Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, stands as the largest program of its kind in the United States. This one-year fellowship offers an extensive and advanced education encompassing all facets of hepatology, with a carefully designed curriculum that balances clinical, didactic, and investigative experiences. The program is oriented toward preparing participants for careers in academic hepatology, ensuring they are adept in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and management of liver disease.

The program is characterized by a multi-disciplinary/multi-specialty care model that emphasizes integrated medical/surgical co-management of patients, supported by advanced practice providers and allied health staff. The proximity of the liver transplant clinic, procedural areas, liver transplant hospital services, and ICU fosters a comprehensive learning environment 1.

Program Objectives and Structure

The primary objective of the fellowship is to cultivate physicians who demonstrate excellence in liver disease management. While the usual duration is one year, the fellowship can be extended for additional research experiences subject to funding availability. Graduates from this fellowship typically find employment at academic medical centers across the United States 1.

Accreditation and Certification

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program meets the training requirements set by the American Board of Internal Medicine; thus, graduates are eligible for board certification in transplant hepatology 1.

Application Process

Each year, the program has three to four positions available, making it highly competitive, with more applications anticipated than positions available. Eligibility requires that candidates must have completed three years of internal medicine residency training, as well as three years in an ACGME-accredited gastroenterology fellowship. Additionally, applications require submission through the AASLD Application System instead of via printed applications. It is encouraged to apply during the second year of gastroenterology training 2.

Curriculum Overview

During the fellowship, participants are engaged in developing essential skills in patient diagnosis and management, alongside procedural techniques, teaching, and research. The curriculum includes a rotation schedule typical for transplant hepatology, with the possibility of elective rotations after discussion with the program director. Elective opportunities may include interventional radiology, advanced endoscopy, liver pathology, and various hepatobiliary consults 3.

Didactic training is also heavily emphasized through clinical conferences, seminars, and journal clubs, facilitating an enriching learning environment. Moreover, Mayo Clinic is recognized for its leading role in innovative clinical and basic science research, particularly in liver transplantation. Fellows have ample opportunities to conduct research under the guidance of a mentor, enhancing both clinical and research knowledge 3.

Department and Faculty

The Mayo Clinic liver transplant program is renowned as a center of excellence, with over 300 liver transplants conducted each year. The program benefits from the infrastructure of the Mayo Clinic's Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and is supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Faculty members are lauded for their commitment to teaching and providing exceptional patient care, directly impacting the educational experiences of fellows 4.

Fellowship Community and Mentorship

Fellows in this program have access to a robust mentorship framework, involving both clinical and research mentors. This structure facilitates comprehensive guidance in educational pursuits, career development, and personal support. Fellows are encouraged to capitalize on the presence of visiting professors who contribute significantly through lectures and discussions, thus enhancing their educational journey 4.

International Opportunities and Competitiveness

The program is responsive to international applicants and offers visa support. An integral part of its appeal stems from its accessibility for international medical graduates (IMGs) and its recognition as a DO-friendly program. The competitive nature of the fellowship calls for outstanding candidates who demonstrate exemplary training and commitment to advancing hepatology 2.

Living in Rochester

Fellows often express a positive sentiment towards living in Rochester, appreciating the tranquil environment and the accessibility to outdoor activities. The cost of living is generally more affordable than in larger cities, facilitating a balanced lifestyle while pursuing an intensive training program.