Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program
Location:
New Brunswick, NJSpecialty:
GastroenterologyACGME Code:
1443321026Introduction to the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program
The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School provides comprehensive training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and clinical training through a variety of advanced procedures, ensuring fellows develop a strong foundation in both clinical and procedural gastroenterology.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is designed to provide a balance between hands-on clinical experience and didactic learning. Fellows participate in a wide array of educational activities including lectures, case discussions, and simulation training, covering critical areas such as liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and advanced endoscopic techniques.1
Rotations and Clinical Exposure
Fellows engage in multiple rotations throughout the program, allowing them to gain exposure to a variety of subspecialties within gastroenterology. The core rotations typically include general gastroenterology, hepatology, advanced endoscopy, and nutrition. Additionally, there are opportunities for elective rotations in interventional radiology and surgical oncology. This diverse rotation structure ensures that fellows receive a well-rounded education and practical experience in managing both common and complex cases.2
Advanced Endoscopy
Advanced endoscopy training is a critical component of the fellowship. Fellows will master techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and other therapeutic procedures. These skills are developed in a hands-on environment, supervised by experienced faculty.3
Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows to engage in research projects which can lead to presentations at national conferences and publication in reputable medical journals. Collaborative opportunities with other departments enhance the research landscape, allowing fellows to explore innovative treatment options and contribute to the advancing field of gastroenterology.4
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinguishing features of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program is its strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration. Fellows work closely with specialists from various fields including surgery, medical oncology, and radiology, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. This is particularly beneficial for handling complex cases such as pancreatic cancer and bariatric interventions.5
Training Sites
The fellowship provides training at Rutgers Health and affiliated hospitals, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic equipment. These sites are strategically chosen to offer a comprehensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.6
Visa Support and Sponsorship
The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs). Specifically, applicants may be supported for J-1 visas, which are common among fellowship programs, encouraging diversity and the inclusion of international trainees.7
Competitiveness of the Program
The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program is recognized as being competitive, with many applicants seeking to join due to its comprehensive training and prestigious reputation. The program is open to domestic and international medical graduates, including DOs and IMGs, making it more accessible to a diverse applicant pool.8
Application Requirements
Applicants are typically expected to have completed a residency in Internal Medicine. While there are no strict limitations regarding the year of graduation, the program does consider the overall competitiveness of applicants, including performance on board exams. Applicants should be mindful that multiple failed attempts at standardized exams may impact candidacy negatively.9
Website
Director
Anish V Patel, MDProgram Director, Associate Professor of Medicine Appointed Since June 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$85,014First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Brunswick, NJ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Brunswick, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ, is a diverse city located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Here are some aspects of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Brunswick has some areas with a higher crime rate, so it's essential to be cautious, especially at night. Taking safety measures and staying informed about the neighborhood is important.
- Fun Activities: New Brunswick offers a variety of entertainment options, such as cultural events, dining, shopping, and nearby parks for outdoor activities. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene and theater performances.
- Climate: New Brunswick experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. It's important to be prepared for temperature variations throughout the year.
- Races and Population: The population of New Brunswick is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. This diversity adds to the cultural richness of the city.
- Education: New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, which provides educational opportunities and cultural events to residents and students. The city also has good schools for families with children.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively high compared to other cities in New Jersey. Housing costs, in particular, can be a significant expense for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New York City is approximately 40 miles away from New Brunswick, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Residents can easily access the cultural and job opportunities in NYC.
- Pros: Cultural diversity, proximity to bigger cities, entertainment options, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, some areas with higher crime rates, traffic congestion.
Interview Questions
