University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine provides rigorous training in both clinical and endoscopic gastroenterology. The program is tailored to cultivate experts with comprehensive knowledge and skills, ensuring fellows are adept in both cognitive and procedural aspects of gastroenterology, with a strong emphasis on compassionate care for a diverse patient population.

Graduates are well-prepared for various career paths, including academic medicine and further specialization. The fellowship accepts two fellows annually across three years of training, with a total of six positions available in the program.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum integrates both theoretical and practical training, focusing on consultative gastroenterology and a range of endoscopic procedures. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical or laboratory-based research, with multiple opportunities for mentorship from seasoned faculty members. Training experiences include:

• Year 1: Fellows split their time between University Health Truman Medical Center and Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. They are expected to see 50 to 100 new consults and perform over 200 endoscopies each month. This year emphasizes foundational skills including upper endoscopy, esophageal band ligation, and polypectomy, alongside four weeks dedicated to initiating research.
• Years 2-3: As fellows progress, they expand their procedural proficiencies, including esophageal manometry and capsule endoscopy. Rotations cover various specialties, including advanced endoscopy, hepatology, and nutrition, participating actively in liver disease management and clinical experiences.

Training Sites

The program is strongly anchored by its two primary teaching hospitals:

• University Health Truman Medical Center: A 237-bed facility offering a wide array of acute and outpatient services with a diverse patient population. The center is recognized for its excellent emergency services and various specialized care programs.
• Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City: A 629-bed tertiary care center known for advanced clinical services such as the Level I Trauma Center and Mid America Heart Institute, admitting more than 20,000 inpatients annually.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are strongly encouraged to take part in research, engaging in both clinical and laboratory studies. It is expected that fellows complete at least one retrospective project, one case report, and one prospective project throughout their training. Funding opportunities for research activities are available through various hospital foundations, allowing fellows access to substantial resources for their studies.

Conference and Educational Activities

Fellows participate in regular educational conferences designed to enhance learning and clinical understanding, including:

• Weekly Grand Rounds
• Bimonthly Journal Clubs
• Quarterly QA Conferences
• Monthly Morbidity and Mortality Meetings

Application Requirements

Candidates applying to the program must submit a comprehensive application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Essential components of the application include:

• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation (from the current program director and two faculty members)
• ECFMG certification if applicable
• A copy of USMLE scores
• A current Curriculum Vitae

Interviews are typically conducted from September to November, and selections are based on academic achievements, clinical skills, and personal qualities as evaluated by the Gastroenterology Selection Committee.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to offer visa sponsorships, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa types, thereby facilitating international graduates to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at UMKC is viewed as highly competitive. The program welcomes applications from both U.S. Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) graduates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), emphasizing inclusivity in the selection process.