1) How much can we expand our procedural scope during our general GI fellowship, short of doing an advanced endoscopy fellowship? What are the resources available to pick up new skills for general gastroenterologists?
This question often comes up. There is no limit to what you can incorporate in your training. Of course, advanced endoscopic procedures especially EUS and ERCP are typically reserved for the advanced fellowship, although some programs do have a structure where you can be trained in either ERCP or EUS or both during your third year. But outside of that, there are fellows hands-on courses at society meetings such as DDW and ACG meetings. In addition, ASGE has endoscopy focused courses year-round (for example the EMR STAR course) where fellows can get a discount. In addition, several endoscopy courses offer fellow scholarships. Working with your local industry partners to set up hands-on labs etc. is another great way. Some fellowship programs can allow for away electives which can be done at places where those services are available if they are not available at your own institution. Lastly, it's important to note that endoscopy learning (and learning in general) is a lifelong process, and you can always incorporate new procedures into your toolbox even after fellowship by using several resources mentioned above.
2) If you had the opportunity to go back to your first year of advanced GI fellowship, what would you do differently? I appreciate any thoughts you could share, as I am eager to learn from your experiences.
I think one of the main things to remember is that many advanced endoscopy fellowships are designed to help develop cognitive skills and understand which interventions to perform at specific points. Therefore, I think that focusing on that is equally important compared to learning technical skills. Advanced endoscopy procedures can be long, humbling, and complex and even if your hands are not on the scope, your skills are growing. Just remember that whenever you feel anxious about your training during the advanced year. 😊
| Mohammad Bilal, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota
Associate Program
Director of Gastroenterology Fellowship |