Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital Program

Overview of the Fellowship Program

The Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship Program is a prestigious three-year program that is accredited by ACGME. This program is renowned for its comprehensive teaching faculty, covering the full spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), motility disorders, advanced endoscopy, GI oncology, and transplant hepatology. The program emphasizes both clinical training and research, supported by faculty and access to the Scripps Research Institute, which is recognized as a leader in biomedical research 1.

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured to provide a broad range of educational experiences. Most clinical rotations are centered at Scripps Green Hospital, while fellows also have opportunities to work at Scripps La Jolla and Scripps Mercy. This ensures exposure to diverse patient populations and a wide array of disease pathologies. Fellows partake in a comprehensive lecture series that includes topics such as GI and liver histopathology and radiology. Additionally, fellows maintain a continuity clinic where they manage their own panel of patients under the guidance of dedicated teaching faculty 1.

Sample Rotations

Fellowship training incorporates several essential rotations, including but not limited to:

• Advanced Endoscopy
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Inpatient GI
• Inpatient Hepatology
• Motility
• Outpatient GI/Research
• Outpatient Hepatology/Transplant
• Surgery, Radiology, Nutrition, and Pathology Electives

During their training, fellows perform a significant number of procedures; they can expect to average over 1,000 procedures by the end of the program, with exposure to an array of techniques, including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is integrated into the fellowship experience, as all fellows are required to develop and complete their research projects, with an expectation to publish in peer-reviewed journals. The program encourages participation in local, regional, and national professional organizations. Research areas include viral hepatitis diagnosis and treatment, liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, therapeutic procedures, and GI malignancies. Additionally, the program fosters collaboration with the Scripps Translational Science Institute and other research networks 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Scripps Clinic is lauded for its excellent patient care and innovative treatments, especially within its esophageal and pancreaticobiliary cancer centers. The fellowship program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly in dealing with complex cases involving GI and liver diseases. Furthermore, Scripps is proactive in utilizing cutting-edge technology and procedures, enabling fellows to gain proficiency in advanced endoscopic techniques at an early stage in their careers 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, receiving over 400 applications annually. As such, prospective candidates must have completed or be on track to complete an ACGME-accredited residency program in internal medicine. The application process requires candidates to provide a completed application via the ERAS system, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and three letters of endorsement, including one from the residency program director 3.

Particular attention should be noted regarding visa sponsorship; Scripps Clinic does not operate its own J-1 or H-1 visa program. Therefore, applicants requiring visa sponsorship must have a current California Physician and Surgeon License and corresponding DEA certificate before the start date.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive annual salaries and benefits. The first-year salary is approximately $88,544, increasing to $92,544 in the second year and $96,620 in the third year (which includes a $5,000 housing stipend). Insurance options, including health and dental plans, are offered to fellows and their dependents at minimal costs. Additional benefits include paid vacation, sick days, and educational allowances for professional meetings and conferences 1.