Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship

Introduction

The evolution of endoscopy towards minimally invasive therapeutics has improved the care of patients with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, especially GI cancers.  ERCP is now primarily a therapeutic modality and the therapeutic potential of EUS is being explored.  Training is EUS and ERCP is challenging and requires proficiency in endoscopic skills, interpretation of radiologic imaging, and understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of both benign and malignant disorders.  The goal of the advanced endoscopy fellowship at WFBMC is to produce experts in therapeutic endoscopy who will provide exceptional patient care and continue the work needed to move this exciting field forward.

Clinical Experience

Fellows may choose either EUS or combined EUS and ERCP training (see Fellowship Structure below).  EUS training is under the guidance of Girish Mishra MD, MS, Jason Conway, MD, MPH, and John A. (Jerry) Evans, MD.  The EUS program at WFBMC is one of the busiest in the southeast, performing nearly 1200 procedures annually.  Fellows will be trained to proficiency in all aspects of EUS including cancer staging, FNA, intraductal ultrasound, as well as exposure to combined EUS/ERCP procedures in patients with complex pancreatobiliary disorders.  ERCP training is under the guidance of John A. (Jerry) Evans, MD and Mohammed Qadeer, MD.  Fellows will be trained in all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP including sphincterotomy, stent placement, cyst-enterotomy, and sphincter of Oddi manometry.  Exposure to interpreting cross-sectional imaging techniques for investigating hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders will also be provided.  Fellows may also have exposure to EMR, double-balloon enteroscopy, and potentially even novel NOTES procedures.  A new advanced endoscopy unit completed in 2005 and renovated in 2008 features the latest EUS and ERCP technology.  Fellows will provide biliary and therapeutic endoscopy consultative service to inpatients and participate in clinical and research conferences including interdisciplinary radiology and pathology conferences and tumor board.

Research Experience

Fellows will be expected to further develop clinical research and writing skills throughout their advanced endoscopy training.  As part of the advanced endoscopy team, fellows will be expected to actively participate in ongoing prospective studies (including animal studies in the Developmental GI Endoscopy Animal Laboratory) and complete at least one retrospective study.  Fellows will be supported to present their research at national and international meetings.  There are also opportunities to write reviews, case reports, and book chapters.

Fellowship Structure

The advanced endoscopy fellowship is typically 1 year if only EUS training is desired; however this may be extended for those who have specific interests or needs.  Six to eight months will be spent on the EUS service.  There will be 2-3 months of dedicated research time.  If ERCP training is also desired, an additional minimum of 6 months on the ERCP service will be required.  Therefore, the total length of the combined EUS and ERCP fellowship will be at least 18 months.  Funding for advanced endoscopy fellowships remains a challenge; therefore the remaining 3-4 months will be general GI service time for salary support.  General GI service duties will vary based on the clinical needs of the Section, but may include outpatient endoscopy, clinic, inpatient consult attending, participating in the attending call rotation, and supervision of fellows in clinic. Advanced fellows are typically appointed to junior faculty positions at the instructor level and earn a salary at the PGY 7 or 8 levels.

Current Advanced Endoscopy Fellows

 

	W. Colin Gallahan, MD Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine Residency Program: Duke University Medical Center Fellowship Program: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Application

Applicants should be current second or third year GI fellows or have very recently completed a GI fellowship.  Successful applicants will have experience in clinical research and demonstrate a strong interest in academic gastroenterology.  This is not a J-1 visa opportunity.  Applications will be accepted between 24 and 12 months prior to the July 1 starting the program.  Please submit a cover letter, CV, and three letters of recommendation to:

Jason D. Conway, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Section on Gastroenterology
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157

To view a Web cast of our faculty performing combined ERCP/EUS, please click on this link: http://www.or-live.com/WFUBMC/2384/