Akron Children's Program

The program at Akron Children's in Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers a comprehensive approach to the care of children with complex, chronic, or serious medical conditions. This multidisciplinary care model focuses on the enhancement of quality of life and symptom management, enabling families to navigate the challenges posed by such illnesses together.

Curriculum and Training Overview

The educational component of the program consists of a 1-year or 2-year fellowship designed for physicians who have completed an accredited residency in pediatrics, internal medicine/pediatrics, or family practice. A unique feature includes 4-week elective rotations available to palliative care fellows from other programs, residents in accredited training programs, and fourth-year medical students. These electives help broaden participants' knowledge in pediatric palliative care while they engage with an interprofessional team directly involved in providing care to patients from birth through young adulthood.1

Clinical Rotations

Participants in the program experience diverse clinical rotations across multiple settings, enabling them to develop skills in symptom management, effective communication, and coordination of care. The primary training sites include the renowned Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, which serves as a model for providing specialized care for children with serious illnesses.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program's commitment to personalized care stands out, as it allows families to select services that suit their needs best. This approach acknowledges the importance of cultural and familial values in navigating healthcare decisions. Additionally, the program promotes the inclusion of a broad range of specialists, including pharmacists, dietitians, psychologists, and social workers, ensuring a holistic view of each child's health care needs.1

Research and Advocacy

Participants are encouraged to engage in research and advocacy initiatives in pediatric palliative care. The program provides opportunities for fellows to lead educational projects and contribute to advancements in care practices. These efforts are not limited to local initiatives but extend to regional, national, and international levels, thereby fostering a rich learning environment within the broader community.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for eligible participants and can sponsor various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, catering to the diverse backgrounds of the applicants.1

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The program is competitive and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs. However, it enforces specific application requirements such as a maximum of one failed USMLE step exam and a preference for recent graduates, ensuring a core of highly qualified candidates.1

Care Philosophy

Rooted in the philosophy that care should not only focus on the disease but also on alleviating distress and enhancing the family’s well-being, the program emphasizes reaching out to children regardless of whether they have terminal diagnoses. By extending support before and during the progression of complex illnesses, families are relieved from navigating fragmented care models and are provided with ample resources to ease their journeys.1