Gastroenterology

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Hospital offers a three-year program that is designed to prepare fellows for the Gastroenterology Board Examination and to be excellent clinicians and competent endoscopists.

The program is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center. It provides the trainees with a unique clinical experience by exposure to a variety of clinical cases. In addition, it is one of the few programs in the nation that provides training in ERCP during the three–year fellowship. The fellows will receive their training in a state–of–the–art facility that was built in 2002. We have superb faculty who will provide the fellows with the clinical and academic experiences in patient care, research and teaching in a variety of clinical settings that will enrich their training experience tremendously. 

Graduates of our fellowship program are now members of faculties, department heads and program directors at academic medical centers throughout the U.S., as well as successful practicing gastroenterologists who are instrumental in providing their skilled services to the community. Our fellowship passing rate on the GI Boards is 100%. 

There are three fellowship positions each year. All are clinical, but research is required and each fellow will be provided with a 6–month block of research. Both basic science research and clinical are available. 

The fellowship program is highly rated and recently received an ACGME commendation. 


Applications

The Division of Gastroenterology at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County accepts fellowship applications from candidates who are eligible to take the American Board Examination in Internal Medicine at the time of starting Fellowship in Gastroenterology. 

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and we abide by its regulations and deadlines. You can apply to our program via ERAS. All application packets must include: 

  1. Three letters of recommendation 
  2. Copies of USMLE scores 
  3. Personal statement 
  4. Medical school transcripts 
  5. Curriculum vitae 
The annual schedule typically follows this timeline: 
  • July 1 – Applicants can electronically apply (through ERAS) to the program 
  • July 15 – Programs can access ERAS to download applications 
  • July 30 – GI Match opens for on-line registration by programs and applicants 
  • August 31 – All application materials must be submitted to ERAS 
  • October – Our program interviews applicants 
  • Rank Order List (ROL) opens October 
Please send application and recommendation letters to: 
Gastroenterology Fellowship Program 
Administration Building #1439
John H. Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County 
1901 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612 
(312) 864-7213 
phumphrey@cookcountyhealth.org 


Curriculum

The major emphasis of this program is clinical. During the three-year training, fellows will be able to master the comprehensive knowledge necessary to become a gastroenterology subspecialist. Since this field has undergone impressive growth in the past two decades, our training program has been expanded to allow the fellows to gain experience and competence in all the clinical skills and techniques expected of the mature, accomplished consultant capable of providing optimal patient care. 
The fellow will acquire comprehensive knowledge of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders. In addition, our trainees acquire extensive endoscopy skills as well as additional training in motility and nutrition. Each fellow will have the opportunity to participate in clinical or basic science research. We strive to offer outstanding experience designed to provide the best educational and technical elements necessary for trainees to become highly qualified clinical gastroenterologists with excellent advanced GI endoscopic skills. 
Our fellows receive their training in a state–of–the–art facility supplied with the latest equipment (Olympus scopes – latest 190 generation). All trainees have access to training in all the standard endoscopic procedures in addition to simulations and more advanced procedures such as therapeutic endoscopy, ERCP, SpyGlass– Direct Visualization System for Cholangioscopy, EUS, Video Capsule Endoscopy, Single Balloon Enteroscopy, Double Balloon Enteroscopy, Halo –RFA management for Barrett’s Esophagus, High Resolution Manometry and pH monitoring. Our fellows receive additional training in ERCP and other therapeutic endoscopy procedures during the second and third year of fellowship. Therefore, they may not require an additional fourth year because they reach the competence level during their three–year fellowship. Fellows have additional training in hepatology and biliary disorders during their consultation rotations and their attendance of the GI and Liver Clinics. 
Through our affiliation with Rush University Medical Center, we have weekly combined Grand Rounds. This affiliation provides our trainees a wider exposure to all aspects of Gastroenterology/Hepatology. By the end of their training, our fellows are expected to demonstrate sufficient professional ability to practice competently and independently.

Program Contact

Bashar Attar, MD, PhD
System Chair
Email

en_USEnglish
es_MXSpanish pl_PLPolish arArabic zh_CNChinese en_USEnglish