University of Minnesota Program

The University of Minnesota offers a robust Gastroenterology Fellowship Program encompassing three distinct subspecialties: a well-structured three-year Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, a one-year Transplant Hepatology Fellowship, and a one-year Advanced ERCP/EUS Fellowship. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training, integrating both clinical and research experiences to prepare fellows for a successful career in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Program Structure

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program comprises three years of training that equips fellows with diverse clinical experiences across multiple treatment centers. The curriculum allows for comprehensive exposure to both inpatient and outpatient gastroenterological care. Fellows participate in rotations that cover a spectrum of subspecialty areas, including inpatient hospital consults and outpatient GI clinics. Importantly, the program allocates six dedicated months for research, typically during the second year of training, facilitating a strong emphasis on academic development alongside clinical practice.

Subspeciality Fellowships

Transplant Hepatology Fellowship

The one-year Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is ACGME-accredited and provides advanced education in hepatology. Its curriculum balances transplant and non-transplant hepatology, offering fellows essential clinical and research experiences in preparation for academic careers. This fellowship is particularly suitable for those with a keen interest in liver transplantation and related research areas.

Advanced ERCP/EUS Fellowship

The Advanced ERCP/EUS Fellowship, also one year in duration and GME-approved, aims to develop the skills of fellows in advanced endoscopic techniques. On completion, fellows are certified as Advanced Endoscopy Fellows from the University of Minnesota, affirming their expertise in these high-demand procedural areas.

Training Sites

The training is provided across multiple clinical facilities, which ensures that fellows gain exposure to a variety of practice environments, including general hospitals, specialized centers, and outpatient facilities. This diverse exposure is vital in enhancing both clinical skills and the understanding of gastroenterology as a multifaceted specialty.

Research Opportunities

Research is a central component of the fellowship. Fellows typically engage in projects during their dedicated research period, and they are supported to pursue publishable work in gastroenterology and hepatology. These research projects not only contribute to the academic community but also enhance the fellows' understanding of evidence-based clinical care.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a supportive learning environment. The involvement in initiatives aimed at promoting equity and diversity ensures that fellows are educated within a culturally competent framework, beneficial for their training in a diverse clinical setting.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the program is highly competitive, attracting a diverse applicant pool including MDs, DOs, and IMGs. Special requirements include the necessity for applicants to have completed an accredited residency program and to demonstrate commitment to the field through prior clinical experience or research. There may be specific limits on scores from the USMLE, with the program favoring candidates who exhibit strong academic performance throughout their training.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international fellows, supporting B-1 visas, J-1 visas, and H-1B visas as per requirements. This facilitates a broader participation of international medical graduates who wish to advance their training in the United States.