The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital stands out as a clinically robust program within a community teaching hospital, renowned nationally for exceptional patient care and a strong emphasis on graduate medical education. Our faculty comprises seasoned clinicians, highly skilled endoscopists, and dedicated educators, many of whom are program alumni, fostering a supportive and experienced learning environment. We are proud to train six fellows – two per year – who benefit from exposure to a high volume of both inpatient and outpatient cases, encompassing the full spectrum of gastroenterology and hepatology.
Comprehensive Clinical Training in Gastroenterology
Our program is meticulously designed to ensure trainees achieve mastery in essential endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Beyond these fundamentals, fellows gain proficiency in advanced diagnostic techniques such as esophageal manometry, pH monitoring, and wireless capsule endoscopy. Furthermore, the curriculum includes specialized training in biliary endoscopy and exposure to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) under the expert guidance of advanced endoscopists. This comprehensive approach ensures our fellows are well-versed in a broad range of gastroenterological procedures and technologies.
Enhanced Learning Through Northwestern University and University of Chicago Rotations
To enrich the fellowship experience, we have established strategic rotations at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. These rotations provide invaluable exposure to specialized areas such as transplant hepatology and advanced management of complex liver diseases. Fellows also gain in-depth training in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), clinical nutrition, and esophageal motility disorders under the direct supervision of nationally recognized experts in these specialized fields. These collaborations broaden the fellows’ perspectives and provide access to diverse patient populations and cutting-edge medical advancements.
Scholarly Activity and Commitment to Research
A cornerstone of our program is the emphasis on scholarly activity. Fellows are actively encouraged to participate in original research projects and contribute to the medical literature through case reports. We aim for fellows to achieve publication in peer-reviewed journals, fostering their academic growth and contributing to the field of gastroenterology. The Russell Institute for Research and Innovation provides dedicated support and resources to facilitate these scholarly endeavors, ensuring fellows have the tools necessary for successful research and publication.
Preparing Future Leaders in Gastroenterology
The majority of our program graduates successfully transition into clinical practice, equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel as consultant gastroenterologists. Many alumni have also pursued advanced subspecialty training in areas such as biliary endoscopy, EUS, hepatology, and IBD, further solidifying their expertise and contributing to specialized areas within gastroenterology. Through a combination of experiential and didactic education, closely supervised training in technical procedures, and a commitment to scholarship, our fellows graduate as highly competent and sought-after consultant specialists in gastroenterology, ready to deliver exceptional patient care.
Mission and Aims: Advancing Patient Care and Medical Excellence
Mission Statement: The core mission of the Advocate Lutheran General Gastroenterology Fellowship Program is to educate fellows to elevate the standard of patient care within the gastroenterology subspecialty. We foster a collaborative fellow-faculty environment that ensures comprehensive and contemporary care, underpinned by strong ethical principles. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate the next generation of gastroenterologists who are committed to providing the highest quality medical care to the communities they serve, embodying the values of Advocate Health Care.
Aims: Our program is driven by specific aims designed to ensure the comprehensive development of our fellows:
- To equip fellows with the essential skills to become outstanding consultants and clinician-educators in gastroenterology.
- To deliver superior training in all facets of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
- To thoroughly prepare fellows for successful completion of the specialty board examination in gastroenterology.
- To provide a strong foundation for fellows pursuing further advanced subspecialty training.
- To ensure fellows are fully prepared for successful and impactful careers in clinical practice.
- To offer the necessary resources and support for clinical research and a commitment to lifelong learning in gastroenterology.
- To integrate high-value care principles and cost-conscious practices into the educational framework of the program.
By focusing on these aims, the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Gastroenterology Fellowship Program is dedicated to shaping future leaders in gastroenterology who are not only clinically excellent but also committed to ethical, patient-centered, and high-value care within Advocate Health Care and beyond.
