Clinical Ethics 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

To achieve the objectives of the Clinical Ethics Fellowship, fellows are expected to develop a personal learning plan, in collaboration with their supervisor, leading to the completion of the following components:

• Participate in ethics case consultations, including collection of data, follow-up with health care team, and completion of report forms
• Round regularly with Integrated Ethics faculty in the inpatient units and outpatient centers
• Round with diverse members of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Committee (CECC) – i.e, physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals including administration, Pharmacy, Social Work, Patient Advocacy, Pastoral Care, Genetic Counseling, and Finance
• Attend meetings of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Committee, as well as its task forces and various subcommittees
• Complete a written quarterly report including a summary of activities, identification of significant issues and dilemmas, and insight and reflections related to personal and professional identity
• Complete at least one research project, either of the fellow’s own design or a component of the ongoing research of Integrated Ethics. From this project, a manuscript of publishable quality is to be produced by the fellow. Must attend the clinical research training as required for all clinical investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Formally present the results of the research project to the Clinical Ethics Consultation Committee and Integrated Ethics faculty
• Participate in bioethics conferences, workshops, seminars, and/or lectures locally, nationally, and internationally
• Participate in policy development facilitated by the Integrated Ethics faculty

Evaluation of fellows

As the fellowship year progresses, fellows are expected to build their skills (e.g., relational, teaching and consulting) to function progressively and more autonomously while continuing to interact daily with direct supervisor and Integrated Ethics faculty for guidance. The fellow will receive a mid-year and end-of-year performance evaluation to assess progress and identify area for future growth and concentration.

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.

- Strong written and oral communication 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 February 17 2023

Please contact:

Karen Terrell, MBA, HCM
Program Manager
Section of Integrated Ethics in Cancer Care - Unit 1430
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 301402
Houston, Texas 77230-1402
Phone: 713-745-8445
Email: KTerrell@mdanderson.org

The following materials must be submitted via email: 

Application Requirements of Integrated Ethics in Cancer Care

• Official transcripts (original must be sent directly from the accrediting university to Integrated Ethics c/o Colleen Gallagher)
• Three letters of recommendation from diverse individuals (e.g. employer, professor, academic advisor, someone able to attest to one's character) 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
• 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)
  • A one- to two-page description and discussion of a current ethical issue that you have confronted personally or you find particularly challenging
  • In keeping with the condition for employment, upon appointment by the Clinical Ethics Service, the fellow will be required to submit a chest X-ray report, physician's certification of general health, immunization record and current TB test record in order to be appointed by the Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer.
• On-site or telephone interview for top candidates. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will pay for travel, lodging and meals for the interview.