Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fellowship

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the UCLA Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Fellowship Program. This one-year, non-ACGME program is designed for gastroenterologists seeking specialized expertise in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Centered within a high-volume, multidisciplinary IBD program, the fellowship offers a tailored blend of advanced clinical training and research development.

Fellows participate in an outpatient‑focused experience with exposure to complex and diverse IBD cases. Training includes dedicated time with multiple IBD faculty as well as rotations across colorectal surgery, GI psychology, nutrition, radiology, pathology, and ostomy care. The program’s structure supports each fellow’s individualized clinical and scholarly interests, preparing graduates for leadership roles in IBD care, academic medicine, and clinical innovation.

Key features

One‑year, non‑ACGME fellowship with individualized clinical and research focus
High‑volume IBD center caring for complex, diverse, and unique patient populations
Dedicated IBD specialty clinics, including:
- Medical–surgical collaborative clinic
- IBD‑nutrition clinic
- Pediatric‑to‑adult transition clinic
- Preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum IBD clinic
4–6 half‑day outpatient clinics per week, adjustable mid‑year based on progress
Training in IBD endoscopy and exposure to inpatient IBD consults
Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) training integrated throughout the year
Rotations with colorectal surgery, GI psychology, nutrition, ostomy care, radiology, and pathology

Education

Two multidisciplinary IBD conferences per month
Structured didactic curriculum
Participation in the monthly West Regional IBD Conference
Encouraged involvement in national and international meetings (AIBD, Crohn’s & Colitis Congress, DDW)

Intestinal ultrasound training

Training occurs within a high-volume IUS center staffed by three IBUS-certified providers
Fellows receive support to pursue IBUS/IUSCAN certification
Expectation to complete 150+ IUS scans during the fellowship year

Research

Fellows complete a required research project with comprehensive statistical and regulatory support. Participants have access to robust institutional resources, including clinical registries, microbiome datasets, and genetic data.

Key research areas include:

Advanced therapies
Clinical outcomes
Nutrition
IBD–IBS overlap
Pouch disorders
Women’s health
Pediatric‑to‑adult transition
Digital health

Fellows also gain exposure to clinical trials, preparing them for future integration of research into clinical practice.

Requirements

Applicants must have completed residency training in internal medicine and an ACGME-accredited gastroenterology fellowship prior to the start of the program.

Deadline to apply for 2027-28 fellowship

Applications must be submitted by July 15, 2026.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV to Amir A. Ghaffari, MD, PhD, at [email protected]. We look forward to reviewing your application and supporting the next step in your IBD career.

Get to know our center

For more information, please visit the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases website and get to know our team.