Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University Program

The Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at Stanford University, a part of Stanford Health Care, is designed to train physicians in the fields of clinical pediatric gastroenterology, along with scholarly research and medical education. This three-year program offers three fellowship slots annually, providing a comprehensive curriculum integrated with both clinical and research training.

Curriculum Overview

The structure of the fellowship is segmented into distinct phases. In the first year, the focus is primarily clinical, where fellows gain experience in the management of a wide variety of gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional disorders. Under the supervision of board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists, fellows engage in patient care, including attending consultations, conducting parent conferences, and managing the gastroenterology inpatient service, along with responsibilities on the liver transplant team.

During this inaugural year, fellows are also introduced to ongoing research projects within the division, ultimately selecting a particular area of research to pursue in the subsequent years of the fellowship.

The second and third years are dedicated primarily to research, although fellows continue to maintain clinical skills through active participation in division activities. By the fellowship's conclusion, fellows will fulfill the criteria for board eligibility in Pediatric Gastroenterology as established by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Didactic Learning Components

The fellowship program places significant emphasis on educational opportunities. Fellows are expected to engage fully in a series of didactic conferences and curriculum-enhancing activities. Weekly conferences, including Difficult Case Conferences, Grand Rounds, and Journal Clubs, form the backbone of this educational experience. Fellows in their second year are tasked with preparing patient cases for joint conferences, while third-year fellows take a lead role in organizing the conference schedule.

An additional aspect of the fellowship is the Core Curriculum, which encompasses themes such as leadership, health disparities, scholarship, and quality improvement, thus preparing fellows for various challenges in their future careers.

Training and Research Opportunities

Fellows have access to a multitude of interdisciplinary research collaborations within the program. Ongoing investigations supported through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various other funding sources allow fellows to engage in significant research efforts, particularly in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, and hospital-centric clinical research.

Application Process and Eligibility

To be considered for this highly competitive fellowship, applicants must possess a green card or U.S. citizenship. International applicants on a J1 visa may apply, but only if they are currently in an accredited U.S. or Canadian residency program. H1B visas are not accepted.

Application submissions require completion through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and mandate certain documents, including letters of reference (which ideally include a recommendation from a Pediatric Gastroenterology faculty member), a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and proof of eligibility for a California medical license.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visa candidates; however, only those within eligible residency programs are considered. The program does not support H1B visa applications, streamlining the intake process for applicants from the eligible backgrounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Fellows in this program receive competitive salaries, along with additional benefits, including allowances for education, cell phone, and relocation. Specific benefits include:

• Annual stipend
• Moving allowance of $3,500
• Educational allowance of $2,000
• Cell phone allowance of $1,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance

Diversity and Environment

The fellowship program embodies a commitment to diversity and inclusion in medicine. Collaboration with the Office of Diversity in Medical Education emphasizes promoting a diverse workforce to meet the healthcare needs of varied patient populations.

Conclusion of Training Experience

At the end of the three years, fellows are well-equipped not only for clinical practice but also for leadership positions within academic and healthcare settings. They are expected to emerge as proficient pediatric gastroenterologists who contribute to scholarly research and uphold the highest standards of patient care in the challenging yet rewarding field of pediatric gastroenterology.