University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship Program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited one-year program specifically designed for physicians who have previously completed a Gastroenterology fellowship. This training is closely affiliated with University Hospital, the only liver transplant center in Southwest Ohio, which performs approximately 60 liver transplants annually. The program focuses on a comprehensive approach to managing patients with liver diseases, particularly those requiring transplant interventions.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes individualized training in a variety of areas essential for managing pre- and post-transplant patients. It includes:

• Management of patients with end-stage liver disease and acute hepatic failure.
• Assessment of candidacy for liver transplantation.
• Performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as liver biopsies and endoscopic procedures like esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with band ligation of varices.

Fellows gain hands-on experience through both inpatient and outpatient services, primarily through multiple multidisciplinary clinics, including:

• Pre-Transplant Clinic: Involves holistic assessment for patients with liver diseases deemed suitable for transplantation.
• Post-Transplant Clinic: Focuses on comprehensive care for patients post-transplant, including management of immune suppression therapy and monitoring for complications.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma Clinic: Fellows participate in the assessment and treatment of patients with liver cancer.
• Veterans Affairs Clinics: Opportunities to manage liver diseases prevalent among veterans, providing diverse and richly varied clinical exposure.

Alongside clinical experiences, the fellowship requires participation in extensive research. Dedicated research time allows fellows to focus on projects under the guidance of experienced mentors within the division and associated departments.

Training Sites

The primary training locations are the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The University of Cincinnati Medical Center acts as a major academic tertiary referral center, serving a diverse and underserved patient population with complex liver-related conditions. The VA Medical Center is similarly important, delivering tailored care to veterans and contributing significantly to the fellows' education.

Application Process and Eligibility

Candidates wishing to apply to the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship must meet several requirements:

• Completion of a residency in Internal Medicine.
• Successful completion of a three-year ACGME-accredited Gastroenterology fellowship.
• J1 visa sponsorship is available for international medical graduates, ensuring proper support for international candidates.

Applicants undergo a competitive selection process, which includes the review of qualifications, letters of recommendation, and interviews conducted virtually.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive. It is welcoming to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) with appropriate qualifications.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati offers a number of unique features, including:

• Access to a highly skilled team of four full-time hepatologists committed not only to clinical care but also to educational development and research.
• A structured support system for fellows through research guidance by faculty actively engaged in pioneering studies within hepatology.
• A strong focus on the well-being and professional development of fellows, promoting a collegial environment tailored to fostering successful careers in liver transplantation.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in diverse research opportunities supervised by faculty across multiple disciplines, including quality improvement, clinical research, and basic research. Access to the University of Cincinnati's Center for Clinical and Translational Science & Training allows fellows to further enhance their research skills in a supportive environment.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visa sponsorship for international applicants, allowing them to participate in the fellowship without immigration complications.

Special Considerations

While there are no stated maximum failure thresholds for licensing exams like STEP, competitive candidates usually demonstrate overall academic excellence and clinical proficiency. Each application is carefully evaluated to maintain high training standards.