Creighton University School of Medicine Program

The Creighton University School of Medicine offers a one-year fellowship program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at its Phoenix campus. This program is designed for those aspiring to become leaders in the field, integrating advanced clinical training, operational innovation, and rigorous academic scholarship. The fellowship is ACGME accredited and recruits two fellows annually, facilitating a collaborative environment focused on transforming care through compassion and research.

Vision and Mission

The vision of the program emphasizes training exemplary academic physician leaders who will propel the field of Palliative Medicine forward. The mission is dedicated to nurturing physician leaders who, through exceptional clinical care, will contribute to enhancing the practice of hospice and palliative care on multiple levels, from local to national contexts.

Program Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive approach to Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Fellows engage in thirteen credit hours toward a Masters of Arts in Medical Humanities & Ethics, with courses in bioethics, research methods, end-of-life care, and professional identity formation. The fellowship aims for fellows to excel in the characterization of direct patient care and quality improvement projects that address disparities in healthcare.1

Yearly Structure and Rotations

During the fellowship year, fellows will undertake several rotations which include:

• Bootcamp: An introductory training session focusing on essential skills in symptom management and communication.
• Inpatient Palliative Consults: Involvement in the consultative service at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, where fellows provide care across various specialties.
• Multidisciplinary Training: Working alongside faculty from Hospice of the Valley in both inpatient and home hospice settings, enhancing skill sets in holistic patient care.
• Pediatric Palliative Care: Exposure to pediatric practices through Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
• Research and Quality Improvement: Engagement in quality and safety projects from the onset of training with dedicated time to finalize scholarly projects.

Fellows have the option to pursue elective rotations in various specialties, such as neurology, oncology, and psychiatry.2

Application Process

Application to the fellowship requires candidates to complete the following:

• Global citizenship or permanent residency (US citizen or J-1 Visa) status.
• Graduation from an ACGME-accredited program and completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3.
• Application submission through ERAS by the designated deadline.
• Submission of a complete application with three letters of reference from qualified professionals.

Notably, the program does not accept H1B visas, making it essential for international applicants to secure ECFMG certification before application.3

Training Environment

The Creighton University Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is supported by the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance which provides resources and expertise across a network of health education partners. Fellows benefit from a diverse training environment that includes St. Joseph’s Hospital, recognized for its quality in medical care and education, and training in a range of hospice services.4

The program prides itself on its wellness initiatives aimed at mitigating burnout among fellows, emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle alongside rigorous academic and clinical responsibilities. This supports prospective fellows in developing resilience and personal well-being during their training.5

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is considered highly competitive, attracting top candidates from various backgrounds, including both DO and IMG applicants. It actively embraces diversity and inclusion within its fellowship community, which enhances the training experience and offers multiple perspectives in patient care and research.6

Location and Living Environment

Located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, fellows enjoy year-round sunshine, natural landscapes, and a rich cultural scene with numerous amenities. The living environment complements the professional development provided by the program, fostering both personal and professional growth.7