University of Chicago (NorthShore) Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at the University of Chicago (NorthShore) provides a comprehensive and rigorous training experience for medical graduates aspiring to specialize in gastroenterology. This program is designed to meld the academic rigor of a teaching institution affiliated with the University of Chicago with the personalized training features of a smaller community fellowship, catering to a small cohort of only two fellows per year.

Curriculum and Training Structure

Fellows participate in a three-year fellowship program that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Throughout their time in the program, fellows will rotate through four primary teaching hospitals: Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, and Skokie. This rotation structure allows for diverse clinical exposure, tackling a wide array of gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary, and hepatic diseases.

In the first year, fellows engage in continuity practice every Wednesday afternoon at the Outpatient Department (OPD) Clinic, which provides comprehensive gastrointestinal care. In subsequent years, fellows tailor their continuity clinics based on their personal interests, choosing from multiple options for six or twelve-month blocks. Weekly didactic sessions are held every Wednesday morning, allowing fellows to cover various educational topics, including research design and methodology, radiology, pathology, and more.

Unique to this program are the opportunities for fellows to train at the University of Chicago, where they receive specialized rotations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Transplant Hepatology, and Enteral/Parenteral Nutrition, thus broadening their clinical exposure and expertise.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research and quality improvement projects. Fellows work alongside clinical investigators and have access to various research mentorship opportunities, particularly focusing on areas such as the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, the Center for Medical Genetics, and the Women’s GI Health Program. The robust investment in clinical informatics enhances fellows' research capabilities, ensuring that they are well-prepared for future challenges in their careers.

Training Sites

The fellowship utilizes four key hospitals for training: Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, and Skokie, each equipped with excellent facilities and a diverse patient population, offering fellows an extensive range of clinical experiences. This diversity is instrumental in providing fellows with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a successful career in gastroenterology.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from those who have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine training program. To be considered, candidates must submit their applications through the ERAS system, including three letters of recommendation, showcasing their clinical and research experiences. The program highly values strong research and teaching credentials, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the field of clinical investigation and patient care. Special attention is given to applicants' dedication to their career paths, whether they choose private practice or academia.

Visa Sponsorship

The University of Chicago (NorthShore) Gastroenterology Fellowship Program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. The typical visa types that the program can sponsor include the J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing qualified candidates from outside the United States to pursue their fellowship training without visa-related barriers.

Fellow Life and Career Outcomes

The supportive environment of the fellowship encourages career mentoring, enabling fellows to transition smoothly into their future roles, whether in private practice or academic positions. Statistics show that approximately 50% of fellows enter private practice, while the remaining pursue academic roles, often in fields such as Transplant Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and other specialized areas of gastroenterology.

This fellowship program is dedicated to shaping the future leaders of the field by ensuring its fellows are equipped with the essential skills and experience necessary for the full spectrum of gastroenterology career pathways.