Baylor University Medical Center Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5404812005The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas-Fort Worth, aims to train physicians in providing exemplary multidisciplinary clinical care to seriously ill patients. This program addresses the unique needs of patients by focusing on their medical, spiritual, and emotional quality of life wishes. The program prepares fellows to be board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine while fostering effective educational experiences and promoting the well-being of various stakeholders, including patients, families, and healthcare providers.1
Curriculum
The program features a well-structured curriculum designed to provide extensive clinical exposure across various healthcare settings. Fellows engage with a robust Supportive & Palliative Care (SPC) team, which serves both inpatient and outpatient environments. The inpatient SPC team typically handles around 185 consults monthly, with diverse medical specialties participating in the care of hospitalized patients.1
Fellows will rotate alongside experienced palliative medicine faculty members and will learn in a collaborative environment that includes medical students, residents, and other fellows. During the fellowship, they will also participate in outpatient clinics, observing a wide variety of patients for ongoing complex symptom management and longitudinal goals of care discussions. Early in the fellowship, fellows have two clinic sessions each week during their inpatient rotation to cement continuity in patient care.1
Training Sites
Training takes place within the extensive Baylor Scott & White Healthcare System, which includes several specialized facilities for advanced heart failure, oncology, and a robust transplant program covering multiple organ types. The program also emphasizes continuity of care by pairing fellows with attending physicians for longitudinal exposure to patients.1
Pediatric and Geriatric Experience
A significant component of the fellowship is the pediatric experience gained through collaboration with Cook’s Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, involving a total of four weeks of clinical support for children with life-limiting illnesses. Additionally, fellows gain exposure to managing geriatric patients through house calls and nursing home rotations, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of palliative care across different age groups.1
Unique Aspects
The fellowship includes a three-week immersion experience with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) Hospice and 7 weeks of outpatient hospice care, which provides essential, hands-on management of hospice patients through home visits and interdisciplinary team meetings under the guidance of hospice medical directors.1
Application Requirements
Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in a relevant specialty such as family medicine or internal medicine, among others. The program welcomes international medical graduates and requires verified ACGME, ACME-I, or CanMEDS Milestone evaluations from the core residency program.1
Visa Support
The program is friendly to international medical graduates and provides visa sponsorship. Typically, fellows can be supported for J-1 or H-1B visa types based on their individual circumstances and qualifications.1
Competitiveness
The fellowship is considered competitive, particularly for positions given the caliber of training and support available. However, it is recognized for being friendly towards both DO and IMG applicants, supporting a diverse range of candidates for their fellowship positions.1
Website
Director
Mark A Casanova, MDDirector, Medical Ethics and Palliative Care Appointed Since January 2022 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$75,683First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Dallas, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Dallas has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. It's essential to research the specific area where you plan to live to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Dallas offers a diverse range of activities such as museums, parks, sports events, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options.
- Climate: Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity during summer months.
- Races and Population: Dallas is a diverse city with a significant population of Hispanic, African American, and White residents.
- Education: Dallas is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Dallas is approximately a 4-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive from Austin. Both cities offer unique cultural experiences and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion, humid summers, safety concerns in some neighborhoods.
Interview Questions
