Pharmacy Natural Medicines Research Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The Pharmacy Natural Medicines Research Fellowship at Creighton University offers a unique two-year fellowship program with an emphasis in natural medicines research.

As a fellow, you’ll gain experience in research synthesis, as well as other areas related to research and drug information and medication policy. The fellowship also comes with an academic appointment and a $45,000 annual stipend plus health benefits. This fellowship is located in Omaha.

Fellowship Experiences

This fellowship program offers three core experiences: research, clinical practice and teaching.

Research

As a fellow, you’ll spend 75% or more of your time collaborating on research. This research will focus on natural medicines, dietary supplements and alternative health practices, and it will be conducted through the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice. You’ll gain experience providing meta-analysis and systematic reviews; developing grant and research project proposals; planning and implementing projects; designing surveys; collecting and analyzing data; and producing scholarly manuscripts. 

You may also have the opportunity to work with researchers outside the center—including those in the Cardiac Center, the Osteoporosis Research Center, and other Creighton University-affiliated centers and laboratories. And while you’ll serve as a co-investigator on research projects with other researchers and the center’s faculty, you’ll be required to complete a minimum of two independent research projects.

Clinical Practice

During the fellowship, you’ll become a competent practitioner in the area of drug information clinical practice by participating in the drug information consultation service’s day-to-day operations and management. This is a core competency that is emphasized throughout the duration of the program, and it requires a thorough understanding of literature evaluation and evidence-based practice principles.

You will also provide evidence-based drug information consultations to healthcare professionals—working independently or collaboratively with Doctor of Pharmacy rotation students. Doing so will require you to become proficient in evaluating and synthesizing large bodies of medical literature, making complex medical decisions, and providing clinical recommendations. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the pharmacy and therapeutics committee’s support work with affiliated institutions and other organizations. 

Teaching

The fellowship includes an academic appointment as an Instructor of Pharmacy Practice. This means you will provide extensive advanced experiential training to Doctor of Pharmacy students during their required drug information rotation. You’ll also have opportunities to teach in a didactic setting. 

To be considered for the Natural Medicines Research Fellowship, a candidate should:

  • Hold a Doctor of Pharmacy degree before the start of the program and be eligible for licensure in Nebraska
  • Communicate proficiently—verbally and in writing  

While not required, previous pharmacy work experience or a residency in pharmacy practice is preferred. 

To apply, please submit a letter of intent, CV, three letters of recommendation, and your Doctor of Pharmacy degree transcripts by email or regular mail to:

Darren J. Hein, PharmD

School of Pharmacy and Health Professions  
Creighton University  
2500 California Plaza 
Omaha, NE 68178 

Applications submitted by February 1 will be given priority review and consideration for a remote interview. Applications submitted after February 1 will be considered on a rolling basis. 

Required Training Programs and Certificates

During the fellowship, you will earn the following certificates:

A teaching certificate, which is obtained during a longitudinal program to help you develop foundational skills in curriculum development and teaching. 

An evidence-based practice certificate, which will be completed through the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice. You’ll gain vital knowledge through modules covering biostatistics, hypothesis testing, research design and protocol development, and systematic review and meta-analysis.

Contact Us

Darren J. Hein, PharmD  
Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice 
Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice  
School of Pharmacy and Health Professions 

Program Faculty