Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive three-year, ACGME-accredited program aimed at training the next generation of gastroenterologists. The program offers an intense curriculum with a focus on both clinical and procedural expertise, preparing fellows for a passionate and skilled career in gastroenterology.

The fellowship program admits three fellows each year and encompasses a robust curriculum designed to provide in-depth knowledge across various gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Fellows engage in clinical management, hands-on procedural skills, research endeavors, and educational roles throughout the fellowship duration 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is divided into structured years, each building on the last.

First Year

The first year emphasizes a pathophysiological approach to diagnose and manage GI and liver diseases. Key components include:

• Consultative GI Service: Involves managing over 800 consults per year, supported by a collaborative team consisting of attending physicians, fellows, and residents.
• Endoscopy Rotations: Fellows are trained in various endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, liver biopsies, and specialized interventions for liver disease management.
• Outpatient Continuity Clinic: Provides experience in handling outpatient GI cases.
• IBD and Motility Rotations: Each fellow will complete dedicated rotations within these specialized areas.
• Research Initiation: Beginning research projects with mentorship from faculty.

Second Year

In the second year, fellows further develop procedural competencies with advanced training:

• Transplant Hepatology: Experience managing liver transplant patients.
• Research: Fellows are expected to delve deeper into research activities and submit abstracts to national gastroenterology conferences.
• Additional Rotations: Continued focus on IBD, motility, and consultative services.

Third Year

The third year is tailored to align with the fellow’s career aspirations, including proficiency in therapeutic ERCP, advanced endoscopic techniques, and expanded research opportunities. Fellowships in advanced procedures such as deep enteroscopy or endoscopic ultrasound training are also available.

Fourth Year (Optional)

An additional, non-ACGME-accredited fourth year is available focused on therapeutic endoscopy for those interested in further specializing in advanced procedures.

Training Sites

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and serves as the primary training site for the fellowship program. The medical center is noted for its comprehensive services, including pediatric and adult trauma care, advanced surgical and medical ICUs, and outpatient services 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship. Fellows are supported in developing projects with faculty mentors and are expected to engage actively in research conferences. The program emphasizes the importance of presenting findings at national conferences, which are integral to a fellow's academic development 1.

Application Requirements

Application to the program requires:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Passing scores on all USMLE steps or COMLEX levels
• Completion of the application process through ERAS
• Eligibility for interviews conducted from late September through early November

Diversity and Inclusion

The program strongly emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. There are numerous initiatives and support systems in place to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all trainees. The network for under-represented residents and fellows engages with diverse students to promote culture and community within the program 1.

Visa Support

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically supports J-1 visas, facilitating the participation of international fellows in the training program.

Competitiveness

The Gastroenterology Fellowship is considered competitive, with a robust applicant pool including both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program aims to maintain a diverse and talent-rich group of fellows, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds 1.