University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) provides a comprehensive training experience in gastroenterology and hepatology. The fellowship emphasizes clinical exposure across various settings including inpatient and outpatient care, consultation, and procedural training. Clinical training encompasses diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound. Fellows are expected to participate actively in busy outpatient clinics located at both UNMC and the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, which serve as primary training venues for GI fellows.

The program spans three years and includes a diverse curriculum that combines inpatient and outpatient rotations, extensive endoscopy training, and relevant research opportunities. Fellows engage in continuity clinics where they manage patient care under the supervision of faculty, which allows for direct mentorship and patient interaction. Training is enriched through rotations in subspecialties including motility, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pain management utilizing evidence-based practices.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program, with faculty and fellows engaging in multiple projects aimed at understanding and addressing various gastrointestinal diseases. Specific areas of research include the effects of ethanol on hepatocyte function, transplantation hepatology, and clinical studies investigating hepatocellular cancer detection and management. Additionally, the program focuses on the mechanisms of fatty liver injury and therapies for hepatitis C, which directly contribute to the body of knowledge in gastrointestinal care.

Curriculum Overview

The structured curriculum includes several key components designed to ensure comprehensive fellowship training: outpatient continuity clinic every other week at UNMC and the VA clinic, outpatient endoscopy rotations at Nebraska Medicine facilities, inpatient consult rotations, and dedicated research time. Clinical and basic science research projects are conducted at UNMC and the VA, with several opportunities for fellows to be involved in quality improvement projects.

Application Process

The program typically seeks to fill five fellowship positions for the academic years 2025-2026. Candidates can apply for either J1 or H1B visa sponsorship. Specific application requirements include a completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a dean's letter, curriculum vitae, medical school transcripts, and copies of USMLE scores. Candidates requiring H1B sponsorship should be aware of UNMC policies regarding premium processing fees.

Fellowship Structures and Competitiveness

The gastroenterology fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, attracting a wide range of candidates including both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). It supports a welcoming environment for osteopathic physicians and emphasizes a balanced approach to applicant selection. The program's robust training and mentorship, combined with a commitment to research and clinical excellence, make it a desirable choice for prospective fellows.

Alumni Success

Fellows who complete the program have gone on to establish successful careers in both private practice and academic medicine. Many alumni have acclaimed posts across various institutions, signifying the program's strong preparation for future career paths in gastroenterology and hepatology.