Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship

Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Program

The Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship is a one-year, ACGME-aligned training program designed for physicians who have completed an accredited three-year Gastroenterology fellowship and seek focused training in advanced endoscopic procedures.

The program accepts two fellows per year, with one position in each track: Advanced Endoscopy and Bariatric Endoscopy. This structure ensures a highly individualized training experience with close faculty mentorship.

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Program Mission

Our mission is to train highly skilled, thoughtful endoscopists who combine technical expertise with sound clinical judgment, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care.

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Program Overview

Fellows receive comprehensive training that emphasizes the development of advanced technical skills alongside clinical excellence and a patient-centered approach. The curriculum integrates:

High-volume procedural training
Dedicated outpatient clinical experience
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Opportunities for clinical and translational research
Training is conducted at the UT Multispecialty and Research Hospital and University Hospital, both equipped with state-of-the-art endoscopic and imaging facilities

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Advanced Endoscopy Track

This track provides rigorous, hands-on training in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP and EUS under the supervision of experienced faculty. Fellows gain broad exposure to complex pancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders, with procedural training that includes:

Endoscopic sphincterotomy, stone extraction, and lithotripsy
Biliary and pancreatic stent placement
Balloon dilation of strictures
Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass™ system)
EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA)
EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
Interventional endoscopic ultrasound techniques
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus
Exposure to third-space endoscopy is available; however, procedural competence in these techniques is not an expected outcome of the program

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Bariatric Endoscopy Track

The Bariatric Endoscopy track offers comprehensive training in the management of obesity and metabolic disorders through both medical and endoscopic approaches. Fellows work within a multidisciplinary framework and gain experience in:

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)
Transoral outlet reduction (TORe)
Additional advanced endo-bariatric procedures
Graduates are well-prepared to integrate endoscopic bariatric therapies into clinical practice

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Research and Academic Development

The program places a strong emphasis on scholarly activity. Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, with access to institutional resources and faculty mentorship to support academic productivity.

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How to Apply to the Program

• This is a non-ACGME-accredited postgraduate year 7 program.
• We participate in the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) match program.
• Applications must be submitted through the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or a permanent resident of the U.S. We do not accept applications from J1 or H1B1 Visa holders.
• Applicants who match to the program must have a full Texas Medical License before beginning fellowship.
• Courses in conducting research are available to help fellows interested in research.

Name	Title	Email	Telephone	FAX
Rajat Garg, MD	Program Director	gargr@uthscsa.edu	210-567-4880	210-567-1976
Ailene Alcaraz	Senior Program Coordinator	alcaraz@uthscsa.edu	210-567-4928	210-567-1976