St Luke's University Hospital Program

St. Luke's Gastroenterology Fellowship is a robust three-year ACGME-accredited program designed to cultivate future leaders in the field of gastroenterology. The program's structure accommodates two fellows each year, offering a comprehensive clinical training experience to foster competence in gastroenterology and prepare candidates for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Board Examination. This structured training takes place within a supportive environment, where fellows receive extensive educational, clinical, and procedural training while engaging in guided research opportunities.

The fellowship emphasizes the importance of both clinical expertise and compassionate patient care. Fellows engage in a wide array of gastroenterological procedures and treatments, allowing them to gain essential experience with a diverse patient population in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The fellowship program is centered on mitigating health disparities, enhancing health outcomes, and advocating for community awareness in gastroenterology.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at St. Luke’s is designed to progress fellows through increasingly responsible roles over the three years of training. In the first year (PGY-4), fellows primarily train at the Bethlehem campus, developing initial expertise in essential gastroenterology procedures such as upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. Structured time is allocated for research and scholarly activities, emphasizing the integration of clinical practice with academic advancement.

During the second year (PGY-5), the fellowship incorporates expanded responsibilities within the inpatient and outpatient services, alongside improved procedural exposure, including interventional techniques, as fellows prepare for potential interventional endoscopy fellowship applications. The third year (PGY-6) focuses on advanced procedures tailored to individual career goals, allowing fellows to attain a high level of competency necessary for independent practice in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Educational Activities

The program offers an immersive educational experience that includes weekly conferences, journal clubs, and interdisciplinary case conferences. Specific highlights include the Fellows Conference, Morbidity and Mortality Conference, and GI Pathology Conference, fostering a collaborative learning environment and encouraging critical engagement with current literature and clinical practices in gastroenterology. Attendance at Grand Rounds and involvement in multidisciplinary committees strengthens the fellows' educational foundation.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key component of the fellowship, with fellows expected to complete and publish an original project during their training. Dedicated faculty provide mentorship and encourage engagement in diverse areas, including interventions in endoscopy and quality improvement initiatives. Each fellow is supported towards achieving at least one peer-reviewed publication, signaling their engagement with the academic sphere of gastroenterology.

Faculty

The faculty at St. Luke’s comprises a diverse team of experienced gastroenterologists who are committed to providing exemplary education and mentorship. Each faculty member brings specific expertise in areas such as hepatology, inflammatory bowel diseases, advanced endoscopy, and nutrition, all of which contribute to a multifaceted educational experience.

Application and Admission Requirements

The application process for the Gastroenterology Fellowship requires candidates to apply through ERAS. The program is designed to be highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Additional requirements may include a maximum limit on failed STEP exams and considerations for recent graduation years, ensuring that candidates are prepared for this demanding and dynamic fellowship.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa support, detailing the types of visas sponsored such as J-1 or H-1B, catering to the diverse backgrounds of its fellows.

Competitiveness

The fellowship at St. Luke's is regarded as competitive, inviting applicants who exhibit strong clinical skills and a commitment to gastroenterology. It fosters an inclusive atmosphere for both DO and IMG applicants, making it a desirable option for aspiring gastroenterologists.

Benefits

St. Luke’s University Health Network offers comprehensive benefits to its fellows, including competitive salaries, professional development support, and wellness programs. The fellowship also accommodates moonlighting opportunities, with careful consideration given to ensuring that such work aligns with the educational goals of the program.