Message from Program Leadership

Dear Fellowship Applicants:

We are thrilled that you are considering our Digestive Diseases Fellowship Program as you embark on your fellowship application process.   Our patient population provides an incredible mix of common digestive disease and hepatology pathologies and rare conditions abound. As the only quaternary care center in the state, we have been afforded the unique opportunity of caring for patients who are among the most complex and challenging in all of Mississippi and surrounding states.  This rich learning environment sets the groundwork for a strong clinical foundation. 

We have a robust procedural experience that allows our fellows to gain invaluable hands-on procedural performance in all general GI procedures.  In addition, we also offer observation of advanced endoscopy procedures so that fellows have exposure to these complex diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and can more easily determine whether to pursue additional training in advanced endoscopy. 

We also have strong inpatient and outpatient services at both UMMC and the adjacent G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA hospital.  Faculty and fellows work together closely to provide excellent care for our diverse patient population, and we strive to connect the clinical and procedural aspects of our specialty while training our fellows.  Through performing consultations and procedures for patients in all medical and surgical units, the various ICUs, bone marrow unit, the Emergency Department, and the Women’s Hospital, our fellows gain unparalleled inpatient experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of disease processes.  Fellows also work closely with the liver transplant team in the management of decompensated patients and those who have been recently transplanted.  To allow a longitudinal clinical exposure to digestive disease conditions in an outpatient setting, fellows have an on-going clinic in a dedicated community setting. 

Jackson, Mississippi is a wonderful place to live, learn, work, and play.  The cost-of-living is affordable for trainees, the commute is manageable even from the furthest suburbs. Outdoor activities, museums, concerts, and fine restaurants are plentiful. For example, Jackson is a marker on the Mississippi Blues music trail. We are also on the doorstep of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail/Parkway with plenty to explore. Eclectic southern cuisine and drink allow endless socializing opportunities. We encourage our fellows to work hard but also to enjoy this time together and to practice wellness habits that will continue throughout their careers.  We hope that you strongly consider our fellowship program when completing your applications!