University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix offers a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. This fellowship is designed for physicians who have completed or are on track to complete a three-year gastroenterology fellowship from an accredited institution. The training program aims to cultivate skilled liver transplant specialists, commencing in the 2022-2023 academic year.

The fellowship is organized to provide rigorous hands-on training in both transplant and non-transplant hepatology, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared for the complexities involved in managing liver diseases and transplantation.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the fellowship includes core and elective rotations that facilitate a broad exposure to hepatology. Core rotations incorporate:

• Outpatient Hepatology
• Inpatient Hepatology
• Outpatient post-operative clinic
• Outpatient pre-transplant and waitlist clinic
• Transplant evaluation clinic

For elective rotations, fellows can expect exposure to:

• Transplant surgery
• Interventional radiology
• Pediatric Hepatology
• Living donor liver transplant experience
• Palliative care and addiction medicine
• Research opportunities
• Various away rotations as guided by faculty and fellow interests

Training Sites

Fellows will primarily train at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, a nationally recognized academic medical center with a strong focus on coordinated clinical care and expanded research. The medical center offers a comprehensive patient care experience, including the management of complex medical conditions. Alongside Banner – University Medicine Transplant Institute, which has been at the forefront of organ transplantation since 1969, the fellowship provides a solid foundation for those pursuing a career in transplant hepatology.

The Transplant Institute comprises two key centers: the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center and the Advanced Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Center. The institute is notable for its longstanding history and success in organ transplantation, contributing to exceptional patient outcomes.

Application Process

To apply for the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship, candidates must submit their applications through the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD). The application for the academic year 2026-2027 has a specific deadline, and interviews will be conducted virtually via platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Notably, the program sponsors J1 Visas for non-U.S. resident applicants, thereby enhancing its accessibility to international medical graduates seeking specialized training in transplant hepatology.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The program is characterized as highly competitive and is particularly friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants are encouraged to verify specific eligibility criteria, which may include the year of graduation and any limitations regarding failed STEP examinations.

Who We Are

The fellowship is supported by a distinguished leadership team committed to providing exceptional education and mentorship opportunities. The faculty consists of experienced professionals in the field of hepatology and transplant medicine who are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care.