AdventHealth Florida Program

The AdventHealth Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is a distinguished one-year ACGME-accredited program that focuses on the complexities of symptom management, patient and family support, and the multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses. As part of this fellowship, there is a strong emphasis on maximizing quality of life throughout the disease trajectory, which is facilitated through a comprehensive curriculum and extensive patient interactions on multiple campuses.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum

encompasses a variety of rotating experiences including Palliative Medicine and Hospice. Specific rotations include disciplines such as Oncology, Critical Care, Heart Failure, and Long-Term Care, among others, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to various patient populations and clinical challenges. The fellowship aims to cultivate highly specialized physicians equipped to handle the multifaceted needs of patients facing life-threatening conditions, integrating physical, psychological, and spiritual care aspects into practice 1.

Training Sites

Training Sites

The major training site for the fellowship is the AdventHealth Orlando campus, recognized for its 2,247 beds and commitment to research and education. The fellowship leverages several other training locations including AdventHealth Winter Park and AdventHealth Hospice Care in Central Florida, providing a broad and diverse patient base for fellows to engage with 1.

Fellowship Rotations

Fellowship Rotations

Specific rotations include:

• Inpatient Palliative Care: 5 Blocks
• Hospice: Inpatient Unit and Home Visits for 3 Blocks
• Pediatrics: 1 Block
• Long-Term Care: 1 Block
• Advanced Pain and Heart Failure: 1 Block
• Oncology and Critical Care: 1 Block
• Elective Palliative Care Consult: duration may vary

Each of these rotations is designed to immerse the fellow in practical settings, enhancing collaborative skills with healthcare professionals across disciplines, thereby enriching the overall educational experience 1.

Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages fellows to engage in scholarly activities, including quality improvement projects and presentations at various conferences. The support from the Center for Academic Research Excellence (CARE) helps fellows navigate the process of research, study design, and subsequent data analysis 1.

Application Process and Eligibility

Application Process and Eligibility

Candidates interested in the fellowship must complete an ACGME-accredited residency in one of several specified medical disciplines. International medical graduates must possess ECFMG certification and be eligible for Florida Medical Licensure. Evidence of a commitment to hospice and palliative medicine during prior training is crucial, along with exceptional academic performance and leadership capabilities. The application process involves participation in the NRMP Match, starting with applications via the ERAS platform, and interviews are conducted virtually 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Unique Aspects of the Program

The AdventHealth fellowship prioritizes a multidisciplinary approach and diversity among providers, fostering an inclusive environment for fellows. This aspect, along with the program’s origins in a faith-based organization, contributes to its commitment to patient-centered care 1. Additionally, there are excellent opportunities for career advancement within the AdventHealth system post-fellowship.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly to international medical graduates, offering visa sponsorship options, which primarily include the J-1 visa type. This aspect makes the program more accessible to qualified international candidates. The competitiveness of the fellowship is notable, requiring a strong academic foundation and a genuine interest in palliative care as evidenced by prior practice.

Benefits

Benefits

AdventHealth offers a comprehensive benefits package to its fellows, which includes competitive salaries, medical and dental insurance, and various paid time off options, allowing fellows to balance their professional and personal lives effectively 1.