Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The one-year Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, provides extensive training in the Mayo tradition of excellence in patient care, education, and research. This fellowship emphasizes hands-on training in all areas of clinical hepatology, particularly in liver transplantation. It is designed to develop clinical scholars who are prepared for careers in subspecialty patient care as well as academic activities including teaching and clinical research.

During the fellowship, participants will have access to outstanding facilities and institutional resources. The program features a large patient population offering an optimal mix of common and unusual disorders, guided by dedicated faculty who are enthusiastic about education and mentorship. Fellows also engage in an active educational conference program that further enriches their learning experience 1.

Application Process

The program offers two positions annually, each filled on a competitive basis. Candidates must have completed an accredited internal medicine residency and a gastroenterology fellowship prior to starting the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship. The application process requires submission via AASLD, which serves as a third-party application service. Applications should typically be submitted during the second year of gastroenterology training, with a recommendation to apply at least 18 months before the fellowship begins, initiated in July each academic year 2.

Curriculum

The curriculum provides broad exposure to both common and atypical hepatology and liver transplantation cases. Training includes hands-on experience in liver biopsy, interpretation of hepatobiliary imaging studies, and close mentorship from faculty in both outpatient and inpatient care settings. Fellowships follow a rigorous training regimen designed to ensure adequate clinical exposure and personal development.

Fellows participate in various rotations focusing on important clinical areas such as liver transplantation, hepatobiliary clinic, and specialized didactic training. The primary training site is Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus, with elective opportunities available at the Rochester, Minnesota campus and Nemours Children's Specialty Care in Jacksonville. The liver transplantation program is highly active, with expected annual surgeries around 150, providing extensive experience managing patients through all stages of liver disease, including pre- and post-transplant care 3.

Department and Faculty

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology comprises eight hepatologists and 18 gastroenterologists, along with specialists including liver transplant surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. The faculty collaborates to ensure a comprehensive learning environment that includes exposure to a diverse range of liver diseases and patient conditions from across the U.S. and abroad.

In addition to patient care, faculty are committed to education, with many recognized as leaders in their fields. The facilities encompass a 304-bed hospital, full-service laboratories, and an ambulatory surgical center, along with access to extensive teaching resources and research support 4.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship options for qualified international medical graduates, including J-1 Visa sponsorship. The fellowship is noted for being competitive; well-prepared candidates who have demonstrated excellent performance during their previous medical training and clinical experiences will find this program accessible. However, careful adherence to application requirements and timelines is crucial for maximizing opportunities for success.

Special Requirements and Call Schedule

Applicants must fulfill specific prerequisites, including having completed formal training in internal medicine and gastroenterology. There are usually no set limitations regarding previous residency completion dates or failed exams, but a strong performance on USMLE or COMLEX is expected. Fellows partake in a rigorous call schedule that varies per rotation, adhering to standards set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Research and Teaching Opportunities

Research involvement is a significant component of the fellowship; fellows are expected to engage in clinical research projects, with support from a dedicated Research Center on campus. They have opportunities to collaborate extensively with basic scientists. Furthermore, teaching plays a key role, with opportunities for fellows to present and teach medical students and residents throughout the year, enhancing their professional development in education 3.