Rush University Medical Center Program

The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center is a comprehensive three-year program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. This fellowship program aims to cultivate advanced competencies in the management of digestive diseases and endoscopic procedures, preparing fellows to become board-eligible for certification in gastroenterology. An additional fourth year of training focused on advanced endoscopy is available for interested fellows.

Rush University Medical Center is recognized as a tertiary referral center and is ranked among the nation's top 40 medical institutions. The center is noted for housing one of the Midwest's most active liver transplant facilities, which allows fellows to encounter a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and hepatologic diseases, thereby enriching their training experience.

The faculty comprises 18 gastroenterologists, 6 hepatologists, a nutritional epidemiologist, and three gastrointestinal researchers, providing a diverse and knowledgeable mentorship environment 1.

Application Process

The program accepts three fellows each year. Candidates are required to have completed or be in the process of completing an ACGME-accredited three-year internal medicine residency. They must also be eligible to take the board examination in internal medicine by the start of the fellowship. Importantly, the program does not accept applicants on J1 or H1B visas.

Applications should be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service, commencing on July 17, for fellowship positions that start the following July 1. A complete application includes three letters of recommendation, copies of U.S. Medical Licensing Examination scores, a personal statement, and a curriculum vitae. Applications are accepted between July 19 and August 15, after which invitations for interviews are extended in August 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

Clinical training occurs primarily at Rush University Medical Center with additional rotations at Rush Oak Park Hospital, an affiliated community hospital. The fellowship includes various two-week clinical rotations that cover essential areas such as:

• Gastroenterology (consult service)
• Hepatology and transplant hepatology (consult service)
• Pancreas/biliary (consult service)
• Outpatient clinic/endoscopy
• Pathology/radiology
• Inpatient endoscopy (specifically for third-year fellows)

Fellows are also involved in outpatient training, participating in general clinics as well as specialty clinics dedicated to liver transplantation, functional bowel diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatic diseases.

Endoscopic Training

The fellowship provides sophisticated training in various endoscopic techniques using state-of-the-art Olympus equipment. The procedures include therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), video capsule endoscopy, and more specialized assessments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 2.

Research Opportunities

A significant aspect of the program is its emphasis on clinical research. Fellows participate in a six-month dedicated research period over the three years, during which they can pursue their own projects or collaborate with faculty on various ongoing research initiatives. Current research topics include inflammatory bowel disease mechanisms, endoscopic techniques for dysphagia, and quality of life evaluations in hepatitis C patients.

In addition to research activities, the program organizes multiple conferences which are integral to the training. These conferences cover a wide range of topics, including gastroenterology and internal medicine grand rounds, journal clubs, and specialized discussions on liver pathology, endoscopy, and inflammatory bowel disease 2.

Fellowship Culture

The fellowship program is home to a diverse group of fellows with varied backgrounds. Notably, the program fosters a supportive environment where fellows can engage with their peers and share knowledge, thereby enhancing their educational experience. This collegiality among fellows is reflected in the program's culture and contributes to a productive training atmosphere.

Visa Support

It is important to note that the program does not provide support for J1 or H1B visa applications. Therefore, candidates must possess valid employment authorization or an alternative visa status that permits them to practice medicine in the U.S.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center is considered highly competitive. Candidates must demonstrate exemplary academic performance during their residency and make sure they meet all application requirements. The program values candidates with solid clinical skills and a commitment to pursuing a career in gastroenterology 1.