Boston Children’s Hospital/Boston Medical Center Program
Location:
Boston, MASpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402412049Program Overview
The Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) Fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, in collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, offers a multidisciplinary approach to training in pediatric hospice and palliative medicine. This innovative one-year training program is designed for postgraduate clinicians, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers, to develop expertise in symptom management and advanced care for seriously ill children and their families. The fellowship emphasizes interprofessional education to promote excellence in communication, teamwork, and professional resilience in the challenging field of pediatric palliative care.
1PAC, the core of the fellowship, aims to train future leaders by instilling skills to address the complex needs of pediatric patients. The program also focuses on educating trainees about advanced care planning, psychosocial assessment, and spiritual support, preparing them for strategic roles in clinical care, education, and program development.
2Application Requirements
To apply for the palliative medicine fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Board eligible or board certified in pediatrics or a relevant subspecialty.
- A commitment to a career in pediatric palliative medicine.
- Submission of a completed application by the specified deadlines, including:
- Curriculum vitae
- A personal statement detailing interest and commitment to palliative care
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from a department head, program director, or division chief
- USMLE transcript
Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is required.
1Curriculum and Responsibilities
The fellowship includes a comprehensive curriculum which encompasses clinical rotations, didactics, and mentorship opportunities. Clinical training involves:
- 28 weeks of service at Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- Rotations across multiple settings including inpatient teams, outpatient services, hospice, and long-term care.
- Responsibility for managing both hospital inpatients and community outpatients with various advanced illnesses.
- Participation in an interdisciplinary team approach to care.
During the fellowship, trainees will also engage in a quality improvement project and leadership development activities designed to build resilience within the healthcare setting.
2Training Sites
Fellows will receive training across several participating institutions, including:
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Care Dimensions Hospice
- Franciscan Children’s Hospital
- Seven Hills Pediatric Center
This diverse set of training environments allows fellows to gain a holistic view of pediatric palliative care practices.
1Visa Support and Sponsorship
The program offers sponsorship for J-1 or H-1B visas, accommodating both US and international medical graduates who aim to further their education in pediatric palliative care. Candidates requiring visa support are encouraged to indicate this in their application materials.
2Competitiveness and Diversity
The fellowship is notably competitive, emphasizing a diversity of candidate backgrounds to enrich the educational environment. The program actively seeks candidates from varied backgrounds and experiences who are committed to serving diverse patient populations.
1Didactic Structure
The fellowship includes rigorous didactic training, with scheduled seminars and rounds throughout the year:
- PACT Summer Curriculum: 6-8 hours per week in July sharpening fundamental palliative care principles.
- Weekly grand rounds and case seminars allow for deep exploration of clinical scenarios.
- Mentored educational projects add to fellows' portfolio and presentation experience.
Additionally, fellows participate in workshops addressing resilience and leadership, shaping them into future educators in the field of palliative care.
2Website
Director
Hadley M Bloomhardt, MDProgram Director Appointed Since July 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$88,702First 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
Boston, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Boston, MA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.
- Fun Activities: Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.
- Climate: Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.
- Races and Population: Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.
- Education: Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.
- Pros: Rich history, cultural diversity, top educational institutions, vibrant arts scene.
- Cons: High cost of living, higher crime rate in certain areas.
Interview Questions
