Creighton University School of Medicine Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix is a robust three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program aims to train fellows in providing high-quality, evidence-based, compassionate patient care while encouraging lifelong learning. Each year, the program recruits two fellows, thus ensuring a focused and personalized training environment.

Program Philosophy and Mission

The fellowship is grounded in the philosophy of nurturing critical, ethical, and moral thinking, aligning with the Jesuit values inherent in Creighton's educational approach. The mission emphasizes the importance of training physicians who are prepared to reduce healthcare disparities and serve medically underserved populations, illustrated by active participation in quality impact research projects aimed at decreasing health disparities. The curriculum is designed to provide broad clinical exposure in both acute and chronic gastrointestinal and hepatological diseases across various settings, fostering interdepartmental and interdisciplinary relationships to enhance patient care and educational opportunities for fellows 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum offers extensive training in both inpatient and outpatient environments, with considerable focus on non-invasive and invasive gastroenterology procedures. It follows a structured framework, assessing fellows in key competency areas such as clinical judgment, skills, medical knowledge, professionalism, communication, leadership, and scholarship activities. Each training year has a designated focus:

• Inpatient Junior (PGY-4/5) - 12 months
• Inpatient Senior (PGY-6) - 5 months
• Inpatient/Outpatient Hepatology - 6 months
• Endoscopy Clinic - 6 months
• Research - 4 months
• Elective - 3 months

Fellows benefit from training at key facilities including Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Valleywise Health, gaining experience in high-volume and complex cases 2.

Fellowship Faculty

The program features a diverse faculty with substantial experience and commitment to medical education and fellow development. This esteemed faculty contributes to a supportive learning environment where fellows are encouraged to thrive academically and professionally. The faculty's expertise spans various areas including general gastroenterology, hepatology, and complex procedures, all aimed at preparing fellows to be recognized experts in their field 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are actively encouraged to engage in scholarly activities and research, with the expectation of producing works presented at national conferences. Research projects can be done under the guidance of faculty members, promoting an atmosphere of inquiry and collaboration 4.

Application Requirements

Applying to the fellowship program involves several specific requirements. Candidates must:

• Submit a complete application through ERAS by September 1
• Have completed an ACGME accredited Internal Medicine Program in good standing before starting the fellowship
• Pass all USMLE or COMLEX Steps 1, 2, and 3
• Be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold J-1 Visa status. International graduates need ECFMG certification.

Additionally, applicants must provide at least three letters of reference with their application. This structured process is aligned with the program's commitment to selecting candidates who not only meet academic criteria but also embody the values the program seeks to instill in its fellows 5.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, thereby ensuring they can participate in the training while gaining exposure to the U.S. healthcare system.

Competitiveness

The program's acceptance process is competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. and international graduates (IMGs). It places a strong emphasis on candidates who demonstrate a solid clinical foundation, a commitment to community service, and a dedication to ongoing learning.

The diverse training experience, coupled with a robust academic environment and strong faculty support, makes this fellowship a compelling choice for those aspiring to specialize in gastroenterology.