University of Florida Program

Pediatric Gastroenterology is a specialized field dedicated to diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal issues in children. The program at the University of Florida emphasizes a comprehensive approach to patient care, with a goal of treating a diverse range of conditions affecting pediatric patients.

The Pediatric Gastroenterology team consists of a multidisciplinary group of clinical scholars who bring varied expertise and research interests to the program. This collaboration ensures that patients receive tailored care for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, feeding aversion, eosinophilic esophagitis, and others requiring liver transplantation 1.

Clinical Services

The program provides extensive clinical services through various specialized clinics:

Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic

This clinic serves patients experiencing issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive disorders. It accepts referrals from pediatricians across Florida and the Southeastern U.S., primarily focusing on patients up to 21 years of age 1.

Pediatric Liver Transplant Clinic

This clinic attends to patients undergoing liver and multivisceral transplants, enabling collaborative visits with a dietitian, social worker, physician, and transplant coordinator all in one session, aiming for a holistic approach to care 1.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic (IBD)

Established in 2013, this clinic focuses on managing the complexities of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. It offers access to nutritional therapies and advanced testing methods, contributing significantly to improved patient outcomes through rigorous evaluation and innovative treatment options 1.

Intestinal Rehabilitation Clinic

This multidisciplinary clinic, held biweekly, works with patients with intestinal failure or short bowel syndrome, integrating care from various specialists to coordinate treatment strategies effectively 1.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Clinic

Focusing on children with EoE, this clinic provides specialized care involving a gastroenterologist, allergist, and dietitian, which is crucial for effective management of this condition 1.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Clinic

This clinic operates twice a month, attending to the needs of children with CF through a collaborative approach involving specialists in gastroenterology and pulmonology 1.

Additionally, outreach clinics are available in Ocala and Tallahassee to enhance accessibility for patients beyond Gainesville 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

The program actively engages in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives such as Improve Care Now, aimed at identifying best practices for managing inflammatory bowel disease in children. By participating in these initiatives, the program has significantly improved remission rates among its patients 1.

Training and Educational Opportunities

The University of Florida program in Pediatric Gastroenterology also offers residency and fellowship programs that train medical professionals in this subspecialty. Trainees are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical care, research opportunities, and hands-on experience in multidisciplinary settings, preparing them for future challenges within the field.

In terms of application requirements, the program welcomes applications from a diverse array of medical backgrounds. Specific eligibility criteria typically include a completed residency in pediatrics along with necessary licensing and board certification prerequisites. The program fosters a competitive yet supportive environment for all applicants, including DO and IMG candidates 1.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international applicants, offering sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, which enables qualified candidates from around the globe to join the residency or fellowship program effectively 1.

Locations and Facilities

The Pediatric Gastroenterology services are strategically located at UF Health Shands Hospital and various medical plazas in Gainesville and Ocala. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources to provide pediatric patients with comprehensive care 1.