Creighton University School of Medicine (Omaha) Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship at Creighton University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is specifically designed to equip fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the subspecialties of pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, achieving competency, independence, and a strong ethical foundation.

Program Goals and Structure

The main educational objective of the fellowship is to prepare graduates for board certification in both pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. The fellowship program employs a competency-based educational curriculum that adheres to the ACGME standards. Key facets of the program include expert clinical training, scholarly activity participation, and leadership development within professional societies, all performed under the guidance of committed faculty.

Graduating fellows are expected to demonstrate excellence in clinical skills, engage in quality improvement initiatives, and possess proficiency in procedural tasks related to pulmonary medicine, particularly bronchoscopy. The program places a strong emphasis on the Ignatian values elucidating the provision of compassionate care, especially in end-of-life scenarios.

Application Requirements

For eligibility in the fellowship, applicants must fulfill specific criteria, including holding an MD or DO, completion of three years of U.S. postgraduate training, eligibility for a Temporary Educational Permit (TEP) or Nebraska Permanent Medical License, and U.S. citizenship or valid J-1 Visa status. Note that H-1B visas are not sponsored by the program. The application process occurs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and mandates submission of USMLE or COMLEX scores, three reference letters, and a personal statement that reflects the candidate's interest in the field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously structured, integrating clinical training with research opportunities. Fellows participate in a Continuity Ambulatory Clinic one-half day each week, gaining experience with a broad spectrum of pulmonary conditions. ICU training spans at least nine months, emphasizing critical care for diverse serious illnesses.

Moreover, fellows receive training in anesthesia, cardiology, and pulmonary function testing to enhance their comprehensive skill set. Research is a pivotal aspect of the fellowship; fellows are expected to demonstrate research productivity and engage in scholarly activities that contribute to advancements in the field.

Research and Quality Improvement Activities

Fellows have the opportunity to engage in supervised research initiatives, where they are provided with dedicated time to focus on their projects. Quality improvement (QI) activities are also embedded within the fellowship, allowing fellows to contribute directly to enhancing patient care strategies. The program encourages innovation, as seen in various projects aimed at advancing clinical practice within pulmonology and critical care.

Competitiveness and Fellowship Environment

This fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. The structure and support for fellows foster an environment of collaboration and excellence. Program faculty are deeply committed to mentorship, enhancing the educational experience through interprofessional collaboration and a focus on research productivity.

Visa and Immigration Support

Creighton University’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship is open to international medical graduates holding a J-1 Visa, specifically through the Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program. It is essential for applicants to be aware that the program currently does not sponsor H-1B visas.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program uniquely incorporates scholarly activities, interprofessional education, and a solid commitment to teaching essential techniques of quality improvement in a healthcare setting. Each fellow is expected to complete at least one scholarly activity to facilitate their engagement in advancing medical knowledge and practice standards in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Training Sites

The primary training sites include CHI Health CUMC Bergan Mercy Medical Center, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System, and CHI Health Immanuel. These diverse clinical settings provide invaluable patient care experiences in both outpatient and inpatient environments, preparing fellows to meet varied patient needs effectively.