University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Fellowship in Transplant Hepatology at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to provide both a robust clinical and research experience in transplant and clinical hepatology. This fellowship aims to prepare gastroenterologists for a career in academic hepatology with certification from the American Boards of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Transplant Hepatology. The structured training incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, enhancing collaboration with various specialists including transplant surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists, which is essential for a comprehensive educational experience in the field 1.

The program benefits from its affiliation with the Miami Transplant Institute at Jackson Memorial Hospital, one of the busiest liver transplant programs in the United States. As a fellow, participants will be thoroughly trained as proficient clinicians well-versed in both transplant and non-transplant hepatology while actively engaging in educational and research endeavors 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Fellowship in Transplant Hepatology is divided between UHealth Tower and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Trainees primarily focus on outpatient hepatology clinics, supplemented by inpatient consultation services. Fellows also perform consultations for pre- and post-liver transplant patients and gain hands-on experience in a surgical intensive care unit, specifically caring for recent liver transplant recipients. Throughout the fellowship, fellows maintain a weekly continuity clinic and are expected to complete at least 30 percutaneous liver biopsies annually 3.

Training Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the training program include achieving competency in medical management of liver diseases, proficiency in liver biopsies, understanding the transplant candidate evaluation process, and learning logistical aspects related to liver transplantation and organ procurement. Fellows are expected to participate as observers in liver procurements and transplantations while providing educational interaction with other medical professionals 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, where fellows are encouraged to engage in ongoing research projects or clinical trials within the division. The program allocates one month for dedicated research activities, ensuring fellows can contribute meaningfully to the field while enhancing their academic profile. Attendance and presentation of research findings at the AASLD Liver Meeting is also a key expectation 7.

Conferences and Educational Activities

The fellowship structure includes a series of core curriculum lectures designed to fulfill ACGME requirements. Fellows are engaged in case-based conferences and journal club discussions, enhancing their critical analysis and presentation skills. Multidisciplinary conferences, which include tumor board meetings and liver pathology conferences, provide interactive learning opportunities with other healthcare providers 2.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must have completed three years of an ACGME-accredited Gastroenterology Fellowship program. The program admits two fellows each year, with a preference for early applications. Candidates are interviewed on a first-come, first-served basis 5.

Visa Support

The program is capable of providing visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. The types of visas that may be supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the inclusion of international medical graduates who meet the program's rigorous standards.

Competitiveness

The general impression of the fellowship program is that it is competitive. It welcomes applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), demonstrating a commitment to fostering a diverse training environment. Candidates are encouraged to showcase their clinical competence, research experience, and commitment to the field of hepatology.