Curriculum
The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) provides a comprehensive, hands-on training experience across the full spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The three-year curriculum is designed to develop clinical expertise, procedural skills, and academic leadership through a structured balance of clinical training, endoscopy, research, and education.
Clinical Training
Fellows rotate through LUMC and Hines VA Medical Center gaining exposure to a diverse patient population with a broad range of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions. The clinical experience includes:
- Inpatient gastroenterology consults – Fellows lead consult-based services at LUMC and Hines VA, managing acute and complex GI cases under continuous faculty supervision.
- Transplant hepatology service – Dedicated inpatient hepatology team with a 20-patient service cap, offering hands-on experience in advanced liver disease, transplant evaluation, and post-transplant care.
- Outpatient gastroenterology clinics – Fellows manage longitudinal continuity clinics in general GI, IBD, and hepatology at LUMC and Hines VA, developing expertise in chronic disease management.
- Interventional endoscopy training – Exposure to advanced endoscopic procedures, including ERCP, EUS, EMR, and stent placement, with dedicated second- and third-year rotations.
Endoscopy Training
Fellows gain extensive procedural experience, progressing in complexity under direct faculty mentorship. Loyola’s state-of-the-art endoscopy center includes:
- Seven endoscopy suites and two fluoroscopy rooms
- 10,500+ procedures performed annually, including:
- Colonoscopy and advanced polypectomy
- Diagnostic and therapeutic EGD
- ERCP and EUS for pancreaticobiliary disease
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
- Enteroscopy and video capsule endoscopy
- Manometry and motility studies
- 1st-year fellows attend the ACG Endoscopy Course for foundational hands-on training.
Didactics and Conferences
The program offers protected academic time for structured didactics, case conferences, and board review sessions, ensuring fellows stay up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices. Key conferences include:
- Weekly GI and Hepatology Case Conference
- Multidisciplinary Transplant Listing Committee
- Liver Tumor Board
- Digestive Health Center Multidisciplinary Conference
- Pathology Conference
- Board Review and Journal Club
Research and Academic Development
Loyola’s fellowship emphasizes scholarly activity, with structured research training designed to prepare fellows for careers in academic medicine or clinical practice. Key highlights include:
- Dedicated research mentor (Steve Scaglione, MD) assigned to each fellow
- Structured research curriculum beginning in the first year
- Annual research project presentations
- Opportunities for national conference presentations and publications
Subspecialty Rotations and Electives
Fellows gain focused training through rotations in:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and nutrition
- Motility disorders and manometry
- Pancreaticobiliary disease and advanced endoscopy
- Colorectal surgery and surgical GI oncology
Leadership and Wellness
Fellows are encouraged to take on leadership roles within GME governance, patient safety, and quality improvement committees. Loyola also prioritizes fellow well-being, offering:
- Faculty mentorship and career coaching
- Access to on-campus fitness and wellness programs
- University Ministry and pastoral support services
- Structured time off for vacation and wellness
A Premier Training Experience
With a strong academic foundation, diverse clinical exposure, and state-of-the-art facilities, Loyola’s Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship prepares trainees for successful careers in clinical practice, academic medicine, and subspecialty fellowships.
Join us at Loyola and take the next step in your career as a leader in gastroenterology and hepatology.