Center for Clinical Ethics in Cancer Fellowship

The goals of the Clinical Ethics Fellowship Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are:

• To provide intense clinical and research experience in ethics for individuals with advanced degrees in related fields in order to enable fellows to practice bioethics in a health care setting or effectively teach bioethics in an academic setting
• To increase the points of contact between the Ethics Consultation Service and patients, families, faculty and staff

The fellowship program is tailored to meet the strengths and needs of each fellow, and involves a two-year, full-time commitment.  

Fellowship components

Clinical Ethics Fellows are expected to develop a personalized learning
plan in collaboration with their supervisor. 
Learning opportunities include:

• Training in ethics case consultations, through observation and supervised
  independent conducting of ethics consultations, including collection of data,
  follow-up with healthcare team, and completion of documentation.
• Rounding regularly in the inpatient units and outpatient centers.
• Participation in meetings of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Committee,
  as well as its task forces and various subcommittees. 
• A research project, either of the Fellow’s own design or a component of
  the ongoing research of Integrated Ethics.  From this project, a minimum of three peer reviewed articles, needs to be published by the Fellow in two years.
• Participation in bioethics conferences, workshops, seminars, and/or
  lectures. 
• Participation in policy development facilitated by the Integrated Ethics
  faculty.
• Teaching medical students, residents, and staff.
  

Qualifications

• A terminal degree in an academic or professional discipline with preference given to candidates with doctorates in bioethics, philosophy, theology, nursing, behavioral sciences, social sciences, medicine or law.
• Demonstrated written skills.
• Skills in communications, team interaction, and conflict resolution are required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve goal.

How to apply

Applications are due November 1, 2024

Please contact:

Karen Terrell, MBA, HCM
Program Director
Phone: 713-745-8445
Email: KTerrell@mdanderson.org

The following materials must be submitted via email: 

• Official transcripts from highest
  degree (original must be sent directly from the accrediting university to The
  Section of Integrated Ethics c/o Mrs. Karen Terrell);
• Three letters of recommendation from diverse individuals (e.g. employer, professor, academic advisor, someone able to attest to one's character and skills) stating length of time and capacity in which the individual has known you and why both you and Integrated Ethics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center would benefit from your participation in the Fellowship;
• Current Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications (if any);
• Letter of intent that covers the following topics:
  • Why you are interested in the Fellowship
  • Personal traits that make you well-suited for the Fellowship
  • Experiences that have prepared you for the Fellowship
  • Potential research area(s) o  A one- to two-page description and discussion of a current ethical issue that you have confronted personally, or you find particularly challenging; 
• A telephone interview will be scheduled for selected candidates.

Drug Testing, Tobacco Testing and Medical Clearance:

All new clinical trainees are required to provide health information in accordance with Texas state law and current MD Anderson institutional policy. Clinical trainees are subject to drug testing procedures as outlined in institutional policy and the Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Medical Education.

Stipends

Fellow stipends are in accordance to the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  Compensation includes Health and Life Benefits. Fellows receive 100 hours (2.5 weeks) of sick time and 160 hours (4 weeks) vacation per academic year.