Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship

Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix’s fellowship program in Maternal Fetal Medicine is ready to welcome you to the desert southwest.

This three-year fellowship is accredited by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education). Currently, our program recruits for one position each year.

About the Program

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship prepares future leaders in high-risk obstetrics through comprehensive clinical training, cutting-edge research and a commitment to health equity. Fellows gain expertise in complex pregnancies, fetal procedures and patient-centered care at Valleywise Health and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, with a focus on addressing health disparities and improving outcomes in underserved communities.

The primary purpose of our fellowship program is to train the future leaders of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Our distinctive capabilities lie in providing advanced knowledge and expertise in obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy and their profound effects on both mother and fetus.

Vision

Our vision is to graduate Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists who are not only highly skilled clinicians but also compassionate advocates for women and infants. These leaders will contribute significantly to the improvement of maternal and fetal outcomes through a commitment to excellence, research and the Jesuit, Catholic values that underpin our institution. By pursuing this mission, we aim to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our communities, reflecting the values of Creighton University School of Medicine.

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Phoenix Campus Building Exterior at Sunrise

In accordance with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines, our program is designed to equip fellows with comprehensive clinical, research and academic principles. Through a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices, ethical considerations and compassionate care, our fellows will graduate with the skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Fellows will gain a comprehensive and diverse clinical experience, encompassing the management of obstetrical, medical and surgical complications in pregnancy and fostering the development of advanced clinical skills and expertise. As a fellow, you will complete required training experiences within our two primary affiliated health systems, Valleywise Health and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

You will cultivate a culture of research and scholarly activity among fellows and encourage them to engage in impactful research projects that contribute to the body of knowledge in Maternal Fetal Medicine. You will have access to multiple research mentors throughout the course of their fellowship. These mentors, in conjunction with scheduled didactics, will facilitate professional growth and development in grant writing, statistics, manuscript preparation and thesis defense.

As a fellow, you will develop critical thinking skills, effective communication and a commitment to lifelong learning through our innovative educational methods, including case-based learning, simulation and interprofessional collaboration. Our program will place a strong emphasis on weekly MFM fellow-specific conferences and case review opportunities, ensuring comprehensive education and skill development for the care of at-risk mothers.

We nurture future leaders in Maternal Fetal Medicine by providing opportunities for mentorship, networking and leadership training. You will be empowered to take on leadership roles in clinical practice, academia and professional organizations. Also, you will have protected administrative time to grow in your development.

We use a patient-centered approach and emphasize compassionate, culturally sensitive care. One impactful learning activity, "Ethical Case-Based Discussions" will help you to develop a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and adhering to ethical principles.

You will gain a sense of social responsibility and community engagement through various outreach programs, education initiatives and partnerships with organizations to address healthcare disparities and improve maternal and fetal outcomes in the broader community. You will actively participate in the St. Joseph's Maternity Outreach Mobile Unit (MOMobile), which delivers essential maternity care, offering early and continuous prenatal services to women in various Arizona communities. Additionally, at Valleywise Health, fellows will be involved with the Women’s Refugee Services clinic, which will fully support refugee communities and their resettlement and offer these women the care they deserve.

How to Apply

Candidates may apply through ERAS, an online application service. The application deadline is April 28, 2025.

Interviews

All interviews will be conducted virtually. There will be no in-person events planned in Arizona. The notification date for interview offers is May 20, 2025. The initial deadline to accept or decline interviews is May 28, 2025. The interview dates for 2025 have not been set. Additional information will be shared as we get closer to our interview day. 

Requirements

  • USMLE Step 1
  • USMLE Part 2 is strongly encouraged at time of initial application
  • Residency transcript
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Minimum of two (2) letters from an OB/GYN
  • Full ERAS application

For questions, please contact: 
Evelina Mendez 
Program Coordinator

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. Our fellowship is designed to cultivate expertise in high-risk obstetrics while fostering a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Our program provides a unique and comprehensive education that integrates world-class clinical training with a focus on social justice, health disparities and holistic care.

The Jesuit tradition of cura personalis—care for the whole person—guides us in ensuring that our fellows not only develop exceptional clinical expertise but also understand the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for all patients, especially the most vulnerable.

We look forward to meeting you!

Kendra M. Gray, DO, MS, FACOG 
Fellowship Director for Maternal-Fetal Medicine 
Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix

Why Choose Our Fellowship?

Through experiences at Valleywise Health and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, fellows manage a wide array of maternal and fetal conditions, from complex pregnancies to advanced fetal therapies and maternal comorbidities. Our program also features faculty with a prominent hospital and procedural presence, performing advanced procedures such as PUBS, CVS, diagnostic testing and ultrasound-based interventions. We are also a recognized accreta center, providing comprehensive care for these high-risk conditions.

Research is a fundamental part of our fellowship, and fellows are required to complete both a research project and a quality improvement (QI) initiative. These projects are designed to model real-world expectations of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, who often bring clinical research to the bedside and translate findings into medical practice.

Our fellowship promotes teamwork by integrating various specialties such as neonatology, genetic counseling and anesthesiology into daily practice. Additionally, we offer cutting-edge simulation training to enhance procedural skills and emergency preparedness. 
 

We value the voices and lived experiences of both faculty and fellows within our department and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, in which diverse perspectives are heard and respected. Our program emphasizes collaborative learning and values the contributions of all members of our team.

We prioritize wellness and work-life balance throughout fellowship training. With dedicated mentorship, wellness initiatives and personal time off, we ensure that our fellows are supported as they grow both professionally and personally.

Our program offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop as a leader in Maternal Fetal Medicine while making a tangible impact on healthcare. We are passionate about preparing our fellows to meet the challenges of high-risk obstetrics with skill, empathy and a commitment to health equity.

We invite you to explore the exceptional opportunities our fellowship provides and look forward to welcoming you into the next generation of leaders in Maternal Fetal Medicine.

The Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance 

In 2017, Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC), Creighton University (CUSOM), Valleywise Health, and District Medical Group (DMG) joined forces to form the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance. The Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance supports Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix Graduate Medical Education by providing strategic, financial and operational resources.