A new study published in Gastroenterology highlights gaps in ambulatory training for gastroenterology fellows in the United States. Although most GI care is delivered in outpatient settings, less than 10% of fellowship training is required to take place in ambulatory environments. Researchers recommend developing a standardized curriculum to better prepare trainees for outpatient practice.
Led by Amy Ogurick, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, the study surveyed current GI fellows, recent graduates, and fellowship program directors. Participants assessed training practices, educational barriers, and confidence across 34 common ambulatory topics, including irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.
One key finding was that the greatest increase in confidence with ambulatory topics occurred after fellowship rather than during training. Confidence also did not necessarily correlate with time spent in clinic; participants reported that teaching and didactic lectures contributed to their knowledge and confidence.
Ogurick is collaborating with program directors at four other institutions to develop a pilot curriculum covering 10 priority topics. The team plans to pilot the curriculum in spring 2027, gather feedback, and refine the approach before potentially expanding it to more fellowship programs.