Texas Tech University HSC El Paso Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso is designed to deliver an extensive education and training in the field of gastroenterology. The program is part of the Department of Internal Medicine and is situated at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and the University Medical Center (UMC) of El Paso.

This fellowship program was accredited in 2011, with the first cohort of fellows commencing training in July 2012. The primary goal is to develop skilled gastroenterologists who are equipped to serve the underserved populations in the U.S.-Mexico border area. The training facilities comply with the necessary standards to meet the requirements set by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for eligibility for gastroenterology examinations, which assures fellows are well-prepared for their careers following completion of the program 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is comprehensive, including extensive clinical training components as well as didactic learning experiences. Fellows will engage with complex patient cases in a variety of settings at a Level I Trauma Center, allowing them to hone their clinical acumen in direct patient care. This structure ensures a balanced exposure between inpatient services, outpatient clinics, and specialized sub-disciplines within gastroenterology, such as hepatology and nutrition 2.

Training Sites

The University Medical Center of El Paso serves as the primary training site, where fellows partake in endoscopy and inpatient consultations. UMC is a nonprofit, county-owned facility that comprises 354 licensed beds and reported substantial admissions, indicative of high patient volume, thus offering fellows a diverse and robust clinical experience 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the program, as fellows are encouraged to participate in patient-oriented clinical trials. Areas of investigation include hepatitis C, GI cancer treatment and prevention, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. This engagement in research not only enhances the fellows' understanding but also contributes to the advancement of gastroenterological care 1.

Competitive Application Process

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program has a competitive application process, accepting two fellows into their ranks each year. Typically, applicants need to submit their applications by the end of July via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and undergo interviews in September. Notably, the program does not sponsor J-1 visas, which is crucial for international medical graduates to consider when applying 5.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso receive a host of benefits that bolster their training experience. These benefits include a competitive salary, health and dental coverage, professional liability insurance, attendance at professional conferences such as those put on by the American Gastroenterological Association, and substantial vacation time amounting to 20 days 6.

Diverse Fellow Class

The current fellows represent a diverse array of educational backgrounds and experiences, having graduated from various respected medical schools and completed residencies in different environments. This diversity enriches discussions and enhances learning within the fellowship program, fostering a collaborative clinical environment 3, 4.

Application Specifics

While applying to this fellowship, it's essential to understand specific requirements. Generally, applicants are expected to be board-eligible in internal medicine. The program does not impose restrictions regarding years of graduation or prior attempts at standardized tests within reasonable limits. However, relevant experience and strong references are critical for a successful application. It is advisable to gather supporting materials and engage with current fellows or faculty members to gain insights about the fellowship and its expectations 5.