Clinical training

The Advanced Endoscopy Gastrointestinal Fellowship Program provides the opportunity for intense and state-of-the-art training with the goal of developing future leaders in the field of medicine and endoscopy. 

Use of simulation-based training will allow rapid acquisition of basic skills and enhanced exposure to new and advanced techniques. A complete text and video library is available to augment teaching.

Clinical Training

Upon completion of the Advanced Endoscopy fellowship, one should be able to:

Develop a basic understanding of the Indications, techniques, risks and benefits, limitations and strengths of the various diagnostic and therapeutic techniques available to the subspecialty of advanced endoscopy

Become technically competent and understand the roles of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic Resection Techniques of Lateral-Spreading Foregut and Hindgut Lesions, Bariatric Endoscopy, Deep Enteroscopy, and third Third-Space Endoscopy.

Medical Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method of problem solving and evidence-based decision making
• Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of complex pancreaticobiliary and oncological diseases and conditions, using best practices and evidence-based guidelines to provide sound patient care
• Observe unique features of dedicated echoendoscopes, catheter probes, and EUS/ERCP accessories
• Begin the process of overseeing and teaching these skills and techniques to GI fellows
• Integrate proper reimbursement and billing into their practice

Rotation schedule

The following is a sample of the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Weekly Schedule

The advanced endoscopy fellow will typically be assigned to 90% time doing EUS and ERCP, 5%-time research and 5%-time clinical service (if U.S. Board eligible).

Didactic training

In addition to hands-on performance of these techniques, the curriculum includes a series of didactic lectures. These lectures are provided by the EUS and ERCP staff, other GI and non-GI physicians who utilize these techniques, radiologists, oncologists, and conferences directed by advanced fellows.

Conferences

In addition to the weekly GI divisional and research conferences, there are separate endoscopy conferences, GI Advanced  Endoscopy Group Meeting, and a monthly GI Research Group meeting. As an advanced fellow, you will be responsible for presenting at several of these forums and for the coordination of intermittent advanced endoscopy meetings.

Research training

Regular and structured meeting are held between fellows and identified mentors to design and conduct research protocols. Fellows also work with other members of the GI Division with diverse skills and investigative backgrounds. Research projects are further developed and implemented in one of our varied GI Subspecialty Clinics and Interest Groups.

You will have dedicated time for work on mutually agreed upon research projects. The development of Advanced Endoscopy-based studies is required. You will be encouraged to initiate the planning and dialogue of these studies prior to beginning the fellowship program.

Publications and Presentations

It is anticipated that the studies will generate results and information suitable for publication in a major GI subspecialty journal.  The development of abstracts for at least two of the major national GI meetings (DDW week: AGA/ASGE; fall ACG) also is anticipated.

Teaching opportunities

Opportunities are available for teaching rotating Gastroenterology fellows in the endoscopy suites and residents and fellows during conferences.

Evaluation

To ensure that you acquire adequate knowledge and develop your technical skills, your performance will be monitored quarterly during the course of your training program. You will be evaluated formally by your supervising faculty member on a regular basis and will meet with the program director to review these evaluations. In addition, you will regularly evaluate the faculty to ensure that your educational needs are being met.