Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship

The ACGME-accredited Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at Akron Children’s Hospital is a 3-year program designed to train the next generation of compassionate, skilled leaders in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Fellows benefit from robust clinical experiences, dedicated research mentorship, and opportunities to teach and lead within a supportive academic environment.

Program Overview

We accept one fellow per year who has completed an acredited pediatric residency. The fellowship spans 36 months and is directed by experienced faculty across clinical, procedural and research domains.

Felows rotate through Akron Children's in a curriculum designed to progressively build cliunical e4xpertise, endoscopic proficiency and scholarly productivity.

Key Training Areas

• Comprehensive Clinical Training: Fellows develop expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional disorders across all pediatric age groups.

• Research & Scholarly Activity: Each fellow designs and completes a mentored research project, gaining experience in study design, data analysis, and dissemination.

• Teaching & Mentorship: Fellows participate in medical education through teaching rounds, case-based learning, and presentations for students, residents, and peers.

• Leadership & Administration: Involvement in division operations helps fellows build skills in leadership, team coordination, and healthcare systems management.

• Career Development & Professionalism: Fellows receive personalized mentorship in academic advancement, ethical practice, and preparation for board certification.

Upon completion, fellows will be eligible for American Board of Pediatrics subspecialty certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition and equipped for successful careers in clinical practice, academic medicine, or research.

The following objectives outline the core competencies that fellows will develop throughout the fellowship:

• Clinical Expertise : Fellows will acquire advanced clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition: This includes proficiency in the management of common and complex gastrointestinal conditions across a broad spectrum of age groups, including infants, children, and adolescents. 

• Research Skills: Fellows will engage in research activities to develop critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and methodological expertise. Each fellow will identify a research question in either clinical or basic science and will be mentored through the process of formulating a research plan, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating findings.  

• Teaching and Educational Development: Fellows will develop teaching and mentorship skills through active involvement in educating medical students, residents, and junior fellows. They will prepare and deliver educational presentations, participate in case-based learning sessions, and lead teaching rounds. 

• Leadership and Administrative Skills: Fellows will participate in the administrative functions of the division, including contributing to division meetings, managing the fellows’ conference schedule, and assisting with the coordination of clinical services. This will help fellows develop leadership, team management, and organizational skills necessary for academic or clinical leadership roles. 

• Professionalism and Career Development: Fellows will demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Fellows will receive mentorship in career development, including guidance on academic promotion, career planning, and preparation for board certification. 

Program Completion and Certification: At the conclusion of the three-year fellowship program, fellows will be well-positioned to sit for the American Board of Pediatrics Subspecialty Certification in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. They will be expected to have demonstrated mastery in clinical, research, educational, and leadership domains, and to have made substantial contributions to the field of pediatric gastroenterology.

Akron Children’s Pediatric Gastroenterology Department currently has 11 medical staff physicians, and 6 Nurse Practitioners. We complete approximately 3500 procedures per year, including: Upper and Lower Endoscopy with biopsies; Polypectomy; Esophageal Banding; Injection/Sclerotherapy for GI bleeding; Esophageal and Pyloric Balloon dilation.  We also regularly perform pH/Impedance Monitoring, Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, and Hydrogen/Methane Breath Testing.

We have an established Motility Program, and regularly perform Anal/Rectal Manometry, Esophageal Manometry (and Endoflip), Full Colonic Manometry, and Antro-Duodenal Motility studies.  There is also a dedicated psychology team that works in conjunction with our Functional GI Disorders Clinic.  We also work closely with the Pediatric Surgery department with the Bowel Management Clinic.

Akron Children’s GI department is a participant in ICN (improve Care now).  Staff recurrently participate in the national NASPGHAN (North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition) meeting, as well as multiple other national conventions and poster presentations.