The first year program includes training in gastrointestinal consultation, x-ray and pathology interpretation, and special procedures such as liver biopsy and small bowel biopsy. An intensive two month course in gastrointestinal endoscopy takes place during the summer. There is also a highly structured and supervised endoscopic experience.

The first-year fellows spend 4 months at Bellevue, 4 months at the VA Hospital, 3 months at Tisch Hospital and have 4 weeks of vacation. All 9 trainees attend continuity clinics at both Bellevue and the VA Hospitals.

Regularly scheduled activities include ward rounds, radiology and pathology conferences, a GI core curriculum seminar, a weekly journal club, and a weekly clinical conference, which are attended by all trainees. An ongoing research curriculum is part of the training program.