Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program

The Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota is based in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition at the M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital.  

A formal fellowship program in gastroenterology has been in existence since 1973. Graduates of our program are currently on the faculty of a number of academic pediatric institutions throughout the country. The training program provides an integrated three-year experience, which includes training in diagnosis, patient management, gastro­entero­logical procedures, nutritional support, and basic or clinical research. Our division has internationally recognized expertise in pediatric pancreatic disease, including the largest and longest running total pancreatectomy islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) program, liver disease, liver transplantation, and inherited metabolic disorders. There are special interests in pancreatitis, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, fecal transplantation, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal rehabilitation, weight management, and eosinophilic disease. All training is centered at the University. 

Fellowships in pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota have been fully accredited by the American Academy of Pediatrics since this accreditation first became possible in 1994. The three-year program is divided into one year of clinical training and two years of clinical or basic research experience during which time there are only minimal clinical responsibilities. Fellows participate in a standardized core curriculum with other fellows in the department of pediatrics. Our program manual has additional programatic information.

In general, one applicant is accepted per year depending on availability of funding. All applicants must have completed an accredited pediatric residency.

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Clinical Training

Clinical GI training is divided between inpatient and outpatient services. Fellows split their time between our inpatient services and have weekly scoping time and clinic time with their own patient panels. Our trainees pass the board examination on the first exposure. We abide by all duty hour rules as established by ACGME.

Stipend & Benefits

This page provides access to information on stipends and benefits for medical residents & fellows.

Additionally, each medical fellow receives:

  • Funding of the ABP General Pediatrics Certifying Exam
  • At least $1,500 for professional development
  • At least $300 annually in education funds
  • MN medical license, or MN residency permit if ineligible for a MN license
  • AAP membership with subspecialty section membership

Prospective Fellows

The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota participates in the National Resident Match Program and will accept applications only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

The University of Minnesota demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the transformative power of equity and diversity to advance excellence in teaching, learning and community engagement. Applications from individuals who self-identify as members of underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

Please Note:

  • Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency program by the fellowship start date. 
  • We accept only applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders), or those who have a J-1 Visa.
  • 3 letters of recommendation are required, preferably to include one from a gastroenterologist and one from the residency program director.
Hear From Our Department Head
Life in Minnesota

Current Fellows
juliana_torrens-vazquez.jpg

Juliana Torrens-Vazquez
torre802@umn.edu
Fellowship Dates: 2022-2025

Alumni

Elissa Downs*
Fellowship dates: 2014-2017
Current Position: University of Minnesota

Mark Bartlett
Fellowship dates: 2009-2012
Current Position: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Kara Sullivan
Fellowship dates: 2008-2011
Current Position: Private Practice, Mankato, MN

Chad Best*
Fellowship dates: 2006-2009 
Current Position: Private Practice, Rocky Mountatin Pediatric Gastroenterology, Denver, CO

Khalid Khan
Fellowship dates:1998-2001
Current Position: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC

Manuel Reinoso
Fellowship dates:1994-1997
Current Position: Private Practice, Rio Grande Valley Pediatric Gastroenterology, PA, McAllen, TX

Ibrahaim Shamieh
Fellowship dates: 1991-1994
Current Position: Private Practice, Standish, MI

Michael Glock
Fellowship dates:1988-1992
Current Position: Wake Forest University, Wake Forest, NC

Carol Potter*
Fellowship dates: 1988-1991
Current Position: Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH

Eduardo Ibarguen
Fellowship dates: 1986-1989
Current Position: Retired

Rayna Grothe
Fellowship dates: 1986-1988 (2 years)
Current Position: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

* Previously received the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grant

Contact Us

Fellowship Program Director

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Fellowship Coordinator

Michelle Stepka
mstepka@umn.edu
(612) 624-4912

For more information on our other medical fellowship programs, click here.