Valley Health System, in academic partnership with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has officially established a new graduate medical education (GME) fellowship program in gastroenterology.
The Gastroenterology Fellowship Program recently received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Applications are currently open, with the inaugural class set to matriculate in July 2027.
The gastroenterology track marks the fourth subspecialty fellowship introduced by Valley Health System, joining existing GME programs in:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hematology and Medical Oncology
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
All four fellowship tracks will welcome their first classes of physician trainees in July 2027.
“Welcoming gastroenterology fellows is an exciting next chapter for our graduate medical education program,” Reham Shaaban, DO, Chief Academic Officer for Valley Health System and Designated Institutional Official, said. “Collectively, our four fellowship programs mark a significant milestone in Valley’s growth as an academic health system. By expanding opportunities for advanced medical education and training, the programs will help strengthen clinical expertise, support the development of future physician leaders, and further integrate education, research, and high-quality patient care across the organization.”
The newly accredited program will be led by Dr. Sita Chokhavatia, who serves as director, and Dr. George Protopapas, who will serve as associate director.
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Chokhavatia brings over three decades of graduate medical education experience in directing fellowship initiatives. She currently serves as Chair of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Board of Governors, sits on the ACG Board of Trustees, and holds the distinction of Master of the ACG.
“We look forward to welcoming our inaugural class in July of 2027,” Chokhavatia stated. “As pioneers, these fellows will have the privilege to set academic goals, establish a culture of mutual respect, and build a strong foundation for future fellows as we work together to enhance the gastroenterology care of our patients.”
Program details & applications
| Feature | Program Overview |
| Accrediting Body | Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) |
| Academic Sponsor | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai |
| Inaugural Class Launch | July 2027 |
| Program Leadership | Sita Chokhavatia, MD (Director); George Protopapas, MD (Associate Director) |
| Application Status | Currently accepting applications |
