Southern Illinois University Program

Program Overview

The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at the SIU School of Medicine is a comprehensive three-year program within the Department of Internal Medicine. This ACGME-accredited fellowship develops skilled physician-scientists through rigorous clinical exposure and dedicated research initiatives. The program's mission centers around delivering high-quality healthcare while enhancing health outcomes and accessibility for diverse populations. Trainees are prepared to assume leadership roles within the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology.

Fellows are trained to master all aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology, focusing on developing excellent clinical judgment, extensive medical knowledge, and proficiency in various procedures. The program emphasizes not just technical skills but also the importance of humanistic care, compassionate treatment, commitment to scholarship, and ethical conduct in practice.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship begins with an orientation designed to prepare incoming fellows for their roles and familiarize them with fellowship policies and procedures. Key aspects of the orientation include simulation training at the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation and didactic teaching on gastroenterology and hepatology topics.

During the first year, fellows focus on inpatient consultation and endoscopy services to gain early experience in endoscopic techniques. Alongside clinical duties, fellows conduct detailed patient interviews and comprehensive physical examinations, striving for diagnostic precision while performing procedures with minimal risk to patients.

As they progress into the second year, fellows experience an increase in clinical responsibilities, contributing significantly to endoscopy units and multidisciplinary teams. They are encouraged to engage in research projects that have been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), promoting a balance between clinical duties and scholarly activities.

The third year of the fellowship allows for advanced training and specialization, with fellows expected to present their research findings at national meetings and author papers before graduation. They complete elective rotations, including transplant hepatology, and engage in required presentations during departmental conferences.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship, with stipulations that fellows engage in scholarly activities from the outset. In the first year, fellows are recommended to develop collaborative relationships with faculty mentors and establish concrete research plans.

By the second year, fellows are expected to have their research proposals submitted and approved by the IRB, and to begin data collection while also participating in teaching activities.

Training Sites and Facilities

The SIU School of Medicine provides fellows with access to a supportive educational environment, facilitating their clinical and research training. Fellow training takes place in various healthcare settings, ensuring a breadth of experience in the gastroenterology field. The program prioritizes the efficiency of healthcare delivery, which is also a focus in fellowship education.

Visa Support

The program accepts applications from international medical graduates, particularly those on J1 visas. This supportive structure aims to facilitate a diverse cohort of fellows and enrich the learning atmosphere within the program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Gastroenterology Fellowship is noted for being competitive, yet remains welcoming to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO graduates and international medical graduates. Interested applicants must submit their applications exclusively through ERAS, with specific criteria mandated regarding graduation years and examination performance.

Applicants must adhere to defined deadlines for application submissions, and the selection process is backed by the national fellowship match system. Interview dates and formats are determined to ensure a fair selection process, with in-person interviews conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Daily Life and Fellow Well-Being

The fellowship program at SIU emphasizes the importance of well-being among its fellows. The curriculum and structure are designed to foster a supportive environment where fellows can thrive academically and personally. The program strives to ensure each fellow receives mentorship that enhances both their professional and personal development.