Creighton University School of Medicine (Omaha) Program

The Creighton University Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship in Omaha, Nebraska, is designed to cultivate transformative physician leaders through a comprehensive and rigorous one-year clinical training program. The fellowship is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, equipping fellows with the skills necessary for a meaningful career in hospice and palliative medicine.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes a well-rounded approach to hospice and palliative medicine, incorporating a variety of clinical experiences including inpatient, outpatient, home-based, and long-term care settings. Creighton University integrates a unique Core Lecture Series that promotes networking and professional growth among fellows across the Omaha metro area, facilitating a strong sense of community in the medical field 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes an integrated dual focus on clinical practice and medical humanities. Fellows are required to complete thirteen credit hours toward a Master of Arts in Medical Humanities & Ethics as part of their training. The courses encompass:

• Introduction to the Medical Humanities (3 credits)
• Introduction to Bioethics (3 credits)
• Research Methods and Writing (3 credits)
• End-of-Life Care in the Clinical Setting (3 credits)
• Professional Identity Formation in Healthcare Education (1 credit)

These courses are structured to uplift the graduates' ability to reflect critically on their experiences as healthcare providers and understand the ethical considerations inherent in palliative care 1.

Training Locations

The primary training facility is the CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center, which is complemented by experiences at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, as well as various home-based and long-term care settings. All training facilities are conveniently located within a short driving distance in Omaha, making transportation accessible for fellows 1.

Fellow Responsibilities and Rotations

Fellows' schedules include seven months dedicated to inpatient palliative consults, one month for elective rotations, and three months on hospice. The program offers around 20% of fellows' time devoted to research, encouraging involvement in scholarly projects that address quality improvement and healthcare disparities 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

A significant component of the fellowship is the completion of a scholarly project focusing on quality improvement or addressing healthcare disparities within hospice and palliative medicine. This aligns with the program's overall mission to foster a commitment to social justice and equity in healthcare 1.

Eligibility and Application

The program offers one fellowship position per year and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program to be eligible. Hawaii participation in the NRMP Fellowship MATCH is required, and applications must be submitted through ERAS. Special requirements include no maximum failed STEP exams and eligibility for J-1 Visa sponsorship for international applicants 1.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship is competitive yet aims to be friendly toward applicants with diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program supports the J-1 Visa and not H-1B Visa sponsorships for international applicants, reflecting its commitment to limiting barriers for qualified candidates 1.

Core Values and Leadership Development

The program emphasizes Creighton's Jesuit values, including:

• Cura Personalis: An approach to patient care that addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
• Agents of Change: Developing fellows into educators and leaders who inspire ethical practice and critical reflection.
• For and With Others: Fostering a strong ethos of pursuing equity and justice for marginalized populations in healthcare.

Graduates are expected to embody these principles and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of hospice and palliative medicine at local, regional, and national levels 1.