The initial training period is similar for all Fellows whether they have elected to pursue a career in clinical practice or research. Some Fellows may also do a clinical rotation at the Griffin Hospital or other Yale-affiliated hospital. Acquisition of both consultative and endoscopic skills are emphasized in a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases and are designed to produce subspecialists competent to practice consultative gastroenterology and hepatology. Weekly case conferences, pathology conferences, and journal clubs supplement bedside teaching. There is a core curriculum for Digestive Diseases that is presented at a weekly conference and spans the three year training program.
Fellows maintain a continuity clinic throughout the three year training program.
After the initial 18 months, those Fellows who are destined for clinical practice will receive additional clinical training that often includes an area of focused interest. Those Fellows who will receive advanced biliary training will be determined at the time of matriculation. During the Advanced Training Period these Fellows receive in-depth training in biliary and pancreatic endoscopy. Trainees are also expected to participate in relevant clinical research under the preceptorship of a designated faculty member. It is anticipated that the Fellow will spend more than the 18 months remaining in the fellowship acquiring the necessary skills towards independent investigation.