Mercyhealth GME Consortium Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Mercyhealth is a new initiative set to commence in July 2023, designed to cultivate skilled gastroenterologists committed to evidence-based patient care. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and professional growth, preparing fellows for unsupervised practice in gastroenterology.

Program Goals and Structure

The program aims to:

• Enhance patient care within a community-based gastroenterology framework.
• Offer a comprehensive clinical experience through supervised training over three years.
• Foster an environment conducive to education and scholarship in a diverse setting.
• Develop adept gastroenterologists skilled in both cognitive aspects and endoscopic procedures, with an emphasis on quality and patient-centric care.

Didactic components of the fellowship include traditional lectures, morbidity and mortality conferences, pathology discussions, research presentations, and endoscopy conferences. Fellows will also engage in quality improvement projects and participate in a monthly Journal Club aimed at developing critical appraisal skills in the literature.

Application Process

Two fellowship positions will be filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), with all applications submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must present a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation (three, with at least one from the residency program director), medical school diploma, transcript, performance evaluation, personal statement, a photograph, and USMLE or COMLEX scores, along with the AMSSM Code of Ethics submitted via email to the program coordinator. Early application submission is encouraged, adhering to ERAS timelines.

The eligibility criteria dictate that applicants must either be enrolled in or have graduated from an ACGME-accredited Family Medicine or Internal Medicine residency. Upon acceptance, candidates must also secure Illinois and Wisconsin medical licenses, a DEA license, BLS, and ACLS certifications prior to the commencement of the program. Additionally, Mercyhealth reimburses expenses for medical licensing and certification.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries for fellows are competitive and scale with the training level:

• Postgraduate Year (PGY)-4: $71,250
• PGY-5: $72,250
• PGY-6: $73,250

Fellows also enjoy a variety of benefits, including access to health, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice insurance, employee assistance programs, paid vacation, free parking, and more. They will receive support for relocation expenses and membership fees for professional organizations.

Program Leadership

The fellowship is overseen by a dedicated faculty committed to educational excellence. The Program Director emphasizes “education over service,” aiming to create a scholarly and enriching training environment for the fellows. The extensive clinical experience coupled with educational opportunities aims to develop future leaders in gastroenterology.

Visa Support

It is important to note that the program does not sponsor J-1 Visas, limiting visa options for international medical graduates (IMGs) and international candidates. Applicants should be aware of this as they consider their options for fellowship training.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The fellowship may be competitive based on the limited number of positions available, catering to those motivated to further their training in a community setting. Prospective fellows should ensure they meet all outlined eligibility and application requirements to enhance their chances of securing a position.