Ohio State University Hospital Program

The Ohio State University Transplant Hepatology Fellowship program is dedicated to training physicians to exemplify leadership, education, and clinical excellence. The program is designed to provide fellows with comprehensive training in both inpatient and outpatient settings, thereby preparing them to manage patients with liver diseases and those requiring liver transplants.

Program Overview

The fellowship consists of inpatient training lasting eight weeks, during which fellows will act as attending physicians for a resident service and manage an active consult and post-transplant service. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the surgery team, spending four weeks each year in surgical rotations. The program engages in approximately 140 transplants annually, including living liver donor transplants and combined liver-kidney and heart-liver transplants.

Outpatient Training

During the outpatient rotations, fellows will participate in two general hepatology clinics and two post-transplant clinics weekly. These clinics focus on a variety of liver conditions, including evaluations for liver transplantation. Furthermore, fellows will have dedicated time for endoscopy procedures to enhance their endoscopic skills and will benefit from regular interactions with the hepato-pathology team. This includes one-on-one instruction and bi-weekly conferences, as well as opportunities to participate in interventional radiology for liver biopsies and other related procedures.

Research Opportunities

Fellows will engage in numerous clinical research projects related to liver disease and transplantation. This engagement is crucial for their development as future leaders in the field. Involvement in research will typically include attendance at various conferences, such as the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and requirements associated with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum aligns with ACGME requirements, which includes exposure to key aspects of transplant hepatology. This encompasses performing biopsies, analyzing liver pathology slides, and active participation at various clinical meetings, including patient selection committees and liver tumor boards. A structured reading list is provided to ensure that fellows are well-prepared for the board certification exams.

Weekly Schedule

The typical weekly schedule is structured as follows:

• Monday Morning: Liver biopsy/pathology
• Monday Afternoon: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Clinic
• Tuesday Morning: General Clinic
• Tuesday Afternoon: Transplant Clinic
• Wednesday: Research
• Thursday: Endoscopy
• Friday: Transplant Clinic and Endoscopy

Application Process and Requirements

The fellowship is open to graduates who have completed a three-year accredited fellowship in gastroenterology and are board-eligible at the time of initiation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or holding a J-1 visa. Key application components include:

• Completed application
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Letter of interest
• Three letters of recommendation

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers support for visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visa candidates, allowing international medical graduates to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The program is characterized as highly competitive, with a focus on attracting both U.S. and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), including graduates with DO degrees. Candidates are evaluated based on academic credentials, interview performance, and letters of recommendation.

Living and Working in Columbus

Columbus is known for its vibrant culture and diverse community, providing fellows with a rich environment for both personal and professional development. The fellowship experience is designed to foster strong networking opportunities and collaborative learning.