University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive fellowship program known for training future leaders in academic medicine with a focus on patient care, education, and research. Established in 1929, this fellowship is associated with premier facilities including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, which together provide approximately 1,879 hospital beds and exceptional training resources.

The program's primary goal is to prepare fellows for successful academic careers, and it includes various tracks tailored to fellows' professional aspirations. The fellowship includes three primary tracks: Basic Science, Clinical Epidemiology, and Clinical Scholar, with all tracks beginning with a year of intensive clinical experience.

Fellowship Tracks

Basic Science Track

The Basic Science Track is aimed at training physician-scientists as leading investigators. Supported by an NIH/NIDDK T32 grant, fellows engage primarily in laboratory-based research for at least two years, alongside clinical duties in their first year. The program emphasizes mentorship, facilitated planning with research mentors, and involves actively applying for NIH and other funding opportunities.

In addition to achieving ACGME requirements through various clinical services, fellows receive significant research support, including help with writing grants and access to extensive research facilities at the University of Pennsylvania. Opportunities exist for pursuing advanced degrees in related fields, enhancing fellows’ research training.

Clinical Epidemiology Track

The Clinical Epidemiology Track trains fellows to become leaders in clinical research, focusing on health services and health policy research. Similar to the Basic Science Track, fellows spend their first year in clinical rotations. In the second and third years, fellows dedicate a majority of their time to research projects and pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. This track provides robust training in data analysis and collaboration with experienced mentors, fostering a strong academic network.

The curriculum incorporates biostatistics, policy research, and access to extensive data resources, enabling fellows to engage with major funded research projects and enhance their opportunities for grant success.

Clinical Scholar Track

The Clinical Scholar Track emphasizes flexibility in clinical training while encouraging scholarly pursuits. During the fellowship, trainees are provided the opportunity to explore various subspecialties through outpatient and inpatient experiences. The program is structured to allow fellows to customize their learning according to their career interests, including research in areas such as medical education and quality improvement.

Fellows can pursue certifications in research methodologies, and they have opportunities for in-depth mentoring relationships with faculty to advance their academic objectives. This track also accommodates those who wish to engage in advanced fellowships aligned with their interests.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The fellowship program is firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment extends beyond demographics to include diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and training paths, encouraging individuals from a variety of backgrounds to apply. The program actively promotes an inclusive culture for all fellows, with initiatives led by dedicated leadership to address healthcare discrepancies and enhance health equity in gastroenterology.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship, providing necessary assistance for international medical graduates to obtain the required documents necessary for training in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The gastroenterology fellowship program is known for its competitiveness. It is open to both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet specific criteria. Candidates are encouraged to have completed their internal medicine residency within the past five years; however, there may be some flexibility regarding the time of graduation in compelling circumstances.

Application requirements may also include a limit on the number of failed USMLE/COMLEX Step exams. Candidates are expected to demonstrate solid academic performance and relevant experience in clinical care or research.