Enhancing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) competency in gastroenterology fellowship through traditional, digital, and experiential learning pathways

Abstract The rapidly evolving field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) places growing educational demands on gastroenterology trainees, many of whom report gaps in confidence and preparedness in managing IBD across diverse clinical settings. This article provides a practical, inclusive framework to support gastroenterology fellows in achieving core competency in IBD care while outlining scalable pathways for those interested in developing specialized expertise. Traditional resources such as major conferences, society guidelines, consensus statements, and peer-reviewed journals form the foundation of evidence-based training. Equally vital, however, are opportunities to refine cross-disciplinary skills through close collaboration with radiology, pathology, and endoscopy teams. Visiting observerships at leading IBD centers can be pivotal for immersive, hands-on exposure to complex case management and multidisciplinary care models. The article highlights a growing array of digital and longitudinal learning platforms including webinars, educational websites, podcasts, and programs such as virtual grand rounds, IBD Live, IBD-EII, and IBD REACH that offer flexible, accessible, and globally connected learning experiences. Additionally, it underscores the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and institutional support from program directors in fostering individualized IBD training tracks. By integrating traditional educational foundations with innovative, accessible non-traditional resources and platforms, this guide positions IBD training within a framework of inclusivity, equity, and lifelong learning.