United Health Services Hospitals Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at United Health Services Hospitals is a comprehensive program established to provide advanced education and practical experience in the field of Gastroenterology. This ACGME-accredited program spans three years and typically accepts 1-2 fellows each year. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to function independently as competent consultants in Gastroenterology.

Fellows primarily engage in clinical work within inpatient settings at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City and Binghamton General Hospital in Binghamton. Both locations are home to state-of-the-art GI labs where a multitude of gastrointestinal procedures are performed, exceeding 10,000 annually. Common procedures include but are not limited to upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and liver biopsy. Additionally, advanced procedures such as ERCP, EUS, and capsule endoscopy are also integral to the training.

Program Highlights

Key highlights of the Gastroenterology Fellowship include:

• Wilson Medical Center being a high-tech regional referral and level 2 trauma center.
• An extensive and diverse patient population, providing a rich learning environment.
• Solid support from established base residency programs.
• Structured educational framework with weekly lectures, grand rounds, and board reviews.
• Research opportunities facilitated through UHS Office of Clinical Trials and Institutional Review Board (IRB) involvement.
• Academic faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Instructors in affiliation with SUNY Upstate Medical University.
• Training on hepatic pathology, enhancing fellows' skills in managing liver diseases.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum balances clinical responsibilities with educational activities. Fellows engage in a continuity clinic for half a day each week, managing an average of eight patients during each session. Their training is complemented by additional experience in hepatology clinics. The program ensures active participation in clinical research activities.

Stipends and Benefits

The financial compensation and benefits package for fellows includes:

• Annual salary starting at $64,459.
• Health insurance coverage through Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, with the institution covering a major portion of the premiums.
• Life, dental, and vision insurance provided at shared costs.
• 27 days of personal time off for vacations and other unforeseen circumstances.
• A professional development fund of $1,500 annually for conferences and educational materials.
• Access to athletic facilities at Binghamton University.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Internal Medicine. The application process involves submitting materials via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) from September through November 1st. Required documents include:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A personal statement detailing the applicant's motivation and fit for the program.
• At least three letters of recommendation, including one from the Residency Program Director.
• USMLE and/or COMLEX transcripts.

Visa Sponsorship

The program does consider applicants on a visa basis and is prepared to support visa types, although specific details regarding visa support are best understood through direct inquiry.

Competitiveness and Applicant Profile

The fellowship is competitive, attracting applicants who have demonstrated strong capabilities during their Internal Medicine training. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DOs are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the necessary residency completion requirements. No maximum threshold is specified for failed examinations, reflecting an inclusive approach toward fellowship admission.