Creighton University School of Medicine (Omaha) Program

The Creighton University School of Medicine offers a Urology Residency Program that is fundamentally designed to equip residents with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in both academic medicine and private practice urology. The program emphasizes compassionate clinical and surgical care, adhering to the ethical standards that define modern medical practices. Rooted in Jesuit principles, the program promotes excellence in education, research, and quality healthcare delivery, thereby shaping well-rounded physicians.

A significant component of the residency is the focus on patient-centered care, prioritizing ethical practices and continuous learning. This educational approach nurtures the development of essential competencies, including interpersonal communication, system-based practices, professionalism, and the analytical skills necessary for evaluating medical literature and implementing evidence-based practices in patient care 1.

Program Structure

The residency program spans five years, structured to include six months of General Surgery training in the initial years, followed by focused Urologic Surgery training in the subsequent years. Each resident receives extensive educational and practical exposure during their training 4.

Rotations and Training Sites

Residents will enhance their surgical and clinical skills through hands-on experience across multiple prestigious training sites. Primary training occurs at:

• CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center Bergan Mercy
• CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
• CHI Health Immanuel
• Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center

In addition, residents will benefit from a notable six-month rotation at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona where they will specialize in pediatric urology under the guidance of fellowship-trained experts in that field 4.

Educational Conferences

To fortify their training, residents are expected to attend various core competency conferences which include:

• Pathology Conference - Involves the review of pathology slides from cases performed in the past month.
• Radiology Conference - A multidisciplinary conference where residents present recent cases and radiographic images.
• Pediatric Conference - Discusses topics related to pediatric urology.
• Research Conference - Where ongoing clinical research is presented.
• Journal Club - Critical review of current articles from urology-focused medical journals.
• Graduate Medical Education Conference - Covers essential topics including patient safety, quality improvement, and healthcare disparities.

These conferences are diligently structured to ensure that residents build a comprehensive understanding of various surgical practices and remain updated with the latest medical literature 4.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research endeavors as a fundamental component of their training. By presenting at the quarterly research conference, residents will gain crucial experience in executing research projects and discussing findings, thereby enhancing their understanding of clinical practices and contributing to advancements in urology 4.

Application Process

Application for the Urology Residency Program is managed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a requirement to submit all application materials by a specified date. Essential application criteria include:

• Score requirements from the Step exams.
• Letters of recommendation and Dean's Letter.
• Scholastic performance in medical school.
• Interviews conducted by faculty and current residents.

The program participates actively in the American Urological Association (AUA) Resident Match Program, accepting two residents per year to train in an inclusive environment regardless of race, gender, or religion 3.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers support for visa sponsorship, accommodating various visa types for international medical graduates seeking a residency position. This support is crucial for non-U.S. applicants who require documentation for training in the U.S.

Competitiveness

The Urology Residency Program at Creighton University is considered competitive, with comprehensive selection criteria based on academic performance, examination scores, and personal interviews. The program is open to both DO and IMG applicants, providing a diverse applicant pool. There may be specific stipulations regarding the year of graduation and allowable failed STEP exams, which are evaluated as part of the admissions process.