Clinical Ethics Fellow

University Health offers a fellowship to a qualified applicant in Clinical Ethics under the supervision of the Director of Ethics. The fellowship is designed to provide the applicant practical experiences in addressing clinical and organizational ethical issues in a dynamic, publicly funded health system and Level I trauma center. We are seeking an individual ready to make an impact by participating in activities that expand ethics services and education within University Health.

Clinical Experiences : Ethics Services provides ethics consultations, education, and policy support throughout University Health. University Health offers a full-range of specialty services, and includes two hospitals, a pediatric emergency center, an adult emergency center, a Level IV neonatology unit, a large ambulatory clinic network, and a nationally recognized Transplant Center. University Health also provides care in a dedicated unit to persons in the custody of law enforcement. The Ethics Fellow interacts on a regular basis with physicians, nurses, and case managers by participating in scheduled unit rounds. The fellow participates in ethics consultations, family meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions with progressive levels of responsibility.

Organizational Experiences : The Ethics Fellow is an active member of the University Health Bioethics Committee, allowing the fellow to interact with healthcare providers from various specialties. University Health, a Magnet-designated facility, boasts an interdisciplinary Nurse Ethics Council, which meets monthly to address organizational issues encountered in care, such as moral distress and addressing the needs of historically marginalized populations. The council sponsors an annual, community ethics conference and the fellow is a member of the planning committee. Organizational experiences may include reviewing, revising, or developing policies; assisting in process improvement initiatives; and developing innovative projects that support University Health’s mission to improve the good health of the community through high quality compassionate patient care, innovation, education and discovery.

One goal for the Ethics Fellow is to have enough practical experiences and knowledge to take the Healthcare Ethics Consultant Certification exam at the conclusion of the fellowship. While the fellowship does not have a required research component, the Ethics Fellow is encouraged to participate in activities of interest. As the teaching facility of UT Health San Antonio, educational opportunities and resources are available through the Charles E. Cheever Jr. Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics. Fellows will also participate in the Greater San Antonio Ethics Forum and the Texas Ethics Consortium to become familiar with ethical challenges facing ethicists in the San Antonio region and throughout the state of Texas.

The fellowship is a one-year program and is eligible for a one-year renewal with discussion of goals and approval of the Director of Ethics. Individuals that have completed a graduate degree in bioethics or a related discipline are encouraged to apply.

   A $50,000 stipend with benefits is included.

In addition to the online application , the applicant should submit a narrative statement that addresses past clinical experiences, learning expectations, and career goals. The narrative statement should be sent to . Please identify your name and the date you completed and submitted your online application to Human Resources .

For further information, contact the Director of Ethics at