Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a comprehensive one-year educational experience focused on transplant and non-transplant hepatology, designed to fulfill United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) criteria for liver transplant physicians. This fellowship provides a balance of clinical, didactic, and investigative experiences, enabling fellows to prepare for careers in academic transplant hepatology 1.

Unique opportunities provided by the program include training under a dedicated faculty comprising hepatologists, transplant surgeons, and specialists across various fields such as gastroenterology, pathology, radiology, infectious diseases, immunology, and psychiatry. Fellows will engage in clinical research projects, with chances to present findings at national conferences, enhancing their academic exposure and networking within the field 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum focuses on developing skills in patient diagnosis and management, procedural techniques, teaching, and conducting research. It encompasses a typical rotation schedule that includes clinical conferences on subjects such as hepatocellular carcinoma, pathology, transplant selection, and patient management. Didactic training through seminars, small group discussions, and journal clubs forms an integral part of the educational experience 3.

As part of research training, fellows at the program will have access to numerous ongoing projects, collaborating with experienced hepatologists and hepatobiliary surgeons actively involved in research. Opportunities to showcase research findings at national conferences are provided, contributing to professional development 3.

Application Process

The program offers two fellowship positions annually on a highly competitive basis. Fellowship candidates must have completed a three-year internal medicine residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), as well as a three-year ACGME-accredited gastroenterology program or an equivalent. This requirement positions the fellowship as highly competitive, primarily favoring candidates with substantial prior training 2.

Application submissions are done through the AASLD Application System rather than through printed applications. It is recommended to apply during the second year of gastroenterology residency training. The application process involves creating an online account, submitting required application materials, and completing recommendation requests as applicable. Candidates will be invited for personal interviews if selected based on their application competitiveness 2.

Training Environment

The Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona is the largest solid organ transplant center in the nation, consistently performing over 200 liver transplants annually, amidst high volumes and top-ranking outcomes. This training environment allows fellows to be exposed to numerous complex patient care scenarios, including management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and complex surgical cases such as portal venous thrombosis 1.

Fellow Life

Mayo Clinic offers a supportive environment for its fellows, focusing on wellness and work-life balance. Resources include discounted gym memberships, wellness workshops, and various social groups. The institution emphasizes health and wellbeing, ensuring that academic and personal support is always available. Additionally, fellows can enjoy the vibrant lifestyle in Phoenix, with recreational opportunities, arts, and diverse culinary experiences 6.

Department and Faculty

Mayo Clinic's program is supported by a robust faculty that includes board-certified professionals in transplant hepatology. The fellowship encourages collaborations with hepatologists at the Mayo Clinic sites in Minnesota and Florida, fostering a comprehensive educational and clinical approach to transplant hepatology. Fellows are assigned personal faculty advisers for guidance and educational support throughout their training 5.

This program has a proven track record of success, with a significant number of graduates going on to secure competitive positions in the field of transplant hepatology. Interest in the fellowship continues to grow, highlighting its reputation as a leading training program in the country 5.