How to Choose a GI Fellowship

Select a program that offers more than one training track. Whether you seek an academic position or a career devoted primarily patient care, your fellowship should be tailored to fit your unique goals and needs. 

The research track of your program should allow you to pursue independent research interests. You’ll benefit from a larger selection of research opportunities if your program’s teaching faculty is comprised of physicians with various areas of expertise.

The clinical track of your program should offer additional electives and extra training opportunities in advanced procedures.

Supportive mentorship is a key element of a strong fellowship. Your mentors should be nationally renowned and engaged in patient care, scholarly activity and teaching. Confirm that faculty research is supported by extramural funding. Moreover, select a fellowship with a low fellow-to-faculty ratio. Although being accepted to smaller programs is often difficult and competitive, enrolling in a program that has fewer fellows can mean you’ll receive more personal attention from attending physicians.

Effective programs provide in-depth rotations that strengthen your expertise in areas including outpatient gastroenterology, advanced procedures, GI consult and longitudinal care within continuity clinics. Your elective options should be flexible; choose a program that gives you diverse experiences by allowing you to pursue electives throughout the country and abroad.

Look for a fellowship that provides you with comprehensive didactic curriculum to supplement the bedside experience you gain during rotations. Your program should enable you to participate in grand rounds, research seminars and journal club sessions that generate discussion and keep you informed about current gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition research.

You can identify a high quality fellowship by investigating the standing of its:

• Alumni: Your program's graduates should be enjoying successful academic and clinical careers.
• Potential peers: Current fellows should actively publish and present their work.
• School of medicine: Ensure the medical school in which the program is situated observes the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism. The school should have excellent education options, cultivate diversity, participate in community outreach and commit itself to advances in education, science and medicine.

It’s important you feel at home both in and outside of your training program. Avoid applying for fellowships in cities that fail to meet your living needs. Our fellowship is located in a locale that boasts:

• Affordability
• Four-season charm
• Culture, entertainment, recreation and diversified cuisine
• Family-friendly living
• Easy commuting