Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship
The Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship educates the next generation of academic, pediatric gastroenterologists to practice innovative, evidence-based, multidisciplinary medicine.
We define “academic gastroenterologist” broadly to encompass those who seek to advance the understanding of pediatric gastrointestinal disease through both clinical and basic science scholarly work.
- The fully accredited fellowship program is in compliance with the guidelines and program requirements as set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
- Successful completion of the program will satisfy all requirements for the fellow to become board eligible in Gastroenterology while simultaneously laying a firm foundation for a long and productive career.
For the Fall 2023 interview season, candidates applying through the National Resident Match Program to the fellowship program will interview via video teleconferencing.
What You Need to Know
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition takes great pride in the 27 full-time distinguished faculty who are internationally acclaimed pediatric gastroenterologists with maturity, experience and scholarly productivity. The academic environment is rich and diverse in the clinical and research arena. We strive for the status of national leaders in training pediatric gastroenterologists.
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's is ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
Diversity and Inclusion at Nationwide Children's
Recruiting a diverse workforce that mirrors our patient population is crucial to our success. Learn more about our programs, our people and our commitment.
Clinical Training and Experience
The clinical mission of the fellowship program is to provide expert consultation to referring physicians on a broad range of gastrointestinal, liver and nutrition problems and to provide ongoing care for children with complex disorders of the gastrointestinal system. We strive for excellence in clinical care, research and teaching and our physician scientists are committed to the creation of new knowledge in the discipline.
The Pediatric GI fellows develop special expertise in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, polyposis disorders, motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux and numerous other conditions. Focus is on a family-centered, multi-disciplinary team approach. Fellows will be part of a team which includes social workers, surgeons, nutritionists, psychiatrists, pediatric nurse practitioners, nurses and administrative staff.
Year One
In the first year of fellowship, fellows engage in inpatient care (2 blocks), consultative care (4 blocks) and intestinal rehabilitation (2 blocks). One block is dedicated to developing endoscopy skills and outpatient clinic. Fellows also have time during their first year to begin their scholarly activity (4 blocks). Furthermore, a fellow-driven half-day outpatient clinic begins during the first year and lasts throughout the fellow’s training to allow for longitudinal outpatient care.
Years Two and Three
During the second and third years of fellowship, the majority of time is spent engaged in scholarly activity with 5-7 blocks dedicated to inpatient and consultative care along with elective time. Night and weekend call responsibilities are shared across all years of fellowship trainees with decreasing call assignments over the course of training.
Curriculum
The core curriculum of the fellowship program is under the direction of Dr. Karla Vaz, Associate Program Director for curriculum. It is designed to be rich, varied and innovative and includes didactic seminars, departmental Grand Rounds, Visiting Guest Lecture series, specialty rounds in radiology and pathology, journal clubs, board preparation reviews and special seminars.
The curriculum schedule includes:
| Conferences/Meetings | Frequency |
| GI Clinical Conference | Weekly |
| GI Administrative and Business Meeting | Monthly |
| GI Didactic Conference | Weekly |
| GI/Motility Research Meeting | Weekly |
| Research Institute Seminar | Weekly |
| Joint GI/Radiology Conference | Bi-Monthly |
| Joint GI/Pathology Conference | Bi-Monthly |
| Core Competency Lecture Series | Bi-Monthly |
| GI Fellows Curriculum Conference | Monthly |
| Board Review Course | Monthly |
| GI Journal Club | Monthly |
| Morbidity and Mortality | Quarterly |
Program Aims
Our program's primary objective is to train clinically competent, compassionate, independent, board-eligible physicians with broad clinical knowledge of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition through a combination of intensive inpatient and outpatient service exposure. Fellows gain competency and independent decision making skills in a broad range of endoscopic, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Fellows are likewise required to dedicate a portion of their fellowship to either laboratory-based or clinical research. This typically begins soon after the start of the fellowship and is pursued throughout the individual’s training.
The fellowship is dedicated to providing an environment supportive of life-long learning and professional development. Towards these goals, we are committed to modeling the highest standards of patient care, teaching, and scholarship. The fellowship aims to prepare trainees to provide compassionate, high quality, safe care to a broad socioeconomic group throughout their careers and in all settings of practice.
Research Expectations and Opportunities
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has a long history of contributions to scientific laboratory, clinical and translational research and continues to be on the cutting edge of research in a broad array of areas.
Dr. Cheryl Gariepy, Associate Program Director for Research, coordinates a focused, mentored research experience that commences the first year of training. Research will be conducted under the auspices of an established mentor who is a member of the faculty of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s or of The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
Learn More About Clinical Research ›
Highly qualified division clinical investigators are available as resources as well. Publishing at the peer-reviewed level will be required for completion of the fellowship. Some examples of publications from recent graduates are linked below:
Additional Opportunities
Fellows at Nationwide Children’s have the opportunity to take advantage of additional education at The Ohio State University.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Biomedical Education ›
Learn more about Educational Opportunities for Fellows at Nationwide Children's Hospital ›
Faculty and Fellows
Research
Research education and training are vital to the mission of Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. As a top-ten free-standing pediatric research center and an academic affiliate of The Ohio State University, The Research Institute has an outstanding faculty, dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists in pediatric research.
Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital
Advocacy
Advocacy training fosters and encourages interest in child advocacy by early involvement and exposure to its many aspects such as addressing social determinants of health, community collaboration, health finance, health policy and legislative advocacy.
Application and Selection
Thank you for your interest in the Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
To meet the needs of our applicants, our program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) for all applications. This program is open to candidates in July, and interviews will be conducted from August through October of each academic year.
Early submission of applications is encouraged as this allows the program and the candidate the opportunity to schedule the most mutually convenient time for an interview.
Our program has three openings for PGY 4’s each academic year.
Eligibility:
- All applicants must be board eligible or board certified in pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
- All International graduates must hold an unrestricted, J1 VISA.
Upon completion of the review of all applications by the program director and recruitment committee, qualified candidates will be invited to interview. We encourage you to apply if you meet our eligibility criteria, and look forward to considering your application.
For questions or further information please contact:
Mackenzie Kibbe
Education Program Administrator
Division of Gastroenterology
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43205-2696
Phone: (614) 355-2926
Email: Mackenzie.Kibbe@NationwideChildrens.org
Contact
Please contact our education program administrator regarding specific questions.
Steven L. Ciciora, MD
Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program
Phone: (614) 722-3474
Email: Steven.Ciciora@NationwideChildrens.org
Mackenzie Kibbe
Education Program Administrator
Division of Gastroenterology
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43205-2696
Phone: (614) 355-2926
Email: Mackenzie.Kibbe@NationwideChildrens.org
