CURRENT FELLOWS
3rd Year Fellows:
Bhaskar Gurram, MD - "As a current GI fellow, I always consider myself to be very fortunate to be in such a great program. Clinical expertise is well-balanced with intensive inpatient exposure in the 1st year and flexible clinic and inpatient schedules in the 2nd and 3rd years. Training also covers experience dealing with complex GI issues like ALF, liver transplants, short bowel syndrome, pseudo-obstruction and GI bleeders. We have opportunities to go to various subspecialty clinics and decide on narrowing or further broadening our future GI career. Opportunities for procedures are numerous, including diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, liver biopsies, motility catheter placements and also a chance to learn to read motility studies and capsule endoscopies. This program has experts in all subspecialties of GI. We have a great group of psychologists with extensive experience dealing with children suffering from GI diseases. The support staff including experienced nursing, administrative staff and dietitians are great.
A good deal of time is also spent in academic activities such as introductory lectures for new fellows, didactics, board review sessions, interesting case presentations, M&M and QI sessions, GI surgery conferences, pathology slide reviews and radiology image reviews.
The division is very active in research. We have opportunities to do various clinical projects and basic science projects in the fields of GI immunology, motility and GI surgery.
The working environment is very relaxing, friendly and encouraging. The whole division lives like a family with frequent potlucks, parties and celebrations of every occasion including Halloween and Christmas. Also, the lunch treat on every Friday afternoon by all attending physicians on service is phenomenal.
Overall, this is a wonderful, well-balanced program worth looking at by every candidate interested in GI"
Diana Lerner, MD - " MCW is a great place to train for Pediatric GI. The diversity of pathology, procedural training, and family-like atmosphere is difficult to find in one training program. MCW has 16 Pediatric Gastroenterologists all of whom are experts in different aspects of GI. The fellows function as an integral part of the team from day one, but have an amazing support system including an assigned nurse, administrative assistant and nurse practitioners on the liver service. Having come from Chicago, I was a bit worried about living in a smaller city. Having been here a little over a year, I have fallen in love with Milwaukee. I can still find a nice sushi place, take a stroll by the lake front and attend lots of festivals all summer long. If you want a combination of a great training program and midwestern hospitality, you'll find it at MCW. "
2nd Year Fellows:
Katja Kovacic, MD - "MCW offers a unique fellowship program. There are opportunities to grow as a physician and build an outstanding career within pediatric GI. Our inpatient service gives you experience in complex problems such as motility, short bowel syndrome, GI bleeds, acute liver failure and post transplant care. You will learn a variety of procedures and manage numerous interesting inpatient consultations. There is a surplus of research opportunities with mentors who have expertise in every field of pediatric GI. Our faculty is composed of a wonderful blend of senior, experienced role models along with young, highly striving physicians. Together, they make up a very friendly, supportive and relaxed group of mentors. The extensive support staff includes a skilled and fun group of nurses, NPs, administrative assistants, dietitians and psychologists. I am proud and happy to be part of this program. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn and excel within pediatric GI."
Alisha Mavis, MD - "The Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the Medical College of Wisconsin is staffed by a diverse and extensively experienced group of physicians ranging from world renowned experts within their field to young emerging specialists. The well-seasoned staff of physicians possesses a wealth of knowledge and provides excellent mentoring. They are also great colleagues and good friends. The friendly and supportive environment promotes the development of unique individual physicians and provides them with the opportunity to pursue their own career path including clinical, research, and future educators. The extensive patient population provides ample clinical experience, both inpatient and outpatient, as well as hands-on procedures. The ancillary staff is great and extremely helpful with a wonderful group of administrative assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, dieticians, speech pathologists and psychologists. The program is well rounded and supportive and my experience here has been phenomenal."
1st Year Fellows
Catherine Larson-Nath, MD - "The Medical College of Wisconsin is an excellent place to train in Pediatric Gastroenterology. From day one I felt welcomed and became a part of a top notch team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff that are dedicated to teaching and patient care. This program is unique as it gives ample opportunities for hands on learning about every area of GI from motility to liver to one of a very few inpatient feeding programs in the country. Every step of the way in my training I have felt supported whether it is a question about a patient or guidance in figuring out my research project the attendings are always willing to give advice and lend a hand. Coming to MCW for your fellowship training will give you the opportunity to experience all that the field of pediatric gastroenterology has to offer and the chance to work with a great group of people."
Sarika Rohatgi, MD