About the Fellowship
The non-ACGME Advanced Training in Gastrointestinal Motility and Functional Disorders Program at Children Hospital Los Angeles is a one-year clinical training program. It is designed to provide an extensive inpatient and outpatient clinical experience and didactic teaching in the field of Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility as well as Functional GI disorders. Trainees will be prepared to manage and treat children with advanced motility disorders, gain competence in testing, diagnosis and management of complex pediatric motility disorders in addition to understand the approach to clinical research in Motility.
Clinical time will be spent on inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient responsibilities include: performing procedures, consulting service to other pediatric subspecialties and gastroenterologists, and assisting in the education and supervision of residents and gastroenterology fellows. Outpatient clinical activities will include, but are not limited to procedures, GI imaging, procedures, specialty clinics, research or quality improvement projects. Throughout the year, trainees spend dedicated time in the outpatient setting including bi-weekly outpatient teaching sessions.
Upon completion of the training, the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Fellow should become proficient in the following areas:
- Manage and care for children with complicated advanced motility disorders
- Trainees will be taught how to perform and interpret ambulatory pH studies, Esophageal Manometry studies, Anorectal Manometry studies, Colonic manometry studies, Antroduodenal Manometry studies and Esophageal Dilatations.
- Trainees will become familiar with the management of a variety of GI Motility problems including esophageal motor disorders, GERD, gastroparesis, chronic constipation, IBS, fecal incontinence and dyssynergic defecation.
Why CHLA?
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a 345-bed hospital, the largest free-standing children hospital in Southern California, located in the beautiful Metropolitan Los Angeles.
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Pediatric GI Motility disorders program was established in 2012, and is affiliated with the University of Southern California’s (USC) Keck School of Medicine. The program currently has three motility experts (among our 26 Pediatric GI physicians) and is one of the largest motility centers on the west coast, with vast area of referrals and excellent patient outcomes. Support staff for the motility program includes a NP, 2 RNs, a nurse care manager and a LVN. There will also be dietary, social work and psychology support available.
U.S. News & World Report has again ranked CHLA highest in California and one of the top five children’s hospitals in the nation. Our gastroenterology services at CHLA are ranked 9th nationally. The gastroenterology division has a total of 26 Pediatric Gastroenterologists, 3 advanced nurse practitioners and an excellent and long standing ACGME accredited pediatric gastroenterology fellowship program.
Learn More about the Training Program
Clinical Educational Activities
As an advanced fellowship, the year will be divided as follows: 50% clinical 50% Academic Research
Clinical activities will include:
- GI Motility lab, endoscopy, and clinics. Will help consult on the inpatient service and provide support during study days.
- There are no on-call duties for fellows in this program.
- Assisting and educating and supervision of residents and gastroenterology fellows.
The fellows are expected to attend the divisional GI Meetings
- Journal Club
- Pathology & Radiology rounds, M&M
- Motility Divisional meetings
Clinical Research
Academic activity will generally consistent of a research project with mentors (Anita Rowhani Sicolo, MD, FAAP, Jaya Punati, MD and Tanaz Danialifar, MD). The aim is to have a manuscript submitted prior to finishing the fellowship.
Participate in the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute at USC and CHLA Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA).
Requirements
- Applicants are required to have successfully completed their pediatric gastroenterology fellowship and be board-eligible
- Must have a valid CA medical license by the time of commencement of training
How to Apply
Contact
Dr. Anita Rowhani Sicolo: asicolo@chla.usc.edu
Yanira Gonzalez: ygonzalez@chla.usc.edu
Where Do Fellows Go When the Graduate?
This is a new fellowship, however, nationwide there is a great need for pediatric gastroenterologist with expertise in motility. This training will prepare qualified and motivated pediatric gastroenterologists for successful academic careers in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Motility and Functional Disorders.
Additional Gastroenterology Training at CHLA
Other opportunities for GI training include: