Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program

Program Overview

First Year:
In the first year of training, fellows are immersed in inpatient gastroenterology, focusing on consultations and endoscopic procedures at the high-volume endoscopy units of University Hospital and the East Orange VA. Under the guidance of experienced faculty at multiple training sites, fellows gain hands-on experience in both routine and urgent/emergent procedures. This foundational year equips fellows with a strong grasp of inpatient gastroenterology, including the management of both basic and complex cases. Concurrently, fellows begin their longitudinal outpatient experience through continuity clinics at University Hospital and the VA, which continue throughout the duration of the fellowship. Fellows also benefit from early exposure to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care at University Hospital.

Second Year:
The second year marks a transition from primarily inpatient responsibilities to a focus on outpatient gastroenterology and advanced endoscopic training. Fellows perform outpatient endoscopies across University Hospital, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and the East Orange VA. They become proficient in the full spectrum of procedural care, including pre-procedure evaluation, intra-procedure technique, and post-procedure decision-making. Fellows gain meaningful exposure to pancreatobiliary pathology and work alongside the advanced endoscopy team on complex GI cases. They also rotate on the liver transplant service at University Hospital—the largest transplant center in New Jersey—where they care for pre- and post-liver transplant patients under the mentorship of hepatology faculty.

Third Year:
The third year emphasizes the refinement of outpatient and therapeutic endoscopy skills. Through continued rotations at University Hospital and Trinitas Medical Center, fellows advance their proficiency in high-level procedures such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP. They are also introduced to specialized areas of advanced endoscopy, including endo-bariatrics, endo-hepatology, third-space endoscopy, and other innovative techniques. With reduced call responsibilities, third-year fellows are encouraged to focus on preparing for independent practice, completing research and quality improvement projects, and engaging in career and academic development.

Hepatology Training (Across All Years):
Dedicated hepatology training is integrated throughout all three years, with structured inpatient and outpatient experiences. Fellows care for both pre- and post-liver transplant patients and participate in specialized clinics, including pre-transplant, post-transplant, and general hepatology. These rotations provide comprehensive exposure to the full spectrum of liver disease.

Research, Electives, and Subspecialty Exposure:
Each year includes protected time for research, electives, and focused training in subspecialty areas such as motility disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing clinical or translational research projects and quality improvement initiatives that align with their career goals.

Dual GI/Transplant Hepatology Track:
Fellows interested in a career in transplant hepatology may opt into a dual GI/transplant hepatology track beginning in their second year. This pathway offers extensive exposure to liver transplant care and the opportunity to work closely with the transplant hepatology team throughout the second and third years of fellowship.

Sample Schedule

Of note, this schedule can vary depending on the number of incoming fellows for each given year.

Rotation Sites

University Hospital

University Hospital (Newark, NJ) is a 518-bed independent, state owned, tertiary care and referral center, and is the principal teaching hospital of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. It is one of only three level I trauma centers in New Jersey, and home to the largest liver transplant program in the state.

East Orange VA Medical Center

The East Orange VA Medical Center is part of the national veterans’ health administration and, along with the Lyons VA, provides primary and specialty care to veterans across the entire state of New Jersey.

Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Trinitas Regional Medical Center is a 554-bed Catholic teaching hospital in Elizabeth, NJ, and part of the RWJBarnabas Health system. It offers comprehensive medical, surgical, behavioral health, and long-term care services across two campuses. Known for its strong community focus, it serves as a regional leader in behavioral health and women's health services.