University of Tennessee College of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis is designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive educational experience in gastroenterology and hepatology. The program emphasizes the development of clinical competence, research skills, and a thorough understanding of pediatric gastroenterology.

One of the primary goals of the fellowship is to foster close relationships between the fellows and the faculty, creating an environment ripe for mentoring and professional growth. Trainees can expect to engage in various clinical experiences, allowing them to build a solid foundation in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in children. Research opportunities are provided from the very first year, supported by dedicated resources aimed at nurturing diverse academic interests and initiatives.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured over three years. It includes 21 months of clinical training and approximately 12.75 months of research training, enabling fellows to delve into both clinical and academic aspects of pediatric gastroenterology. The program is tailored to ensure that fellows receive extensive exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges. Clinical training encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings across affiliated hospitals, ensuring a broad range of experiences.5

Application Requirements

For prospective fellows, the application process has specific requirements that must be met:

• Completion of three years in an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency program.
• A valid medical license in the United States.
• Applicants must be graduates of LCME-approved U.S. or Canadian medical schools or hold ECFMG certification if they are international medical graduates. Graduates of AOA-accredited osteopathic medical schools are also eligible.

One significant aspect of this program is that it does not sponsor fellows for “H” type visas; however, they will support J-1 visas and permanent resident status. For international medical graduates, only certain visa statuses are acceptable, specifically those eligible to seek J-1 visa or who have permanent residency status.2

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship is considered competitive; however, the University of Tennessee College of Medicine encourages applications from a diverse cohort, including international medical graduates and graduates from osteopathic medical schools. This inclusivity enhances the training environment by promoting a wide range of perspectives and experiences.2

Salary, Benefits, and Leave

Fellows are provided with a competitive salary, which is periodically reviewed and adjusted based on current standards in graduate medical education. Additional benefits include:

• Four lab coats provided annually.
• Access to recreational facilities and library resources.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability insurance.

Leave policies are generous, allowing for up to three weeks of annual leave, three weeks of sick leave, and educational leave, subject to approval. Additionally, fellows may take up to 12 weeks for FMLA leave or parental leave for childbirth or adoption purposes.3

Living in Memphis

Training at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine also provides fellows with the unique experience of living in Memphis—a city celebrated for its vibrant culture, history, and music scene. Memphis is regarded as a healthcare hub with access to multiple prestigious institutions, including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, enhancing the fellows' exposure to a large and diverse pediatric population.1 As a city recognized for its warmth and community, Memphis also offers a variety of dining, recreational, and cultural activities, ensuring a balanced lifestyle during the demanding years of fellowship.1

Current Faculty and Fellows

The fellowship hosts a diverse group of current fellows who come from various medical backgrounds and training programs. This diversity fosters a rich educational environment, promoting peer learning and collaboration while encouraging fellows to pursue their unique interests in pediatric gastroenterology.4