University of Connecticut Program

The UConn Gastroenterology-Hepatology Fellowship Program offers an extensive three-year, ACGME-accredited academic training designed to cultivate the skills of future leaders in the field. Established in 1982, the program has successfully trained approximately 100 fellows, currently welcoming three new fellows each year, totaling nine fellows in the program at any given time. This fellowship is committed to preparing individuals for the American Board of Internal Medicine Gastroenterology Certification Exam upon the completion of the program 1.

Training Sites and Rotations

The fellowship provides comprehensive training through rotations at multiple key hospitals, including UConn Health, Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and The Hospital of Central Connecticut. The structure of the fellowship is systematically organized to cover essential aspects of gastrointestinal disease management. The initial year is highly focused on inpatient consultation in gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy. The second year integrates outpatient and additional research opportunities, while the final year emphasizes more independence alongside advanced procedures and outpatient responsibilities 1.

Clinical Training

Fellows gain practical exposure in procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and advanced therapies including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The program's unique offerings include training in fecal microbiota transplantation and transient elastography for liver disease diagnostics 3.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum aligns with ACGME requirements to ensure a balance in both clinical and research training. It covers key Entrustable Professional Activities in gastroenterology, providing hands-on clinical rotations alongside protected educational time for didactic learning every week. Fellows engage in a variety of conferences and self-directed learning opportunities, and are mentored by experienced faculty, particularly during dedicated research blocks in their second year 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is essential to the fellowship, with fellows participating in multiple scholarly activities throughout their training. They are encouraged to publish manuscripts and present research findings at national meetings, supported by knowledgeable faculty mentors and access to the university statistician for research methodologies 4.

Educational Conferences

Weekly educational conferences cover comprehensive topics in gastroenterology, allowing fellows to engage in peer-reviewed discussions and collaborative learning experiences. Didactic sessions include case conferences, journal clubs, specialties related to nutrition and motility, and multidisciplinary conferences that encourage collaboration with other specialties, thus enhancing overall learning 5.

Wellness and Support

The fellowship emphasizes the well-being of its fellows by offering a supportive environment dedicated to mental health and work-life balance. Initiatives include formal mentoring programs and community gatherings that foster collegiality and shared experiences among fellows and faculty. Resources such as confidential counseling services and fitness facilities further contribute to the supportive environment 7.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The UConn Gastroenterology-Hepatology Fellowship Program provides visa sponsorship for foreign nationals, specifically through J-1 visa status; however, the program does not sponsor H1B or O visas. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency, hold a valid ECFMG certificate if they are graduates from foreign medical schools, and fulfill other documentation requirements, including USMLE Step 3 completion. These measures ensure a competitive yet inclusive application process 26.

Competitiveness and Selection

The program is competitive, seeking candidates who exhibit strong academic credentials, effective communication skills, and a commitment to the specialty. A selection committee evaluates applicants based on these criteria, with a diverse and inclusive environment prioritized throughout the selection process. This includes a significant emphasis on creating an unprejudiced and equitable educational milieu for all 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UConn Gastroenterology-Hepatology Fellowship Program stands out due to its dedication to diversity, professional development, and extensive mentorship opportunities throughout the training period. Fellows are engaged in teaching roles that promote peer-to-peer learning and foster an environment where they can develop the skills necessary to excel in both clinical practice and potential academic pursuits 8.