Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell provides comprehensive training in the management of patients with liver diseases, with a special focus on those requiring liver transplant. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship is tailored to cultivate transplant hepatologists who are not only clinically proficient but also driven to engage in scholarly activities and quality improvement research.

Program Overview

The fellowship primarily takes place at North Shore University Hospital, recognized as Long Island's sole tertiary-care academic medical center housing a liver transplant program. The program leverages its strategic location, serving a diverse patient population from Nassau and Queens counties, enriching fellows' training experiences with a robust variety of cases.1

Throughout the year, fellows will participate in both inpatient and outpatient clinical rotations, structured across twelve blocks that encompass intensive exposure to various aspects of transplant hepatology and gastroenterology. Inpatient rotations include responsibilities on the primary transplant service, where fellows manage liver transplant candidates and complex liver disease cases, along with an extensive consultative role, providing expertise for non-liver solid organ transplant patients.1

Curriculum and Rotations

In the inpatient setting, fellows manage 10-15 patients concurrently, including those recovering from surgical interventions and complex medical conditions. They play essential roles in patient care and education for junior trainees, enhance collaborative treatment approaches alongside transplant surgical fellows, and contribute to the comprehensive care provided by multidisciplinary teams. These teams include advanced practice providers, social workers, and clinical pharmacists, ensuring a holistic treatment approach.1

The outpatient experience includes direct patient evaluations at pre- and post-transplant clinics and participation in specialized services such as the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Clinic. Here, fellows interact with a spectrum of specialists and present case studies, thereby enhancing their diagnostic and consultative skills within a multidisciplinary framework.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a core component of the fellowship, allowing trainees to engage in scholarly activities related to clinical outcomes and quality improvement initiatives. Fellows are provided resources to conduct clinical research and are encouraged to present findings at national conferences, with Northwell Health facilitating access to extensive databases and professional mentorship.1

Application Process

Application for the fellowship requires candidates to complete residency training in a relevant specialty, such as gastroenterology, along with meeting standards for ECFMG certification for foreign medical graduates. Specific requirements include a valid New York medical license, appropriate medical licensure examination scores, and completion of a satisfactory residency program.1

The application cycle commences with registration in the AASLD Transplant Hepatology Fellowship Application System, welcoming candidates from January to March for program viewing and application submissions. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process including interviews from April to June.3

Visa Support

Northwell Health provides appropriate visa sponsorship for eligible foreign medical graduates applying to the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship program. This support includes H-1B or J-1 visa sponsorship based on the applicant’s specific qualifications and the decision of the program.1

Benefits and Compensation

As one of New York's leading healthcare employers, Northwell offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package for fellows. This includes medical coverage, dental and vision plans, short-term disability insurance, retirement savings options, matched contributions for 401(k), generous paid time off, and wellness benefits designed to support overall health.5

Resident Life

The fellowship experience is designed to encourage both professional growth and personal well-being. The program emphasizes social connections among residents through organized events and support systems. Life in the New York metropolitan area offers varied recreational activities, cultural experiences, and lifestyles, affording fellows the opportunity to maintain a satisfying work-life balance.4

Diversity and Equity

Northwell Health is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its training programs. Ongoing initiatives support an inclusive environment for residents, ensuring robust representation in the workforce and promoting cultural competency throughout the fellowship experience.2