Loyola University Medical Center Program

Overview of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program

The Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center is a highly competitive, ACGME-accredited program aimed at training future leaders in the field. The program spans three years and focuses on comprehensive clinical and scholarly experiences both at Loyola University Medical Center and Hines VA Hospital, equipping fellows to navigate all aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology, whether in academic or community settings. The dedicated faculty guide the 12 trainees through a wide-ranging curriculum that includes general gastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreaticobiliary disease, and nutrition among other specialties 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship offers an extensive curriculum designed to maximize learning through inpatient, outpatient, and procedural practices. Key areas of focus within the curriculum include:

• General Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal Emergencies
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Pancreaticobiliary Disease
• Gastrointestinal Motility
• Chronic Liver Disease
• Liver Transplantation
• Gastrointestinal Behavioral Health

Alongside clinical rotations, fellows participate in didactic lectures, board reviews, journal clubs, and clinical case conferences. Attendance at a national conference annually, such as AASLD, ACG, or DDW, is strongly encouraged. Research participation is also a critical component, with the aim of each fellow completing a project and submitting a paper for publication by the end of the training 1.

Training Sites

The fellowship training occurs at two primary sites:

• Loyola University Medical Center – the main academic center
• Edward Hines VA Hospital – providing a diverse patient population and experience

These sites collectively create a robust environment for training and development in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive, reflecting the quality of training and experience offered. Applicants must meet specific requirements to apply for the fellowship:

• Possess a valid permanent Visa or U.S. citizenship; H1B Visas are not accepted.
• Hold a permanent Illinois medical license at the start of the program.
• Have completed three years of accredited postgraduate education in internal medicine and be eligible for or have passed the ABIM examination.

Applications must be submitted via ERAS and include official medical school transcripts, a Dean’s letter, three letters of recommendation (one from the internal medicine residency director), a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and a valid ECFMG certificate for international graduates. Each application is thoroughly reviewed, and only complete applications will be considered 3.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Fellows in the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program are strongly encouraged to engage in research activities. This involvement aims to deepen understanding in areas such as nutrition support and the impact of gastrointestinal diseases on overall health. By the completion of the program, fellows are expected to have contributed to a research project and prepared a paper for publication, demonstrating their scholarly contributions 2.

Visa Support

The fellowship does offer visa support, but it is limited to permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship only. The program does not accept H1B visa applicants, ensuring clarity for international candidates looking to apply 3.

Notable Features

Loyola University’s Gastroenterology program is distinct in its integrated care within the Digestive Health Program, nationally recognized for its expertise in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. The program fosters a collaborative environment focusing on optimizing patient care through multidisciplinary approaches 1.