Gastroenterology Fellowship

The program requirements are similar for all fellows. Each trainee receives at least 18 months of clinical training in:

• General gastroenterology, including hepatology
• Basic and therapeutic endoscopy

Hepatology comprises approximately 30 percent of this experience. Fellows achieve consult experience on the inpatient gastroenterology and hepatology consultative services. They also receive regular and longitudinal ambulatory consultative experiences in numerous GI clinics, including comprehensive gastroenterology, hepatology, inflammatory bowel diseases, neurogastroenterology, pancreatology and hereditary gastrointestinal conditions.

The endoscopy training in the Gastroenterology Fellowship at The Ohio State University is comprehensive, with progressive independence/supervision from experienced faculty and close, deliberate procedural mentorship. Procedures are performed at multiple hospital-based endoscopy centers, as well as ambulatory surgical centers, providing a varied, well-rounded educational experience.

Fellowship Year 1

The first year of gastroenterology and hepatology training is clinically based. Major emphasis is placed on the development of basic endoscopic skills and furthering knowledge of sub-specialty gastroenterology and hepatology care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Required rotations include luminal and hepatology consults, inpatient endoscopy (Endoscopist of the Day/EOD) and Ohio State East Hospital consults (endoscopy and consultative general GI/Hep).

Attendance at daily didactic lectures will be expected (hybrid in-person and virtual options.) A special introductory lecture series is offered during the first six weeks of the academic year. Attendance at these lectures is mandatory for first-year trainees.

Fellowship Year 2

The second year of gastroenterology and hepatology training is an opportunity to further advance endoscopic skills and approach to consultative medicine. In addition to the consult services (as well as EOD and Ohio State East), second-year GI fellows participate in further ambulatory rotations to expand their exposure to subspecialty care.

Second-year trainees work to enhance their procedural efficiency, therapeutic skills in hemostasis, advanced polypectomy and esophageal dilation. As the team leaders of the consult services, second-year GI fellows take on more mentoring, and educational roles include responsibility for teaching and demonstrating high-level clinical skills. Attendance at weekly case conferences and didactic lectures will be mandatory.

Fellowship Year 3

The final year of gastroenterology and hepatology training provides more freedom to hone skills based on interest, with an emphasis on a personalized approach. Electives such as biliary endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, hepatology inpatient ward service, gastrointestinal motility, capsule endoscopy and additional research time are available. Biliary and EUS electives require pre-approval from participating faculty. The third-year trainees also participate in the consulting services, EOD and gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition clinic rotations. Subspecialty continuity clinics are introduced during this year to help augment specialization, if desired. There are specialized tracts created for those with clinical interests of IBD, esophagology, motility, advanced endoscopy and medical pancreatology.

Ohio State also offers transplant hepatology training through the ACGME’s 2+1 combined dual general GI/transplant hepatology program for those candidates interested after an application process. We also offer an advanced Inflammatory Bowel Disease dual 3rd year for those interested.

Along with a robust endoscopy curriculum, didactic lectures, M&M, interesting case conferences, guideline reviews and Internal Medicine Grand Rounds are held at noon daily, with attendance expected (in-person or virtually based on location.)

Research training in the fellowship is individualized to align with each fellow's interests and career goals. Fellows are expected to enter the program with a strong research foundation and have the option to pursue either basic science or clinical research pathways.

Key elements include:

• Personalized research experiences, tailored in collaboration with faculty mentors
• Opportunities to engage in impactful clinical research
• Availability of basic lab research for interested fellows
• Expectations for scholarly output, including:
  • Presenting research at national conferences
  • Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals

All research activities and rotations require prior approval by the division and program directors, who also determine credit based on satisfactory completion. This structure ensures that fellows receive meaningful and academically rigorous research experiences that support their long-term professional development.

Eligibility criteria

• MD or DO
• US citizenship, permanent resident or J1 Visa status
• Completion of three years of U.S. postgraduate residency training in an ACGME-accredited program by the time of entry into the fellowship program

Candidate Selection

Applications are reviewed after all supporting documents have been received. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-approved residency program in internal medicine prior to beginning the gastroenterology fellowship program. Completed applications are reviewed by the Fellowship Directorate.

Approach to Application Signaling

Ohio State will be participating in NMPR’s program signaling. We will use this information as a part of a holistic application review prior to offering interviews to candidates.

Candidate Interviews

Based on qualifications and reference letters, selected candidates are invited for an interview. Candidates are notified via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) when they are invited to an interview. Interviews will be conducted in September and October. During interview sessions, the candidate meets with gastroenterology faculty, including the program director and the division director. An optional virtual meeting with current GI fellows is offered the evening before interviews to allow for detailed questions about the fellowship from those actively involved.

All faculty interviewers evaluate candidates. After interviews have been completed, applicants are ranked by the Fellowship Selection Committee. Applicant ranking is based on multiple factors, some of which include academic credentials, aptitude, preparedness, motivation and communication skills.

The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition does not discriminate with regard to gender, race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin or disability.

Eligibility criteria

• MD or DO
• US citizenship, permanent resident or J1 Visa status
• Completion of three years of U.S. postgraduate residency training in an ACGME-accredited program by the time of entry into the fellowship program

Application to our ACGME-accredited gastroenterology fellowship program is done via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Paper applications will not be reviewed. All positions in the gastroenterology program are filled through the NRMP match.

Applications Must Include:

• A complete CV
• Personal statement
• Three letters of reference
• USMLE board score reports
• A recent photograph (optional)

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Patient care goal

To provide both medical and endoscopic care to gastroenterology or hepatology patients that is appropriate, cost-effective and compassionate.

Patient care objectives

1. Obtain a complete and accurate history and physical examination from patients with gastrointestinal or hepatology complaints
2. Interpret and obtain appropriate laboratory studies for the evaluation of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders
3. Formulate treatment plans based on patient information and preferences for specific gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases
4. Apply current scientific evidence using information technology to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatic disease
5. Appropriately counsel and educate patients and their families about specific gastrointestinal and hepatic problems
6. Know the healthcare services aimed at preventing gastrointestinal and hepatic problems and maintaining health
7. Work with other medical and surgical disciplines and health care professionals to provide multidisciplinary care to the gastroenterology or hepatology patient
8. Competently perform all diagnostic and invasive procedures required for the appropriate management of gastrointestinal disorders
9. Understand endoscopic protocols to ensure patient safety

Patient care teaching methods

1. Clinical performance with direct observation
2. Endoscopy room with observed performance
3. Rotation specific readings
4. Daily supervised care of gastrointestinal and hepatology patients
5. Presentations in clinic and on consult rounds
6. Didactic and case-based conferences
7. Observed clinical examination

Patient care evaluation methods

1. Global faculty evaluation
2. Teaching rounds
3. Biannual review with residency program director
4. Patient surveys
5. Procedure logs

Medical knowledge goal

To acquire basic scientific and clinical knowledge for the full spectrum of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders and be able to apply this knowledge to the patient's care. 

Medical knowledge objectives

1. Know the embryology, anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and liver
2. Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders to the care of individual patients
3. Obtain and process knowledge about gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders from reading sources, literature and didactic teaching sessions
4. Perform well on standardized examinations (in-service training exam) that assess basic science and clinical knowledge
5. Remain dedicated to the improvement of medical knowledge through a commitment to continued medical education

Medical knowledge teaching methods

1. Rotation specific readings
2. Presentations in clinic and on consult rounds
3. Conference presentations
4. Satisfactory completion of topic specific board review material

Medical knowledge evaluation methods

1. Global faculty evaluation
2. In-service examination
3. Teaching rounds
4. Biannual review with residency program director
5. Checklist of completion of rotation specific reading list from electronic library

Practice-based learning and improvement goal

To improve gastroenterology and hepatology patient care practices by the critical evaluation of current practice patterns and by the appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence.

Interpersonal and communication skills goal

To develop interpersonal and communication (verbal and writing) skills that will allow effective exchange of information with patients, their families and other health care professionals.

Professionalism goal

To be professional by adhering to high ethical standards, accountability, and sensitivity to the wide range of backgrounds within the gastroenterology and hepatology patient population.

Professionalism objectives

1. Have respect, compassion and integrity in your interactions with patients, their family members and other health care professionals
2. Accept responsibility readily, be industrious and self-motivated and bring assigned tasks to completion
3. Function as an effective leader of the gastroenterology and hepatology health care team
4. Understand and commit to the ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent and gastroenterology and hepatology business practices
5. Be sensitive and responsive to the patients’ culture, age, gender and disabilities

Professionalism teaching methods

1. Clinical performance with direct observation
2. Endoscopy room with observed performance
3. Daily supervised care of gastroenterology and hepatology patients
4. Presentations in clinic and consult rounds
5. Didactic conferences
6. Supervised on-call experiences

Professionalism evaluation methods

1. Global faculty evaluation
2. Observed clinical examination
3. Patient surveys
4. Teaching rounds
5. Biannual review with residency program director

 

Systems-based practice goal

To be aware of and responsive to the health care system in which you practice, and use available resources to optimize care of the patient.