McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

Fellowship Overview

The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is structured to provide comprehensive training in both clinical and investigative aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology. The program spans three years with the potential for additional specialized training in various focused areas. Each year, four fellows are typically accepted into the program, and they have opportunities to engage in a rich educational environment emphasized by a mix of clinical care and research.

Fellows participate in active clinical and/or basic science research in several major areas that include but are not limited to gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, liver diseases, and advanced endoscopy. The aim is to equip fellows with a wide range of skills necessary for successful careers in academia or practice settings.

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship integrates a robust educational framework with practical experience. Throughout the training period, fellows benefit from didactic lectures, case conferences, journal clubs, and interactive multidisciplinary conferences. The weekly core curriculum is organized into sections that cover various gastrointestinal and hepatology topics.

Clinical experience covers core rotations along with numerous subspecialty clinics to ensure comprehensive training. Core rotations typically include:

• General GI Consult Service (4-6 months)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service (3-4 months)
• Inpatient Hepatology Service (4-6 months)
• Interventional Gastroenterology Service (2-3 months)
• VA Endoscopy (4-6 months)
• Research (6-8 months)
• Hepatology Outpatient Subspecialty (1-2 months)
• Gastroenterology Outpatient Subspecialty (2-3 months)
• VA Consult Service (1-2 months)

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are expected to engage in research during their training, with emphasis placed on both clinical and basic science research. This includes opportunities to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national meetings. The fellowship emphasizes collaborative research, offering diverse approaches to gastrointestinal disorder pathophysiology.

Research activities entail at least six months dedicated to either clinical or basic science research, tailored according to individual interests. Continuous academic productivity is encouraged, and every fellow is required to complete at least one publication during their training.

Grant and Research Tracks

The program provides flexibility with specialized tracks to cater to specific career goals. These include a T32 Transplant Hepatology Research Track, ideal for those focusing on research along with clinical duties, and a Traditional General GI Track. Additional fellowships in areas such as Nutrition, Advanced IBD, and Esophageal Diseases are also available, allowing fellows to tailor their training to their interests.

Diversity and Inclusion

Northwestern University values diversity within its educational environment. The program is committed to fostering relationships among trainees and encouraging applications from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. This initiative aims to equip a diverse set of future leaders in the medical field.

Application and Competitiveness

Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must have completed two years of internal medicine residency training in an ACGME-accredited program. International graduates must hold a valid ECFMG certificate.

Application Process: The application process is conducted through ERAS. Candidates are required to submit documents such as a CV, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. Interviews are conducted following the application review process, with a matching system for fellowship selection.

Visa Support: The fellowship program supports visa sponsorship for foreign medical graduates, ensuring compliance with current immigration laws and regulations.

Training Institutions

Fellows are trained at distinguished facilities such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in downtown Chicago. These state-of-the-art facilities offer cutting-edge training opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Overall Training Environment

The fellowship enhances its educational atmosphere by incorporating a wide array of conferences, mentorship opportunities, and research resources, providing fellows with the necessary support and training required to excel in their future endeavors.