Overview

The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at the University of Florida is committed to training individuals to become independent and competent physicians capable of providing the highest level of care. The program is designed to ensure that fellows have a well-rounded training in clinical care, teaching, research, and quality improvement. Training takes place at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, with our outpatient clinic and endoscopy center located nearby. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric Level I trauma center in the area and is the major pediatric referral center in North Central Florida. The children’s hospital has 208 beds, free-standing pediatric emergency department, and 25 subspecialties within pediatrics. The University of Florida hosts a broad range of NIH-funded biomedical scientists and clinical researchers who benefit from robust institutional support. There is an abundance of research opportunities and possibilities for collaboration throughout the University.


Mission Statement

Provide well-rounded education to Pediatric Gastroenterology fellows – starting them on a path to successful career best suited for them (academic, research, or clinical) as well as enabling them to lead and influence the next generation of physicians.


Program Aims

The program’s vision is to be a leading Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship, within the nation, that provides education and skills necessary in providing state-of-the-art patient care, as well as research skills that will enable subspecialty fellow(s) to contribute to progress of the program. Program aims include the following:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in all areas of patient care in Pediatric Gastroenterology that is appropriate, effective for evaluation and treatment
  • Develop in depth knowledge about up-to-date Pediatric Gastroenterology, biomedical, clinical, and pediatric scientific information and consistently apply this knowledge to patient care
  • Develop and enhance interpersonal and communication skills that enables establishment and maintenance of professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the health care team
  • Develop and strengthen professional skills, adhere to ethical principles, and demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
  • Develop an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and demonstrate the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value
  • Develop the ability to investigate and evaluate their patient care practices, and appraise and assimilate scientific evidence to improve their patient care practices
  • 100% of graduates will receive board certification on the first try
  • 100% of our 2nd and 3rd year fellows score at or above the national average on the annual In-Training exam
  • 100% of Graduates will publish in peer-reviewed medical journals within 5 years of graduation

Clinical Training

The first year of fellowship is dedicated to obtaining clinical proficiency in inpatient and outpatient aspects of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. The training is based at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida, where the fellow manages the Pediatric GI inpatient service, sees all consults, and performs all inpatient procedures. The fellow is supervised by Pediatric GI faculty who teach the fellow to diagnose and manage complex patients and to become proficient at diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The first year fellow also participates in a dedicated weekly outpatient continuity clinic half-day and outpatient procedures at the UF Health Children’s Surgical Center.


Research Training

The first year fellow spends a month on an elective to explore research opportunities. Working with the program director and mentor, the fellow selects a project that will be continued through the training program. The second and third year of fellowship is devoted to clinical or basic science research activities. Progress of research is followed by the fellow’s Scholarship Oversight Committee, and research is presented annually at the Pediatric Fellows Research Conference. During the research training time, clinical responsibilities are minimal, only including weekly continuity clinic one half-day per week, weekly division conference attendance, and weekly outpatient procedures. This ensures protected time to devote to a quality research project.


Faculty

The University of Florida Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Division is made up of faculty members, nurses, ample administrative support staff, and dieticians. All faculty participate in clinical research or other academic projects, and some of our faculty participate in basic science research. All members of the division are enthusiastically committed to the education of our pediatric GI fellows, as well as residents and students.


Highlights of the Program Include

  • Fully ACGME accredited fellowship program for over 30 years
  • Participates in the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) and Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
  • One Fellow per year
  • 100% pass rate on subspecialty board exam
  • Graduates have successful placement throughout the country
  • Fellows have well-established continuity clinics
  • Fellows rotate through pediatric specialty clinics, including:
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Hepatobiliary
    • Liver Transplant
    • Cystic Fibrosis
    • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
    • Opportunity for rotations outside of UF
  • Ample opportunity for performing procedures, including:
    • Upper and Lower Endoscopy
    • Capsule Video Endoscopy
    • Colonoscopy
    • Polypectomy
    • Treatment of GI bleeding
    • Esophageal pH/Impedance Testing
    • Foreign Body Removal
    • Impedence probe, esophageal dilation, pyloric botox, endoflip
    • Anorectal Manometry
      • Collaboration with other departments for procedures
        • Pediatric Surgery
          • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
          • Esophageal Dilation
        • Adult Gastroenterology
          • ECRP
    • State of the art and recently remolded facilities