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We aim to train the next generation of leaders in gastroenterology and hepatology practice, teaching and research. The number of openings in each track varies from year to year. Each track prepares fellows for eligibility to sit for GI board exams. While applicants may apply for multiple tracks, we recommend applying for only one or two tracks to help our selection committee best understand their future career goals. On certain occasions, fellowship tracks can be combined (e.g., clinical outcomes with advanced inflammatory bowel disease or transplant hepatology).

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking applicants who will become future leaders in gastroenterology and hepatology research, education and clinical care. Our division is highly ranked nationally for our clinical work and for the quantity and quality of our research. Many of our faculty members are nationally and internationally prominent. Graduates of our program hold outstanding positions in academia, practice, and industry.

We are very selective in our choice of fellows. Our fellows have consistently trained in internal medicine at the best university programs. Clinical fellows are paid from funds through the Department of Medicine in accordance with the Graduate Medical Education (GME) pay scale. Our OGME sponsors J-1 visas only.

How Many Slots Are Available?

The number of slots available varies by year depending on need, funding availability, and the previous year’s Match outcome. Each year we offer 3-8 positions, and typically have up to 16 total fellows in our program.

Which Track Should I Apply To?

  • The Basic Science Track is intended to prepare for a primary basic science research career (i.e., spending 70-80% of your time in a basic science lab). Applicants for this track should be seriously interested in spending two intense years learning basic research techniques under the close supervision of experienced faculty members. Fellows in this track complete two years of lab work followed by two years of clinical work. Please note that if you do not have a background in basic science research, it is unlikely that you will be selected for an interview in the Basic Science Track.
  • The Clinical Outcomes Track provides outstanding training in clinical research methods to prepare for an academic research career. Applicants for this track should be seriously interested in spending two intense years learning epidemiology, biostatistics, trial design, evidence-based medicine, outcomes research, comparative effectiveness, health economics, and health policy, and also conducting research under an experienced faculty mentor. If you have little interest in dedicating at least 50% of your career to clinical and translational research, the Clinical Outcomes (Epidemiology) Track is probably not appropriate for you.
  • The Clinical Track aims to train academic and clinical gastroenterologists who will concentrate on patient care, with an option for a concentration in education, or a concentration in research for those whose goal is to spend10-25% of their time or less conducting research. The selection committee for the Clinical Track is very interested in those applicants who maintain a strong interest in becoming clinical practitioners and clinician-educators.

We especially encourage women and minorities to apply. While applicants may apply for multiple tracks, we recommend applying for only one or two tracks to help our selection committee best understand your future career goals.

UNC Gastroenterology Remains in the Match

Along with many other institutions, we continue to participate in the GI Match. We feel that the Match provides a more streamlined and equitable system for GI recruitment. All programs, whether large or small, research or clinically focused, benefit from participation in the Match. The success of the Match, however, depends on sustained participation by all GI training programs. The AGA has made resources about the Match available on its website.

All three tracks are listed for participation in the Match program, as: Clinical, Clinical outcomes/investigator, and Basic science.
We participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants can apply electronically through ERAS to programs of their choice. Through ERAS, we require the following application materials:

  • Application
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • USMLE test scores steps I and II (III if available). We also consider D.O. applicants and therefore accept COMLEX scores
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation, preferably at least 2 from gastroenterologists

Information for Foreign Medical Graduates and non-U.S. Citizens

UNC Hospitals accepts residents who have been issued a J-1 visa and who hold a current ECFMG certificate. At the time of application, foreign nationals must hold a J-1 visa. We do not accept conditional guarantees that the individual may or may not have a J-1 visa prior to or at the time of fellowship. UNC Hospitals does not sponsor H1-B, E-B or O-1 visas, including EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

Because of funding restrictions from the NIH, applicants for the Clinical Outcomes (Epidemiology) and Basic Science Tracks MUST BE U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.

Resources for applying to UNC Fellowships

Salary and Benefits

Clinical fellows are appointed through our Office of Graduate Medical Education and are paid by the Department of Medicine in accordance with the GME pay scale. Benefits are found on this site as well. Research fellows are paid on the same scale, although funding is provided by the NIH for these years.

Contact Us

We appreciate your interest! Please contact our Tiffany Durham (919-966-3997), Fellowship Program Coordinator with any questions. We look forward to your application and possibly meeting you for an interview in Chapel Hill or via zoom virtually!

Tiffany Durham
Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
4119B Bioinformatics Building
130 Mason Farm Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7080
Telephone: (919) 966-2514
Fax: (919) 966-6842
krull@med.unc.edu