University of South Dakota Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program is a three-year training initiative designed to provide postgraduate physicians with advanced clinical and research experience in gastroenterology. This fellowship is specifically tailored for individuals who have completed their residency in internal medicine and seek to specialize further in the field of gastroenterology. It aims to equip fellows with the skills necessary to excel as gastroenterologists through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on clinical rotations.

Mission: The mission of the program is to train emerging gastroenterologists to provide timely and excellent care to the residents of South Dakota and adjacent rural regions. This mission is supported by multiple aims including: providing a solid foundation in gastroenterology within a supportive environment, offering elective rotations tailored to career goals, and promoting leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to give fellows extensive training across various essential areas of gastroenterology. It encompasses both inpatient and outpatient rotations, procedural training, and didactic sessions designed to facilitate experiential learning. Fellows will gain experience in managing a diverse range of gastrointestinal disorders and performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

The curriculum includes:

• PGY4: Rotations include outpatient endoscopy, inpatient hepatology, and interventional radiology.
• PGY5: This year includes elective training in liver transplant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, along with outpatient and inpatient procedures.
• PGY6: Focus shifts to elective rotations, which cover advanced gastroenterology topics and research projects.

Training Sites

Fellows primarily conduct their training at the Sanford USD Medical Center's Center for Digestive Health, known for being the largest and most experienced gastroenterology team in the region. They offer comprehensive gastroenterology care and the only ASGE Recognized GI Lab in South Dakota.

Additionally, fellows may also train at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, home to an internationally recognized liver transplant program.

Life in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, offering amenities typical of large urban areas while maintaining a low cost of living and low crime rates. It boasts a well-rounded community with educational institutions, parks, dining, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Fellows will have numerous recreational opportunities including over 80 public parks and multiple sporting events. The population of Sioux Falls is approximately 202,000, contributing to a safe and close-knit community atmosphere.

Application Requirements

The program accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). It encourages applications from candidates who have completed an accredited three-year residency in internal medicine and have passed the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam.

Applicants must also be prepared to sit for the gastroenterology subspecialty board examination after successful completion of the fellowship. Specific application components include:

• USMLE transcripts
• ECFMG Status Report
• Medical School Transcript
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation
• Three letters of recommendation

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. This includes support for various visa types which enable international physicians to pursue their fellowship training alongside U.S. medical graduates.

Competitiveness

The Gastroenterology Fellowship is notably competitive, seeking applicants who demonstrate strong credentials and a commitment to pursuing a career in gastroenterology. While the program aims to attract both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), candidates are expected to exhibit a robust academic and clinical background to enhance their candidacy.

Benefits

The University of South Dakota offers a competitive salary structure and a comprehensive benefits package for fellows. Stipends for the 2025-2026 academic year include: PGY-4 at $74,000, PGY-5 at $77,000, and PGY-6 at $79,000.

Insurance benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, all of which are employer-sponsored, ensuring that fellows can focus on their training without financial burdens.