Gastroenterology Fellowship

Find out about the Gastroenterology Fellowship from our fellows and faculty.

 

Learn more about residencies and fellowships at the University of South Alabama and life on the Gulf Coast.

 

Gastroenterology faculty and fellows

The USA Gastroenterology Fellowship program is committed to obtaining and maintaining preeminence in patient care, education, and research. Basic science and clinical medicine pertaining to gastroenterology and hepatology are emphasized during training, and we maintain a world-class faculty to train fellows for successful careers in gastroenterology and hepatology in the communities where they practice and serve. This aligns with our Sponsoring Institution's Mission Statement: We help people lead longer, better lives.

We provide a comprehensive 3-year curriculum to enable fellows to learn tertiary, secondary and primary care skills in all settings. We educate fellows to be excellent practitioners of medically directed gastroenterology in a gastroenterology care team model. We train individuals with expertise in population health and serving medically underserved. We produce excellent, independent practitioners who will be local and national leaders, and for academic careers.

 

▼   How to Apply

USA Gastroenterology appreciates your interest in our program. We participate in the Medical Specialties Matching Program of the National Resident Matching Program. We are accepting applications by the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Our NRMP match number is 1852144FO. We look forward to receiving your application.

We accept two fellows each year. At this time, we only sponsor J-1 visas.

▼   Research

Current Active Clinical Investigation Projects

An Open Label Phase 2 Study to Characterize Colon Pathology in Patients with HER2 Amplified Breast Cancer Treated with Neratinib
Lead Investigator: Jack A. DiPalma, M.D.
Investigational agents: Neratinib
Study Subjects: Chemotherapy patients

Corrona Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Registry
Lead Investigator: William Preston Sonnier, M.D.
Investigational Agents: N/A
Study Subjects: Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Entyvio (vedolizumab) long-term safety study: An international observational prospective cohort study comparing vedolizumab to other biologic agents in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease
Lead Investigator: Benjamin Niland, M.D.
Investigational Agents: vedolizumab
Study Subjects: Patients with Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease

B.L.O.C.S (BLOCS -Benign Liver Optimal Core Study): Comparison of 2 techniques using EUS guided Liver biopsies via 19g CORE biopsy needle to Obtain Optimal Core Liver Biopsies in Benign Disease
Lead Investigator: Meir Mizrahi, M.D.
Investigational Agents: N/A
Study Subjects: Patients who will be undergoing liver biopsy under EUS guidance

Study of the Clinical, Epidemiological characteristics and Natural history of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and of their progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)
Lead Investigator: Meir Mizrahi, M.D.
Investigational Agents: N/A
Study Subjects: Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

▼   Program Faculty

Jack A. DiPalma

Jack A. Di Palma, M.D.

Fellowship Program Director

Undergraduate Education: B.A., Adelphi University, Garden City, New York

Medical School: New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York

Internship: Internal Medicine, USAF Medical Center Keesler, Keesler AFB, Mississippi

Residency: Internal Medicine, USAF Medical Center Keesler, Keesler AFB, Mississippi

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

Interests: Acid Peptic Disease, Lactose Maldigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease, GI Motility, Endoscopic Sedation, Colon Cleansing, Constipation, Capsule Endoscopy

 


Baret Bercier, M.D

Baret Bercier, M.D

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine 

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Medical School: M.D., Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Residency: Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Baton Rouge Louisiana 

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine 
American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 

 


Phillip Henderson

Phillip K. Henderson, D.O.

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine 

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Troy University, Troy, Alabama

Medical School: D.O., Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Transplant Hepatology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Board Certifications: Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Diplomate, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners

 


Jorge L. Herrera

Jorge L. Herrera, M.D.

Director Emeritus

Undergraduate Education: B.S., University of Puerto Rico

Medical School: M.D., University of Puerto Rico

Internship: Internal Medicine, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado

Residency: Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Denver, Colorado

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology

Interests: Hepatology, Viral Hepatitis, Endoscopic Procedures, Diagnostic Physiology Testing

 


Rajab Idriss

Rajab Idriss, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Education: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

Internship: Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel

Residency: Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel

Advanced Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts

Observership: Hepatology, Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

Board Certifications: Internal Medicine, Israeli Internal Medicine Board

Gastroenterology, Israeli Gastroenterology Board

 


M. Caitlin Marshall, M.D.

M. Caitlin Marshall, M.D. 

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Medical School: M.D, University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

 


Benjamin R. Niland

Benjamin R. Niland, M.D.

Director, Clinical Operations

Undergraduate Education: B.S., University of Louisiana Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana

Medical School: M.D., Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana

Internship: Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

Residency: Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Caroline, Charleston, SC

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

 


William "Preston" Sonnier

William "Preston" Sonnier, M.D.

Associate Program Director

Co-director of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Undergraduate Education: B.S., University of Alabama

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Tinsley Harrison, Birmingham, Alabama

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

Interests: Dose intensification of biologics, Early use of biologic medications in management

 


Mason Adams, M.D., PGY V

Mason Adams, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine 

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Medical School: M.D., Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Residency: Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Baton Rouge Louisiana 

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 

Fellowship: Advanced Endoscopy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine 
American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology 

 


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Bennett Hooks, M.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Birmingham Southern College, Birmingham, AL

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 

Residency: Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

 


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Michael Sanders, M.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Undergraduate Education: B.S., Birmingham Southern College, Birmingham, AL 

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL

Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology

▼   Current Fellows

Gabriel Bolaños-Guzmán, M.D., PGY V

Gabriel Bolaños-Guzmán, M.D., PGY VI

Medical School: Universidad Francisco Marroquín Facultad de Medicina

Residency: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

 

 


Abrahim Hanjar, M.D., PGY V

Abrahim Hanjar, M.D., PGY VI

Medical School: University of Aleppo

Residency: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

 

 


Rebecca Browning, D.O., PGY V

Rebecca Browning, D.O., PGY VI

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center

 

 


Kane Edwards, M.D., PGY IV

Kane Edwards, M.D., PGY V

Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Residency: University of Mississippi Medical Center

 

 


Elizabeth Craig, D.O., IV

Elizabeth Craig, D.O., PGY V

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: HCA Healthcare/Mercer University School of Medicine

 

 


Lucas Buchanan, D.O., IV

Lucas Buchanan, D.O., PGY V

Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

 


Cesar Moreno, M.D., PGY IV

Cesar Moreno, M.D., PGY IV

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine

 


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William Dungan, M.D., PGY IV

Medical School: University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

 


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R. Joshua Ousley, M.D., PGY IV

Medical School: University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham

▼   Contact Us

Jack A. DiPalma

Jack A. Di Palma, M.D.

Fellowship Program Director

jdipalma@health.southalabama.edu

 


William "Preston" Sonnier

William "Preston" Sonnier, M.D.

Associate Program Director

wpsonnier@health.southalabama.edu

 


Tracy Terpening

Tracy Terpening

Program Coordinator

tterpening@health.southalabama.edu

 

Address: 75 S. University Blvd., UCOM 6000-B, Mobile, AL 36608
Telephone: (251) 660-5555 • Fax: (251) 660-5559