MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital Fellowship in Transplant Hepatology offers an intensive one-year training program designed for physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited fellowship in gastroenterology. This fellowship is dedicated to advancing the field of transplant hepatology through a comprehensive curriculum that covers both inpatient and outpatient experiences, cutting-edge research, and a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

The MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute is recognized for its high-volume transplant activities, with more than 8,500 transplants performed, making it a leader in liver, kidney, and multi-organ transplant procedures in the U.S. The institute's emphasis on both deceased and living donor liver transplants has contributed to outstanding patient and graft survival rates. The fellowship will expose participants to a robust network of healthcare professionals, including hepatobiliary surgeons, diagnostic specialists, and transplant coordinators, facilitating a well-rounded learning experience in clinical environments and through collaborative care.

Curriculum

The curriculum features approximately six months devoted to inpatient rotations followed by an equal duration for outpatient experiences. During inpatient rotations, fellows will engage in managing patients with diverse acute and chronic liver disorders, enhancing their clinical acumen in pre-transplant and post-transplant settings. Training includes performing procedures such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, alongside participation in multidisciplinary team meetings aimed at optimizing patient outcomes.

Outpatient rotations consist of approximately six months of clinical duties in different settings, including general hepatology clinics and specialized transplant evaluation clinics. Fellows will present cases to transplant selection committees, gaining hands-on experience with both routine and complex patient scenarios. This structure supports the development of the fellows' clinical, diagnostic, and procedural competencies in line with ACGME guidelines.

Rotations

Fellows will engage in various rotations, which are critical for developing field-specific expertise. The inpatient consultations allow fellows to work closely with attendings and involve assessments of patients slated for liver transplantation, incorporating varying complexities of liver disease into their studies. Similarly, the outpatient clinic experience allows for continuous patient follow-up, crucial for post-transplant care understanding.

Research Opportunities

A vital component of the fellowship is the dedication to research. Each fellow is expected to undertake a clinical research project supervised by faculty, with an aim towards publication in peer-reviewed journals. The MedStar Transplant Institute facilitates a broad range of research protocols that focus on liver transplantation and associated hepatology, providing fellows with ample opportunities to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge in this essential area.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is particularly notable for its emphasis on a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care, which encourages fellows to collaborate with various healthcare professionals involved in transplant processes. This inclusive educational philosophy prepares fellows for real-world challenges in hepatology practice. Regular attendance at a multitude of conferences, including hepatobiliary radiology, transplant selection, and journal club meetings enriches the fellows' learning environment, fostering an atmosphere of continual professional development.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Given the reputation of MedStar Health—Georgetown University Hospital as a premier training site, the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants are typically expected to be board-certified or board-eligible in gastroenterology and should have completed the requisite gastroenterology fellowship prior to application. Any special requirements such as graduation year or exam performance limits are not notably specified, indicating a potentially broader invitation for qualified candidates.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, ensuring that fellows from diverse backgrounds can participate in this prestigious training program. The types of visas typically supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing qualified candidates to fulfill their educational and professional aspirations while contributing to the program.

Salary & Benefits

Fellows in this program receive a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits that enhance their overall educational experience at MedStar Health.