William Ghaul, DO

Get to know William Ghaul, DO, gastroenterology fellow.

Career goal: General gastroenterology

“Throughout every stage of my training, I have felt supported by my colleagues, staff and attending physicians. There is no other program where I would rather train.”

What makes your LVHN training program different from others across the country?

LVHN is unique because of the pathology we have the privilege to encounter every day. As a 1,000-plus-bed, Level I trauma center and tertiary care hospital, we care for patients transferred from across northeastern Pennsylvania. With the growth of our transplant program, we also care for pre- and post-liver transplant patients. The bottom line is that very little is sent outside our hospital. This creates opportunities to collaborate on unique cases while also mastering the bread-and-butter aspects of gastroenterology.

What has been the most unique part of your training experience so far?

The most unique part of my training experience has been the opportunity to get my hands on an endoscope from day one. I remember my first case at 9 a.m. on July 1. It was a food bolus case. Although I was nervous, my attending physician, along with the anesthesia and nursing teams, were incredibly patient and guided me through a successful procedure. Some institutions require fellows to wait before performing procedures. Here, you have the opportunity to hit the ground running.

What is one memory you have from your training so far that will stick with you for your career?

One of my favorite memories from training was attending the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy First-Year Fellows Course in Chicago. The program covered our registration and travel expenses and provided clinical coverage so all three first-year fellows could attend. We learned about the nuances of GI fellowship and practiced endoscopy techniques with some of the nation's top endoscopists. During our downtime, my co-fellows and I explored downtown Chicago together. It was an incredible experience that I will always remember.

What is one piece of advice you would share with someone as they select a training program?

Pay close attention to the interactions between fellows during Q&A sessions and interview events. If they don't seem happy or don't work well together, it may not be the right fit. You'll spend countless hours with your co-fellows throughout your training, so it's important to choose a program where you enjoy the people you'll be learning and working alongside.

What does it mean to be a fellow at LVHN?

I was fortunate to complete my internal medicine residency at LVHN and then spend an additional year serving as chief resident. When it came time to choose a fellowship program, LVHN was my clear first choice. Throughout every stage of my training, I have felt supported by my colleagues, staff and attending physicians. There is no other program where I would rather train.