Howard University Hospital
Gastroenterology
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HUH Gastroenterolgy Department Web Portal
Fellowship Training Program
Howard University Hospital’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program provides advanced clinical education and hands-on training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. Fellows work alongside experienced gastroenterologists and interdisciplinary care teams while gaining exposure to a diverse patient population, advanced endoscopic procedures, inpatient and outpatient care, research opportunities, and academic medicine within a leading teaching hospital environment.
HUH Gastroenterolgy Department Web Portal
Meet Our Fellows
PGY-6 Fellows
Mesay H. Asfaw, MD
Chief Fellow (2026-2027) | PGY-6 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: Addis Ababa University School of Medicine, Ethiopia
Residency: Howard University Hospital
Languages: English, Amharic
Short Bio
I am a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellow at Howard University Hospital and currently serve as the Chief Fellow for the 2026-2027 academic year. Originally from Ethiopia, I completed medical school at Addis Ababa University before continuing my training at Howard University Hospital, where I also served as Chief Resident. I am passionate about advanced endoscopy, colorectal cancer prevention, medical education, and improving access to high-quality gastrointestinal care for underserved communities.
Clinical Interests
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Advanced Endoscopy
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Pancreaticobiliary Disease
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Colorectal Cancer Screening & Prevention
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GI Oncology
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Hepatology Liver Disease
Research Interests
Advanced therapeutic endoscopy, quality improvement in endoscopy, colorectal cancer prevention, bariatric endoscopy, gastrointestinal health disparities, and outcomes research.
Career Goals
I aspire to pursue Advanced Endoscopy fellowship training and build a career in academic gastroenterology. My long-term goal is to expand access to advanced endoscopic care, contribute to clinical research and innovation, and mentor future gastroenterologists.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
I chose Gastroenterology because it combines complex clinical problem-solving with highly rewarding procedural medicine. The ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent serious diseases-particularly colorectal cancer-through endoscopy makes the field uniquely impactful and deeply fulfilling.
Juan Carlos Santiago-Gonzalez, MD, MSc
PGY-6 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: Universidad Central del Este
Residency: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Languages: English, Spanish
Short Bio
I am Dr. Juan Carlos Santiago-Gonzalez, a physician specializing in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and currently completing fellowship training at Howard University Hospital. My clinical interests include digestive health, colorectal cancer prevention, artificial intelligence in medicine, and advanced endoscopic procedures that allow minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. I am committed to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care while helping patients better understand and manage their digestive health.
Clinical Interests
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Advanced Endoscopy
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Pancreaticobiliary Disease
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GI Oncology
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Motility Disorders
Research Interests
Pancreaticobiliary diseases, GI oncology, disease prevention, autoimmune disorders, proteomics, health disparities, and medical education.
Career Goals
My career goal is to specialize in advanced therapeutic endoscopy to improve the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. I aim to expand access to high-quality care, contribute to scientific advancement, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care that improves the well-being of individuals and communities.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
Why I Chose Gastroenterology: I chose Gastroenterology because it combines complex problem-solving, meaningful patient relationships, and the ability to make a direct impact through both diagnosis and treatment.
PGY-5 Fellows
Monzer Abdalla, MD
PGY-5 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: University of Gezira, Sudan
Residency: Saint Francis Hospital, Chicago
Languages: English
Short Bio
I am a board-certified Internal Medicine physician specializing in gastroenterology with a strong focus on colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. I care for patients with a broad range of digestive health concerns and strive to provide clear, patient-centered care that empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward better health.
Clinical Interests
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Advanced Endoscopy
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General Gastroenterology
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Colorectal Cancer Screening & Prevention
Research Interests
Research Interests: My research interests focus on outcomes research in gastrointestinal diseases, with an emphasis on disease prevention and improving quality of care.
Career Goals
My goal is to pursue a career in academic gastroenterology, combining clinical practice with a strong focus on teaching and research.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
I was drawn to gastroenterology because it combines thoughtful problem-solving with hands-on procedures and a strong focus on prevention. I enjoy working closely with patients to manage digestive health and appreciate the opportunity to detect and prevent diseases early.
Oluwatayo Awolumate, MD
PGY-5 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Residency: Howard University Hospital
Languages: English, Yoruba
Short Bio
I am a board-certified Internist and Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellow with extensive clinical, research, and leadership experience in both the United States and Nigeria. I am committed to advancing digestive health through evidence-based medicine, scholarly contributions, and compassionate patient care.
Clinical Interests
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
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Hepatology Liver Disease
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Colorectal Cancer Screening
Research Interests
Health disparities in digestive diseases and improving equitable access to high-quality gastrointestinal care.
Career Goals
My goal is to become a board-certified gastroenterologist who delivers compassionate digestive healthcare while collaborating with colleagues and communities to reduce health disparities.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
I chose gastroenterology because it is a constantly evolving field. The ongoing innovations in technology and treatment allow me to combine diagnostic precision with meaningful therapeutic interventions that can significantly improve patients' lives.
PGY-4 Fellows
Lakshmi G. Chirumamilla, MD
PGY-4 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India
Residency: Howard University Hospital
Languages: English, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil
Short Bio
I am a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and Gastroenterology Fellow at Howard University Hospital. Having completed my residency training at Howard, I have had the privilege of caring for a diverse patient population and developing a passion for providing compassionate, patient-centered digestive healthcare. I strive to ensure that every patient feels informed, comfortable, and actively involved in their healthcare decisions.
Clinical Interests
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Advanced Endoscopy
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GI Oncology
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Colorectal Cancer Screening & Prevention
Research Interests
Gastrointestinal and liver diseases, clinical outcomes research, healthcare disparities, and quality improvement initiatives.
Career Goals
My goal is to build a career in gastroenterology that combines excellent clinical care, procedural expertise, and research. I hope to contribute to advancing digestive health while mentoring future trainees and improving health equity.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
I chose gastroenterology because it offers a unique combination of complex clinical medicine, procedural interventions, and long-term patient relationships. The ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent gastrointestinal diseases while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives makes the field especially rewarding.
Fatemeh (Maryam) Homayounieh, MD
PGY-4 Gastroenterology Fellow
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Residency: Howard University Hospital
Languages: English, Persian (Farsi)
Short Bio
I completed my residency training at Howard University Hospital before joining the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. Prior to residency, I conducted research at Harvard University and the National Institutes of Health, focusing on artificial intelligence applications in medical diagnosis and patient outcomes. I am passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved communities and advancing digestive health through research and compassionate patient care.
Clinical Interests
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
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Hepatology & Liver Disease
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Colorectal Cancer Screening
Research Interests
Inflammatory bowel disease, artificial intelligence in medicine, clinical outcomes research, and improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
Career Goals
I aspire to build a career in academic gastroenterology that combines patient care, clinical research, and medical education. My goal is to advance innovative research, reduce healthcare disparities, and improve access to high-quality digestive healthcare.
Why I Chose Gastroenterology
I chose gastroenterology because it combines the technical aspects of endoscopy with the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients. I am particularly passionate about creating a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive health concerns while receiving exceptional care.
HUH Gastroenterology Fellowship Alumni
Sneha Adidam, MD
Class of 2026
Current Position: Gastroenterologist, AdventHealth Minneola, Minneola, Florida
Short Bio
Originally from India, Dr. Sneha Adidam earned her medical degree from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Howard University Hospital before pursuing fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Howard University Hospital. During fellowship, she developed expertise in the diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver diseases while caring for a diverse patient population. She was actively involved in clinical education, endoscopic training, and patient-centered care, building a strong foundation in both inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology. Following graduation in 2026, she joined AdventHealth Minneola in Florida, where she practices inpatient gastroenterology.
Message to Applicants
"Howard provided outstanding clinical training, supportive mentorship, and exposure to a diverse patient population. The experience prepared me well for independent practice and helped shape the gastroenterologist I am today."
Amro Abdellatief, MD
Class of 2026
Current Position: Gastroenterologist, McAllen Gastroenterology Clinic, McAllen, Texas
Short Bio
Originally from Sudan, Dr. Amro Abdellatief earned his medical degree from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology in Khartoum, Sudan. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City before pursuing fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Howard University Hospital. During fellowship, he gained extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of complex gastrointestinal disorders, endoscopic procedures, and ambulatory digestive healthcare while caring for a diverse patient population. Following graduation in 2026, he joined McAllen Gastroenterology Clinic in Texas, where he practices outpatient gastroenterology and provides comprehensive digestive healthcare to the surrounding community.
Message to Applicants
"My fellowship at Howard offered excellent procedural training, diverse clinical experiences, and a collaborative learning environment. The skills and relationships I developed continue to benefit me in practice today."