Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program

The Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program in Gastroenterology offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship designed to train future leaders in the field of gastroenterology. The program is affiliated with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and utilizes facilities at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each year, three fellows are accepted into this ACGME-accredited program.

The primary goal of the fellowship is to prepare board-eligible internists for professional careers in clinical and academic gastroenterology. The training environment fosters scholarship and offers extensive exposure to clinical gastroenterology, hepatology, and associated clinical, translational, and basic research. The program is committed to creating socially responsible physicians through a congenial atmosphere that emphasizes diversity, individual fellow aspirations, and the spirit of lifelong learning.

Curriculum Overview

The Curriculum

The fellowship utilizes a structured curriculum progressing through different phases. In the first year (PGY4), fellows undergo a series of rotations that include inpatient consult services at Rhode Island Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and outpatient clinic experiences. Two-week cycles enable fellows to gain comprehensive clinical experience early in their training.

The second year (PGY5) focuses on research, with fellows dedicating 4-6 months to developing a unique research project. Research topics are varied, emphasizing the molecular basis of gastroenterological diseases, clinical issues related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hepatology research, particularly investigating viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Clinical quality improvement initiatives and a month-long nutrition rotation are also integral parts of the fellowship experience.

During the advanced training in the third year (PGY6), fellows acquire specialized skills in endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and management of advanced endoscopic techniques. Fellow graduates can expect to complete approximately 1,500 endoscopic procedures—including 100-200 advanced procedures—by the end of their training.

Electives

Electives

Fellows have the opportunity to partake in up to three elective months in the PGY5/6 training years. Popular elective choices include additional training in hepatology and IBD, while a one-month funded international elective allows fellows to experience GI practices abroad. Opportunities have included rotations in prestigious medical centers across the globe, providing exposure to diverse practices in gastroenterology.

Specialization in Women’s Health

Women’s Gastrointestinal Health

Fellows in their fifth year rotate at the Center for Women’s Gastrointestinal Medicine, focusing on gastrointestinal and hepatologic conditions pertinent to female patients, including those arising in the context of pregnancy. One fellow every three years may engage in a specialized Women’s Gastroenterological Health Pathway, enhancing expertise in gender-specific GI disorders.

Specific Programs

Pancreatico-Biliary Program

Third-year fellows are expected to have hands-on experience with advanced endoscopic therapies, including therapeutic ERCP, while they also learn CA therapies for conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancers.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The fellowship includes dedicated outpatient clinic time at the Rhode Island Hospital IBD Clinic, allowing fellows to manage a robust patient panel and gain in-depth knowledge of IBD management. Participation in multidisciplinary team conferences enhances clinical learning.

Research Opportunities

Research

The Division boasts over 20 active clinical research projects, many involving fellows. With support from a clinical research supervisor and access to state-of-the-art facilities, fellows are expected to engage in research across various topics relevant to gastroenterology and hepatology. Presentations of research findings at national conferences are encouraged and supported.

Competitiveness and Application Process

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming a diverse applicant pool including MDs, DOs, and international medical graduates. The program is DO/IMG friendly and encourages applications from well-qualified candidates regardless of their background.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have completed residency training in internal medicine and be board-eligible or certified. There are prerequisites regarding eligibility for both international medical graduates and U.S. graduates concerning visa support; the program supports J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to a diverse fellowship class. Specific documentation requirements include a complete ERAS application, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement reflecting the motivation for pursuing a career in gastroenterology.

Living and Training Environment

Training Sites

Training primarily occurs at Rhode Island Hospital, the primary teaching site of the program, designated as a Level I trauma center. The Miriam Hospital and the VA Medical Center also provide crucial clinical opportunities. The Liver Research Center located nearby facilitates collaborations in research, enhancing the educational experience.

Overall, the fellowship provides a rich learning environment with a diverse population, ample resources for research, and comprehensive training in both clinical and academic gastroenterology, setting fellows on a path towards successful careers in the field.