University of Rochester Program

The Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center is a three-year ACGME-accredited program designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. The program comprises one fellow per year, ensuring personalized education and mentorship by a team of eight Pediatric Gastroenterology Attendings and one Pediatric Hepatologist. The fellowship focuses on developing fellows into accomplished professionals with the skills necessary to excel in both clinical practice and academic research.

Notably, UR Medicine's Golisano Children’s Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best pediatric gastroenterology programs in the nation, reflecting its commitment to excellence in patient care and education 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship combines clinical training with extensive research opportunities, allowing fellows to immerse themselves in the unique aspects of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. In the first year, fellows receive focused clinical experience, managing patients with various gastrointestinal disorders, and performing procedures like endoscopies. The inpatient service requires fellows to provide consults to other specialties, enhancing their collaborative skills 8.

As part of the curriculum, fellows also rotate through specialized areas such as nutrition and participate in didactic lectures and interdisciplinary conferences, which further enrich their learning experience 10. Each subsequent year builds upon the previous one, focusing on advanced procedures and increasing independence in patient management.

Clinical Rotations and Experience

The clinical aspect of the fellowship involves managing a diverse patient population, including neonates, infants, children, and young adults. Fellows gain hands-on experience with various pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic liver diseases. The program also offers ample opportunities to perform a significant number of procedures annually, with reports of 1521 procedures conducted and over 9131 outpatient visits 1.

Fellows benefit from exposure to the adult GI service, enabling them to master advanced endoscopic techniques and management of complex conditions 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the program, with fellows supported in their endeavors through dedicated mentorship and financial assistance to present at national conferences. Each fellow is encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, leading to successful research publications during and post-fellowship 5. The fellowship includes a structured Quality Improvement (QI) curriculum, helping fellows understand and implement best practices in patient safety and quality of care 1.

Mentorship and Faculty Support

A unique feature of the fellowship is the strong emphasis on mentorship. Faculty members maintain close relationships with fellows, providing guidance through regular meetings and research discussions 6. The fellowship's leadership engages with fellows in informal roundtable settings, allowing them to receive insights into academic development and career progression 1.

Living in Rochester

Rochester, New York, is noted for its vibrant culture and affordable living, making it an attractive location for trainees. With a lower cost of living compared to the national average and proximity to the beautiful Finger Lakes region, many trainees choose to stay in the area after completing their fellowship 9. The community is also committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the medical profession, aligning with the program's values of promoting equitable healthcare 11.

Application Process and Eligibility

Prospective fellows must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in general pediatrics before starting the fellowship. The application process utilizes ERAS and the NRMP, enabling structured selection based on merit and qualifications. Essential application documents include a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and board scores 4. The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, ensuring accessibility to qualified candidates regardless of their background 1.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive stipends, starting at approximately $68,417 for PGY1 and increasing annually, reflecting the fellow's advancing skills and responsibilities 7. Additional benefits encompass comprehensive health insurance, educational funding, and professional development allowances to support fellows throughout their training.