Boston Children’s Hospital/Boston Medical Center Program

Program 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.

PAC, 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.

Application 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.

Curriculum 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.

Training 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.

Visa 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.

Competitiveness 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.

Didactic 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.