Advanced Esophageal Preceptorship

UCSD Center for Esophageal Diseases

The UCSD Center for Esophageal Diseases provides leading care for esophageal conditions including achalasia, complex GERD conditions, eosinophilic esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and disorders of brain-gut interaction. The center is comprised of a state-of-the-art motility laboratory, nationally and internationally regarded faculty with diverse clinical expertise and research programs, and robust interdisciplinary relationships. Unique clinical programs within the center focus on: Aero-Digestive Disorders, Achalasia & POEM, Laryngeal Recalibration Therapy, Barrett’s Esophagus Screening & Surveillance, Eosinophilic GI Disorders, and Integrative Nutrition. The esophageal research program houses a biorepository, registry, clinical trials & outcomes unit, and wet lab with active projects funded by diverse sponsors including the NIH & VA. The UCSD esophageal faculty are pioneers in modern day clinical paradigms and cutting-edge innovation in esophagology which have been adopted worldwide.

Advanced Esophageal Preceptorship at UCSD

Need for Esophageal Training: Esophageal disorders account for the majority of ambulatory visits in a GI practice. Advancements in the diagnostic technology and physiologic concepts have enhanced the ability to care for patients with esophageal disorders. Appropriate evaluation and diagnosis of esophageal disorders can improve the lives of patients and reduce the heavy burden of illness and decreased quality of life. It is therefore essential to train GI specialists in esophageal disorders and esophageal motility.

Program: The Esophageal Preceptorship at UCSD leverages the exceptional resources and infrastructure in order to provide diverse and comprehensive clinical experiences, research opportunities and leadership development. The trainee will work closely with the esophageal team and have exposure to a broad base of multi-disciplinary teams. The curriculum will be tailored to the fellow’s career goals, and will generally consist of hands-on supervised experiences. The trainee will regularly attend and present at conferences, will be expected to participate in educational activities with medical students and trainees, and will be encouraged to attend national conferences related to esophagology.

Trainees will emerge as specialists with the adequate training to:

Provide expert opinion and management of esophageal disorders
Develop mastery in interpretation of motility and physiologic testing including high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM), wireless pH monitoring, impedance-pH monitoring, and functional lumen imaging planimetry (FLIP)
Develop mastery in advanced esophageal endoscopic techniques including esophageal dilation, wireless pH capsule placement, pneumatic/ESOFLIP dilation, and performance of FLIP
Integrate complementary, psychologic, dietary therapies for esophageal disorders
Integrate multidisciplinary approaches for the care of esophageal disorders including advanced endoscopy, foregut surgery, laryngology, pulmonology, allergy & immunology, pediatrics
Develop knowledge to participate in clinical trials and research
Develop a local, regional, national, or international reputation as an expert within aspects of esophageal diseases
Educate other providers regarding the management of esophageal disorders
Train future generations of esophageal specialists

Faculty

Dr. Rena Yadlapati - Program Director

Dr. Amanda Krause - Current Advanced Esophageal Preceptor

Dr. Eric Low - Past Advanced Esophageal Preceptor

How to Apply

Applicants interested in applying for this program can begin by emailing their CV to our Program Coordinator.

Application (doc)
Current CV
(3) Letters of Recommendation [One letter from your current Program Director]
Photograph of yourself
USMLE Steps 1, 2, 3 transcript

Non-US applicants must be eligible to obtain a H-1b visa and a California Medical License.

California Medical License. For more information, go to the
California Medical Board's website, http://www.mbc.ca.gov/Applicants/Physicians_and_Surgeons/

Proof of attending and receiving a medical degree from a medical school recognized by the California (Education must meet the requirements of California Business and Professions Code Sections 2089 and 2089.5)
Evidence of passing the USMLE Steps 1, 2, 3 (CK), 2 (CS)
Pass the background check (CA-DOJ and FBI)
Obtain a US Social Security Number

We will be reviewing applications September 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025 for the July 1, 2025 slot and July 1, 2026 Slot.

Contact Us

For any questions, contact our program coordinator.