified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Completion of the fellowship makes fellows eligible to take the American Board of Internal Medicine subspecialty examination in gastroenterology. Since its inception in 1998, the fellowship has trained over 25 physicians, with the program anticipating that two fellows complete training annually 1.

Application Process

There are three positions available each year in the Gastroenterology Fellowship, which are awarded on a competitive basis. To be eligible, applicants must have completed an accredited internal medicine residency program by the time they begin the gastroenterology fellowship. Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and must include supporting documentation before the deadline of August 15 of the year prior to the fellowship starting date, which is July 1 2.

All candidates must also submit three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the residency program director or department chair. Appointments are made through the Medical Specialties Matching Program, and those who are considered for an appointment are invited for a personal interview with the program director and selected faculty members, held from July to October each year 2.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum encompasses extensive clinical training with a focus on both common and unusual gastroenterology and hepatology cases. Fellows will gain proficiency in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy techniques, attending to patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This curriculum includes a continuity clinic where fellows engage with a group of patients throughout their training, enhancing their understanding of disease progression 3.

Training Sites

The primary training sites include Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, fellows can expect specialized training experiences through elective rotations at Nemours Children's Specialty Care for pediatric gastroenterology and possibilities for further electives at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota 3.

Endoscopic and Specialized Clinical Training

The fellowship places a strong emphasis on endoscopic training, with opportunities to perform various procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, esophageal dilation, and more advanced techniques like ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound being integral components of the training. Special clinical training periods allow fellows to work alongside faculty members who have expertise in specific areas of gastroenterology, such as hepatobiliary disease and gastrointestinal radiology 3.

Research Opportunities

Research training is a significant component of the fellowship, providing fellows the ability to develop and conduct formal clinical research projects under experienced faculty guidance. The Clinical Research Center at Mayo Clinic offers dedicated resources such as facilities and research nurse assistants to facilitate these efforts, and fellows are encouraged to present their research at national meetings and seek publication opportunities 3.

Department and Faculty

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic treats a diverse patient population, which is beneficial for fellows’ learning experiences. The division conducts over 12,000 outpatient procedures annually, including advanced procedures. This exposure provides a comprehensive educational environment as fellows learn from highly regarded faculty members, many of whom have extensive publication records 4.

Support Services and Mentorship

Fellows are supported by a variety of resources, including teaching files and clinical support services throughout their training. Each fellow is assigned a faculty adviser for personalized educational guidance and support throughout the program 4.

Fellowship Community

The program promotes a collegial environment, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration among fellows and faculty. The Mayo Fellows Association offers a peer support network, hosting events and activities designed to strengthen community ties and foster a supportive environment for social interaction and personal growth 5.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible applicants. Typically, the fellowship sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing international medical graduates to participate in the program effectively.

Competitiveness

The Gastroenterology Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates with strong backgrounds, including those from osteopathic (DO) backgrounds and international medical graduates (IMGs). Competitive candidates usually demonstrate exemplary professional and academic histories.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to having completed an accredited internal medicine residency, candidates should be mindful of various application requirements, including the need for letters of recommendation and registration in the Specialties Matching Service.