Creighton University School of Medicine Program

Creighton University School of Medicine includes a specialized fellowship program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine located at its Phoenix campus. This three-year fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to equip fellows with the expertise required to excel in high-risk obstetrics.

The program focuses on comprehensive clinical training, advanced knowledge, and personal development while addressing health equity and disparities in underserved communities. Fellows gain experience through rotations at distinguished facilities, including Valleywise Health and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, fostering a robust foundation in managing complex pregnancies and conducting fetal procedures.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum encompasses comprehensive clinical training interspersed with rigorous academic instruction, reflecting the latest in evidence-based practices and ethical considerations in maternal-fetal medicine. Key components of the program are:

• Clinical Excellence: Fellows engage in diverse clinical experiences managing a variety of obstetrical conditions, enhancing their surgical and medical skills critical for overseeing high-risk pregnancies.
• Research and Quality Improvement: Each fellow is required to complete a research project and a quality improvement initiative, positively impacting their clinical practice and integrating research with patient care.
• Educational Innovation: The fellowship fosters critical thinking via case-based learning, simulation, and interprofessional collaboration, emphasizing a detailed review of challenging cases in weekly conferences.
• Patient-Centered Care: Ethical discussions and culturally sensitive care practices are pivotal, ensuring fellows appreciate the nuances involved in women’s health.
• Community Engagement: Active involvement in outreach programs such as the Maternity Outreach Mobile Unit (MOMobile) and clinics addressing refugee health reflects the program's commitment to serve diverse populations.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship promotes a strong culture of research within maternal-fetal medicine. Fellows have access to a multitude of research mentors who guide them in areas such as grant writing, statistics, and manuscript preparation, further enhancing their scholarly activities.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

Fellows experience varied rotations at two primary affiliated institutions, facilitating exposure to a broad spectrum of maternal and fetal conditions. They learn advanced procedures including percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The program also focuses on the management of significant obstetrical complications associated with conditions such as placenta accreta.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes mentorship, networking, and leadership development, encouraging fellows to assume roles that will shape future practices in maternal-fetal medicine. A commitment to wellness and work-life balance is as valued as clinical excellence, ensuring all fellows remain engaged and supported throughout their training.

Competitive Nature and Application Process

The fellowship at Creighton University is competitive, attracting candidates interested in high-risk obstetrics while maintaining a welcoming environment for diverse applicants, including DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). For the application process, candidates must meet specific requirements, including:

• Passing USMLE Step 1.
• Strong performance on USMLE Step 2 (recommended at the time of application).
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, with a minimum of two from obstetrics and gynecology specialists.
• A completed ERAS application.
• Prior completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

International Candidates

The program is open to international medical graduates, offering visa sponsorship for the J-1 visa. This enables international fellows to comply with immigration regulations while obtaining training in the United States.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Creighton University values diversity within its fellowship programs, fostering an inclusive environment where different perspectives are encouraged and respected, ensuring mutual growth and learning.