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 a highly structured and supervised endoscopic experience at both hospitals.

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.