Department of Pediatrics

Medical School

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 University of Minnesota 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.

  • Clinical Training
  • Eligibility
  • Past Fellows

  • Clinical Training

    Clinical GI training is divided between inpatient and outpatient services. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art procedure training is provided. The exceptional consultative service includes top ranked bone marrow transplantation cystic fibrosis programs. Our trainees pass the board examination on the first exposure. We abide by all duty hour rules as established by ACGME.

  • Eligibility

    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.

  • Past Fellows

    • Elissa Downs*, 2014-2017
      • Current Position: University of Minnesota
    • Mark Bartlett, 2009-2012
      • Current Position: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
    • Kara Sullivan, 2008-2011
      • Current Position: Private Practice, Mankato, MN
    • Chad Best*, 2006-2009 
      • Current Position: Private Practice, Rocky Mountatin Pediatric Gastroenterology, Denver, CO
    • Khalid Khan, 1998-2001
      • Current Position: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
    • Manuel Reinoso, 1994-1997
      • Current Position: Private Practice, Rio Grande Valley Pediatric Gastroenterology, PA, McAllen, TX
    • Ibrahaim Shamieh, 1991-1994
      • Current Position: Private Practice, Standish, MI
    • Michael Glock, 1988-1992
      • Current Position: Wake Forest University, Wake Forest, NC
    • Carol Potter*, 1988-1991
      • Current Position: Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
    • Eduardo Ibarguen, 1986-1989
      • Current Position: Retired
    • Rayna Grothe, 1986-1988 (2 years)
      • Current Position: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

    * Previously received the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grant

Fellowship Program Director

Catherine Larson-Nath 

Catherine Larson-Nath, MD
Assistant Professor
lars2698@umn.edu
Full Bio

Contact Us

Fellowship Coordinator
Valerie Cole
cole0430@umn.edu
(612) 624-8788