McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship training program at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, part of the McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University, is designed to equip trainees with the skills required for a successful career as academic pediatric gastroenterologists or hepatologists. This three-year fellowship program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and adheres to the training criteria mandated by the American Board of Pediatrics for subspecialty certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology 1.

Each year, the program accepts two fellows, with an additional opportunity for advanced training in transplant hepatology available upon completion of the initial fellowship. The program's curriculum offers a diverse range of educational approaches including core didactic teaching, fellow-driven learning sessions, and divisional conferences which encompass journal clubs and interdisciplinary conferences 1.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum provides an extensive educational experience focusing on a multifaceted learning environment. Didactic sessions, fellow-driven learning opportunities, and divisional conferences are integral to the training process. Fellows are relieved of clinical duties during these educational encounters to maximize their participation and learning. Conferences include topics on quality improvement, ethics, and opportunities for career development that bolster the fellows' growth 1.

Clinical and Research Training

Clinical exposure is a significant component of the fellowship. Trainees receive comprehensive training across both inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining expertise in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Common procedures learned include diagnostic and interventional upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and percutaneous liver biopsies. In addition, fellows partake in ongoing continuity clinics and have the chance to rotate through specialty clinics focusing on diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and more 1.

During the second and third years, the fellowship emphasizes research activities. Each fellow is assigned a faculty mentor to assist in developing a research plan, guiding through the design and execution of studies, and aiding in the preparation of manuscripts for publication 1. There are also options to pursue advanced degrees in various public health and clinical investigation fields during this research-focused training period.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment to encourage the success of all fellows. It actively seeks motivated candidates from varied backgrounds and is committed to ensuring that each trainee has access to ample opportunities for personal and professional growth 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency program and must either be board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics or board-eligible to take the licensing exam during the first year of fellowship. An online application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is required, including various supporting documents such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates who meet the eligibility criteria for the fellowship program. The types of visas supported typically include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the participation of international candidates in the training.

Competitiveness

Given the high-quality training and resources available, the fellowship is regarded as highly competitive. The program is open to fellows from various backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates, encouraging a diverse cohort that brings a range of experiences to the training environment 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the unique features of the fellowship is the opportunity for fellows to participate in global health initiatives, such as traveling to Tanzania to manage complex pediatric diseases in low-resource settings. This not only broadens clinical exposure but enriches cultural competence in pediatric care 1.

The McGaw Medical Center’s location in Chicago provides fellows with access to a vibrant city life, enhancing the overall fellowship experience through cultural, recreational, and social opportunities that complement the rigorous academic training 1.