University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship is a comprehensive three-year program designed to train physicians to become proficient and independent clinicians specialized in pediatric gastroenterology. The program aims to impart the necessary skills to evaluate, diagnose, and manage various gastrointestinal disorders in children. The curriculum adheres rigorously to the guidelines set by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, thus ensuring that all trainees meet the requirements for certification by the Pediatric Gastroenterology Subboard of the American Board of Pediatrics 1.

Fellows are expected to engage in both clinical and research avenues during their training. The program emphasizes a balanced education, incorporating a variety of clinical experiences and multi-disciplinary seminars, along with a commitment to advancing the field through significant research initiatives. This holistic approach results in a well-rounded educational experience, enhanced by a robust support system from faculty and peers 1.

Application Process and Requirements

To participate in the fellowship, applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Successful completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 is required before the start of the program. Additionally, an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency must have been completed, making the applicant board-eligible as stipulated by The American Board of Pediatrics guidelines 1.

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System between July 15 and November 20, coinciding with the National Resident Matching Program. Interviews for prospective fellows are scheduled from August to November, providing ample opportunity for candidates to engage with the faculty and current fellows 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers the J1-Visa, specifically the Alien Physician Program, as the standard visa option for international medical graduates. This visa is sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), facilitating the participation of foreign nationals in the fellowship 1.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship spans 36 months and is divided into comprehensive clinical and research training components. In the first year, fellows encounter a diverse array of cases involving gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional diseases. Responsibilities include inpatient services, consults, outpatient clinics, and hands-on procedural experiences 1.

As fellows progress into their second and third years, they hone their research skills, develop and present projects at national meetings, and learn manuscript writing under the guidance of their mentors. A structured call schedule requires fellows to share weekend duties throughout the fellowship duration 1.

Training Locations

The fellowship primarily operates out of several key training sites, including:

• Holtz Children’s Hospital
• Jackson South Medical Center
• UHealth Pediatric Specialist at Weston
• University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development

This multi-site arrangement affords fellows exposure to a diverse patient demographic, with experiences in both county and private hospital settings 1.

Research and Education

Research is a significant focus of the program, with fellows encouraged to engage in clinical and laboratory projects to enhance their educational journey. Participation in interdepartmental conferences is also a core component of fellow training, promoting collaborative learning across various specialties such as pathology, surgery, and transplant sciences 1.

Alumni Outcomes

The program has an impressive track record, with a 100% board pass rate for over a decade. Alumni from the fellowship have successfully secured positions at prestigious institutions, contributing to a strong network of professionals in pediatric gastroenterology 1.