Department of Medicine
Gastroenterology Fellowship Program
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson offers a three-year Gastroenterology Fellowship Program (clinical track) combining clinical training, education and research opportunities at Banner – University Medical Center (UMC) Tucson and South campuses and the Tucson VA Medical Center, the flagship facility of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS).
This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and fellows completing it are well-prepared for subspecialty board examination and certification. We accept 3-4 fellows per year.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson offers a fully accredited, three-year Gastroenterology Fellowship Program (clinical track) combining clinical training, education and research opportunities. The program is hosted at Banner – University Medical Center (UMC) Tucson and South campuses, as well as the Tucson VA Medical Center, the flagship facility of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS).
Each year, we accept 3-4 fellows, who are thoroughly prepared for subspecialty board certification. The program focuses academically and in research on the physiology and pathophysiology of gastrointestinal disorders, with clinical training provided across facilities offering a combined 750 beds, a diverse patient population and renowned faculty.
Fellows rotate through continuity clinics and specialized clinics during hepatology months, gaining hands-on experience in various digestive disorders. Training includes state-of-the-art endoscopy, with first-year fellows receiving dedicated endoscopy rotations free from inpatient consultation duties. Additional instruction is provided in esophageal and anorectal motility, capsule endoscopy, and pH and impedance studies.
Fellows are expected to identify a research project and mentor in the first year, conduct research in the second year, and present and publish their findings in the final year. The program also encourages fellows to pursue certificates in public health or translational research through the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health.
Inpatient & Outpatient Experiences
Clinical training is provided at Banner – UMC Tucson, Banner – UMC South and Tucson VA Medical Center. The combined program offers access to approximately 750 beds, a diverse patient population, renowned faculty and opportunities for research.
All fellows rotate through continuity clinics, one half-day per week with an attending for periods of six months, leading to one-on-one instruction in six different areas of digestive disorders. Fellows attend additional clinics during hepatology months at Banner – UMC and at the SAVAHCS. There are three state-of-the-art endoscopy centers that perform basic and advanced procedures.
First-year fellows are provided endoscopy rotations free from inpatient consultation duties. Established metrics are used for monitoring progress and determining competence in endoscopic skills. Instruction is also provided in esophageal and anorectal motility, capsule endoscopy, as well as pH and impedance studies. Opportunities exist for more focused training in a fellow’s specific area of interest during the third year of the fellowship, including clinical research and advanced endoscopy. Web-based interactive learning is used throughout the fellowship, with monitoring of progress. All fellows perform QA/QI and systems-based projects.
Fellows are expected to identify a research project and mentor in the first year, are given time to perform the research in the second year and are expected to complete, present and publish their work in the final year. In addition, fellows are encouraged to study for a Certificate in Public Health or Translational Research through the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
Conferences
Fellows participate in conferences within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology as well as multi-disciplinary conferences:
- GI Fellowship Grand Rounds: Weekly on Wednesdays
- Research Conference: Once a month (first Wednesday)
- Endoscopy/Board Review: Once a month (third Wednesday)
- Pathology/Radiology/Fellow Wellness/Career Planning Conference: Once a month (fourth Wednesday)
- IBD Conference: Once a month
- Foregut Conference: Once a month
- Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, 1625 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
- Banner – University Medical Center South, 2800 E. Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85714
- Banner – University Medicine North, 3838 N. Campbell Ave., Building 2, Tucson, AZ 85719
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, 3601 S. 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85723
PGY-6
PGY-5
Malini Chauhan, MD
PGY-4
Shoma Bommena, MBBS
Leadership
Joshua Melson, MD
Clinical Specialties
Sasha Taleban, MD
Clinical Specialties
Avin Aggarwal, MBBS
Clinical Specialties
Training in Tucson
Learn about salary and benefits, as well as things to do in Tucson, our desert climate, and the region’s culture.
Be better prepared to serve your Spanish-speaking patients.
We’re committed to providing resources to support your well-being.
Practice in developing nations, learning from experts abroad.
Learn about events across the college or filter results according to interest.
How to Apply
All of the following materials must be submitted to ERAS:
- CV (resumé)
- Three current letters of recommendation
- A letter/evaluation from the department chair or training program director
- USMLE scores (must have passed STEPS 1, 2 and 3 to be considered for an interview)
- ECFMG certificate (see International Medical Graduates, below)
- Medical school transcript
- Certificate of completion (or good standing in) ACGME-accredited residency (can be in Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine)
- Personal statement
International Medical Graduates
Graduates of foreign medical schools are welcome to apply to the fellowship provided they have passed the FMGEMS exam and have a standard ECFMG Certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. Fellows must have U.S. citizenship, permanent residency status or a valid J-1 visa status. This fellowship program is unable to accept candidates with H1B visas.
We conduct clinical, translational and basic research projects in the digestive tract, liver and pancreas.
Learn more about the residency and fellowship programs at the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Applications are listed as the University of Arizona Program for the July application cycle.
Contact
Maria Rosario Longoria
Program Coordinator Senior
mlongoria@arizona.edu
520-626-3992