Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Program

The Advanced Endoscopy Center within the Division of Gastroenterology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital offers advanced training in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, geared toward an academic endoscopist. The program focuses on technical and cognitive skill acquisition as well as endoscopic research training and experience.

Program Description and Curriculum

During the two-year advanced endoscopy fellowship, the fellows will receive exposure to all aspects of modern advanced endoscopy, including cutting-edge technologies not available at most institutions. A core focus of the training will be in pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, with broad exposure to ERCP and EUS along with other essential skills of advanced endoscopy including EMR, endoluminal stenting, endoscopic mucosal ablation and enteroscopy. While it is not possible to master all advanced endoscopic techniques in the course of two years, the fellowship will be tailored to accomplish the learning objectives of the fellow. In the second year of training, the curriculum will be customized for each fellow, providing additional training in more advanced procedures such as third space endoscopy, ESD, bariatric endoscopy and transoral fundoplication, among others.

Johns Hopkins’ advanced endoscopy group has a rich tradition of innovation, and fellows have access to the animal lab facility to perform research studies and enhance their endoscopy skills.

In addition to the technical aspect of endoscopy training, special emphasis is laid on cognitive training through didactic teaching and specialty lectures, as well as clinics. Fellows will participate in the weekly GI division and research conferences along with dedicated case conferences for pancreo-biliary or advanced endoscopy. Advanced fellows are responsible for case presentations at conferences and participate in meetings hosted by the advanced endoscopy group. The fellows rotate on the inpatient pancreo-biliary service and develop teaching and leadership skills by interacting with fellows and other trainees.

Advanced endoscopy fellows have dedicated block time for research and are expected to lead research projects, assist in the enrollment of patients to clinical trials and publish in major specialty journals. Fellows will be assigned mentors, matched by their interests, who will ensure each fellow’s learning milestones are met.

Program Length

The program length is two years.

How to Apply

Our program participates in the ASGE Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Matching Program.

Program Directors

Venkata Sandeep Akshintala, M.B.B.S.

  • Program Director, Medical Pancreatology Fellowship
  • Program Director, Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship Program
  • Assistant Professor of Medicine

Expertise: Abdominal Pain, Anal Fistula, Anemias, Barrett's Esophagus, Bile Duct Disease

Current Therapeutic Fellows

Ashraf Ashhab, M.D.

Fellowship: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (GI)
Residency: Hennepin Healthcare
Undergrad and Medical School: University of Jordan
Hometown: Jerusalem
Why Johns Hopkins: The ample exposure to every sub-specialty in endoscopy, and the opportunity to learn from the world-renowned physicians on faculty, who are all leaders in their fields.
Hobbies: Tennis, hiking, running, reading, and trying new restaurants
Interests in GI: Endo-hepatology, endo-bariatrics, third-space endoscopy

Ashraf Ashhab

Eric Swei, M.D., M.S.

Fellowship: University of Colorado
Residency: University of Chicago Hospitals
Medical School: The Ohio State University
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Why Johns Hopkins: Hopkins offers a well-rounded therapeutics program with great exposure to all facets of interventional endoscopy, teaching from internationally renowned clinicians, as well as a unique focus on research productivity during therapeutics fellowship.
Hobbies: Keeping active (weightlifting, running, biking) trying new restaurants, exploring the cultural attractions around Maryland and D.C., hanging out with my wife and two cats
Interests in GI: Third space endoscopy, GERD and anti-reflux procedures, obesity and endobariatrics

Eric Swei

Jose Antonio Almario, M.D.

Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Maryland, College Park
Hometown: Clarksville, MD
Why Johns Hopkins: I wanted to learn from the best and serve the community that gave so much to my family.
Hobbies: Distance and trail running (NCR trail, Patapsco state park), golfing, cycling. Basically anything outdoors with my wife and two dogs!
Interests in GI: Pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, gut microbiome, medical education

Jose Antonio Almario

Alec Faggen, M.D.

Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical College
Undergrad: Pomona College
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why Johns Hopkins: Unparalleled combination of clinical excellence, innovation, and mentorship.
Hobbies: traveling, spinning, and competition level lawn-mowing.
Interests in GI: Innovation in GI, therapeutic endoscopy, dysphagia, esophageal stents, pancreatology

No Image Available