About the Program
Syed Tasleem, Class of 2021
“It has been amazing. Baylor gives you the best of both the worlds - academics and procedural training. Faculty is like family - very concerned and invested in the careers of fellows.”
Jessica Bernica, Class of 2021
“Having three pavilions with such different patient populations really exposes us to the breadth of GI and healthcare systems. We start scoping day one doing both EGDs and colonoscopies, and I felt confident in both by mid first year. My favorite procedures have usually been those that required overnight scopes - those where you're checking both your pulse in addition to the patients! We work closely with the faculty and always feel very supported. More than anything, it has been great to have amazing co fellows to journey through training with who have also become close friends.”
Rollin George, Class of 2021
“Training at Baylor means spending 1 on 1 time with experts who are approachable and care deeply about your personal and professional development while taking care of everything from GERD to severe checkpoint inhibitor colitis.”
Shashank Sarvepalli, PGY-6
“Great breadth of clinical experience, a very manageable clinical schedule, friendly staff, abundant procedural experience. Can’t ask for more from than this!”
Talha Qureshi, PGY-6
“I believe Baylor provides one of the most well-rounded training experience among any GI fellowship. You get a broad range of pathology from the county hospital to the VA to our private hospital. In addition, Houston brings a diverse population from all over the world which allows us to experience a unique set of pathology that not many programs can offer. The faculty is easy to work with and really focused on our education. The training provides a broad knowledge base in all aspects of gastroenterology; however, Baylor really allows us to advance in our specific interests. In addition, we have the ability to focus more clinically if desired or if wanting a career as a research physician, Baylor provides ample opportunity for this career track as well. Baylor is easily one of the top programs in the country in quality of training, opportunities for research, and well-balanced lifestyle.”
Kati Choi, PGY-6
“Baylor offers a robust, diverse and well-rounded learning experience with three different training sites at the heart of the largest medical center in the world. Not only do we see bread and butter cases, we are also exposed to unique pathologies that allow us to collaborate with other specialists. Learning from faculty who are engaged and genuinely dedicated to each fellow’s learning is invaluable. There is also a strong sense of family among the fellows – we always support and take care of each other.”
Juan Gomez Cifuentes, PGY-6
“The atmosphere of the program is very collegial, all staff are very supportive, all co-fellows are nice and team workers. The endoscopy experience is very hands-on since the first month! I also enjoy working in a Hospital like Ben Taub where we take care of patients from many different countries and get exposed to diseases less commonly seen in regular US hospitals.”
Cassandra Gandle, PGY-5
“I trained at Baylor for residency and thus far I have also loved my time at Baylor for fellowship. There is a high clinical volume and very diverse patient populations at all three of our affiliated hospitals.”
Living in Houston
Syed Tasleem, Class of 2021
“Food, Diversity, Biggest medical center that I know of.”
Jessica Bernica, Class of 2021
“I love the laid back nature of Houston. There is incredible diversity here with an amazing assortment of restaurants as a reflection of this, that are especially fun to try during Houston Restaurant weeks. In the spring, we have the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show where world famous artists perform plus the fun rodeo shows (mutton busting a personal favorite). Houston is also very central and has great airports - I've personally traveled to Mexico City, Croatia, and Kawaii just during fellowship.”
Rollin George, Class of 2021
“The food and music scene - White Oak Music Hall has big names and indie shows every week and there's always a new restaurant or food truck to try.”
Shashank Sarvepalli, PGY-6
“Lots of fun things to see and do, but also very family friendly.”
Talha Qureshi, PGY-6
“The food scene is probably the best in the country. Great place to raise a family. Texas is probably one of the best states to work in as a physician.”
Kati Choi, PGY-6
“I love Houston – the no-snow weather, the diverse population, the variety of restaurants to try, and the local Houstonian hospitality. It is also located close to Dallas, Austin and San Antonio which make for great weekend road trips!”
Juan Gomez Cifuentes, PGY-6
“I like the weather of Houston, which is great for outdoor activities nine months of the year, I enjoy biking to work during those months. The TMC is very bike friendly, many people bike and there are many bike racks in every building. I enjoy the diversity of the city, this is reflected in the amazing offer of restaurants and bars, Vietnamese food is a must try!”
Cassandra Gandle, PGY-5
“I love exploring the Houston restaurant scene: there are so many different cuisines and new restaurants are opening all the time. There are also a lot of great outdoor parks to enjoy.”
