Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program
Location:
Nashville, TNSpecialty:
GastroenterologyACGME Code:
1444731016The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program in Gastroenterology focuses on training skilled practitioners and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. The program aims to balance clinical excellence with groundbreaking biomedical research to advance the understanding and treatment of digestive diseases.
Program Goals
There are three core goals that define the program: fostering innovative biomedical research, providing high-quality education and training for medical students and residents, and offering compassionate clinical care. The program comprises nearly 80 faculty members, including physician-scientists and clinician-educators, who collectively emphasize the importance of both clinical practice and research activities in gastroenterology and hepatology 1.
Curriculum and Training
The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt offers flexible clinical training tailored to fit the interests of the fellow. Annually, five new fellows are accepted into a two- or three-year ACGME-accredited training program with tracks for both clinical and research emphasis. During the first year, fellows will engage in extensive clinical training complemented by procedures including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Fellows will complete approximately 30 months of clinical training and 6 months of research in the clinical track or a 18-month clinical and 18-month research plan if they pursue the research-focused track 8.
Rotations
The program boasts diverse training environments. Clinical rotations are offered at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Nashville Campus of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. There is also a focus on continuity clinics, where fellows serve at both VUMC and the VA clinics 9.
Fellowship Opportunities
Several specialized fellowship programs are available: the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship, the Advanced IBD Fellowship, the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship, and the general Gastroenterology Fellowship. Each program is designed to develop clinical and research skills essential for leading careers in academic medicine 4, 6, 10, 11.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows to participate in significant research endeavors. Available research facilities include dedicated laboratories and access to various NIH-supported projects. The Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center serves as a hub for laboratory and clinical research, facilitating interactions between basic scientists and clinical researchers, which is vital for interdisciplinary exploration 3, 12.
Unique Aspects
A notable feature of the program is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The division actively engages in efforts to recruit underrepresented minorities and has substantially invested in initiatives to support minority trainees. This includes partnering with Meharry Medical College to enhance diversity-focused fellowship training 5, 13.
Visa Sponsorship
The program can provide support for visa applications; particularly, it is known to sponsor J-1 visas for eligible international applicants. However, it is crucial for certain fellowships, such as the Advanced IBD Fellowship, to note that they do not provide visa sponsorship 11.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be board eligible or board certified in Internal Medicine. The application process requires submission through ERAS, including a CV, personal statement, medical school transcript, USMLE scores, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the residency program director. All application materials should be submitted for review as part of the standard fellowship matching process 8, 10.
Competitiveness
The program stands as a competitive fellowship opportunity, welcoming candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, including international medical graduates. The program's emphasis on mentorship, solid training structure, and extensive clinical experiences enhances its appeal among applicants seeking a comprehensive gastroenterology fellowship 9.
Website
Director
Robin Dalal, MDAssociate Professor of Medicine; Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Director Appointed Since January 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$77,610First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Nashville, TN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Nashville, TN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Nashville has a moderate crime rate, with some areas experiencing higher crime than others. It is important to stay informed about the safety of different neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and events throughout the city. There are also parks, museums, and a variety of dining options to explore.
- Climate: Nashville experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times of the year.
- Races and Population: Nashville is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. The population is growing steadily due to its popularity as a place to live and work.
- Education: Nashville is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nashville is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the US, but housing costs have been increasing in recent years.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Memphis (about 3 hours drive) and Atlanta (about 4 hours drive) are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville. Each city offers its own unique attractions and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Rich music and cultural scene, diverse population, moderate cost of living compared to other big cities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, housing costs are rising, traffic can be congested during peak times.
Interview Questions
