San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program

Overview

The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) offers a comprehensive Gastroenterology fellowship program located at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Fort Sam Houston. This program is designed to prepare physicians for a successful career in gastroenterology, providing in-depth training in both clinical and procedural aspects of the discipline.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is the Brooke Army Medical Center, which serves as a major military teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center. The fellowship also incorporates training across various affiliated military medical centers, ensuring a robust and diverse clinical experience for fellows.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship encompasses a rigorous curriculum that combines hands-on training with didactic learning. The training schedule includes:

• Core Rotations: Fellows complete core rotations that cover essential areas in gastroenterology, including advanced endoscopy, hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Procedure Training: The fellowship emphasizes procedural competency, with extensive training in techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, gastrointestinal bleeding intervention, and mucosal resection techniques.
• Clinical Exposure: Fellows engage in outpatient clinic visits, inpatient consultations, and multidisciplinary team meetings, providing exposure to the full spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders.

Didactic sessions supplement clinical training, covering topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, and current research in gastroenterology.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in scholarly activities and research projects during their training. Fellows are provided support for developing and conducting clinical research, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in gastrointestinal diseases.

Unique Aspects of the Program

SAUSHEC's Gastroenterology fellowship is unique in several ways:

• Military Focus: The program emphasizes military healthcare needs, preparing fellows to address the gastrointestinal issues specific to active duty service members and veterans.
• Collaboration with Other Disciplines: Fellows have the opportunity to work closely with a variety of healthcare professionals across disciplines, enhancing the comprehensive approach to patient care.
• Leadership Development: The program incorporates modules designed to develop leadership skills among fellows, preparing them for future roles as leaders in military medicine.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to pursue training in the United States. The types of visas that may be sponsored include J-1 visas for exchange visitors, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and sponsorship processes.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The SAUSHEC Gastroenterology fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Completion of medical education from an accredited institution.
• Eligibility for and completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2.
• A maximum of two failed attempts on Step exams is recommended for applicants.

Additionally, the program encourages applications from DO and IMG candidates, fostering a diverse applicant pool.

Well-Being and Support Systems

The fellowship emphasizes the well-being of its fellows, providing access to mentorship, wellness programs, and mental health resources throughout the training period. Regular assessments of wellness and burnout are conducted, ensuring a supportive training environment.

Professional Development Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to participate in local and national conferences, offering additional opportunities for professional development and networking within the gastroenterology community.

Conclusion

The SAUSHEC Gastroenterology fellowship program at JBSA Fort Sam Houston stands out for its commitment to developing competent, military-focused gastroenterologists capable of delivering high-quality care within the military health system.