Global Surgery Fellowship

Forming future leaders in health care.

Two physicians walk and talk.

An essential program

At Creighton, we’re committed to helping communities local and global, to improving the lives of our most vulnerable, wherever they are, however we can. 

Approximately half the world's population lives on less than $5.50 a day. For billions of people in developing countries, access to essential surgical care is limited or even non-existent. 

Through the School of Medicine’s Global Surgery Fellowship Program, we’re serving the underserved in communities direly in need of quality surgical care.  

School of Medicine

A transformative education, dedicated to treating the whole person.

$114m

in care

More than $114 million charitable medical care donated annually by Creighton health sciences and CHI Health-affiliated clinics.

1,000

treated annually

People treated annually at the free, student-run Magis Medical Clinic at Siena Francis House, Omaha’s largest homeless shelter.

96%

matched

School of Medicine graduates matched with their specialties of choice.

Fighting for systemic change

In the program, fellows in their second year will guide essential operations in a developing country, providing free surgery and training local practitioners to continue this quality care beyond the fellow’s stay.  

Fellow by fellow, patient by patient, we are fighting for systemic change. We are fighting against a worldwide disparity in access to surgical care. A world where 32.9% of all deaths are due to conditions needing surgical care. 

The Global Surgery Fellowship Program is a truly transformative effort with far-reaching effects. When you support the program, you’re not only contributing to an invaluable real-world experience for our fellows. You’re helping us save lives and bring vital care to communities most in need.  

We thank you for your support and your compassion. 

Contact a Director of Development 

Michon Marcil AbtsMichon Marcil Abts 
Senior Director of Development, School of Medicine 
MichonAbts@creighton.edu 
402.280.1138 

Katrina Rieff

Katrina Spiess
Senior Director of Development, Heider College of Business and School of Medicine
Kspiess@creighton.edu
402.280.5286

Medical students looking at a chart, talking.

The future of care 

Creighton’s School of Medicine stands at a significant moment. We’re looking back on more than 125 years of health care education but also looking ahead to the rapidly shifting landscape of our profession. 

We are ready to meet the moment. Through our clinical partnerships in Omaha and Phoenix, we are preparing some of the most clinic-ready physicians in the country to help meet a growing need for health care professionals.  

As we build upon our expertise in medical education and research, our guiding Jesuit values will continue to show us the way forward — developing women and men of competence and compassion, doing all things for the greater glory of God. 

Frank Lisso and Kelly Shine smile and pose for the camera.

Support that saves lives

“Without this fellowship, there are a number of patients, from age 7 to 75, who would not be alive today. I recently saw one of these patients and she asked, 'Do you remember who I am?' I told her, 'Yes, vividly.' Living and working in Tanzania has made me more grateful for everything, at times I am most grateful for simply being alive.”

— Kelly Shine, MD, inaugural holder of the Global Surgery Fellowship, who spent 10 weeks in Tanzania (pictured with clinician Frank Lisso)

Global Surgery Scholarship Fellow Testimonial

During her to time as the 2021-2023 fellow, Dr. Dena Ferguson traveled to various parts of Africa to aid and learn from the local doctors in the community. Through this program professionals like Ferguson are able to hone their skills in an environment they wouldn't otherwise be exposed to in the U.S.

Watch the video here
School of Medicine student sits next to patient

Service and justice in the Jesuit tradition

The School of Medicine offers many service opportunities for our students, including the Magis Clinic, which provides medical services to homeless and underserved residents in the Omaha area.

These experiences help our students become competent and compassionate physicians as they help meet the needs of our communities.

Creighton’s health sciences campus in Phoenix

The cutting-edge facility will enrich Creighton’s Jesuit education and transform health care in the Southwest.