Broward Health North Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Broward Health North consists of comprehensive training in all aspects of palliative care. This program adopts a dual approach by emphasizing both primary and specialty palliative care, alongside cultivating a solid foundation in managing patients who require hospice services. It is a one-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, housed within the Department of Internal Medicine.

Fellows will gain experience in a community that presents a diversity of cases across various age groups, diagnoses, and socio-economic backgrounds. This fosters the delivery of culturally sensitive care. Clinical rotations for the fellowship are primarily conducted at Broward Health North, complemented by select rotations at additional facilities such as Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health Rehabilitation Center, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, and VITAS for both inpatient and community hospice care.

Training Approach and Curriculum

The fellowship welcomes candidates from a variety of specialty backgrounds, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, critical care, family medicine, geriatrics, gynecology-oncology, hematology-oncology, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, and surgery. The goal of the fellowship is to equip fellows with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional ethics to thrive in their careers focused on clinical care, education, and research.

The curriculum is taught by faculty from various disciplines, covering essential topics such as the fundamentals of palliative care, specialty palliative care, medical ethics, global health, and psychosocial care. Fellows are encouraged to undertake a scholarly activity of their choice early in their fellowship year, supported by a mentor to ensure their success. There is also an emphasis on participation in global health projects, connecting with the broader Palliative Care global health community.

Moreover, there is a dedicated segment of the curriculum focused on 'Humanities in Palliative Care', providing fellows with protected time each month for creative expression through Narrative Medicine, Art, and Music Therapy.

Program Highlights

The program offers numerous highlights, including:

• Educational resources such as memberships to the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care and access to relevant textbooks and handbooks.
• Mentorship for scholarly activities aligned with personal interests and career goals.
• Monthly wellness sessions that explore 'Humanities in Medicine' through various expressive arts.
• Week-long educational conferences and workshops aimed at case discussion, board review, journal clubs, and Grand Rounds.
• High volume exposure to diverse aspects of palliative care, including patient management in oncology, heart and lung diseases, and dementia.

Clinical Rotations and Training Blocks

The fellowship includes rigorous training in key areas such as:

• Pain and symptom management of patients with serious illnesses.
• Diagnosis and treatment related to the psychosocial elements of cancer and complex illnesses.
• Cultural, spiritual, religious, and existential aspects of palliative care.
• Management of terminal symptoms and bereavement/grief.
• Holistic approaches to caring for seriously ill patients.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications to the fellowship are processed exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participation in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) is required. The program does not sponsor visas, which is an important consideration for international medical graduates. Applicants should have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in their primary boards, such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics. It is essential that candidates are board-certified or board-eligible, along with demonstrating an active pursuit of certification.

To complete an application, candidates need to submit the following:

• ERAS Common Application Form.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal statement.
• A recent photograph.
• At least three letters of recommendation.

Interviews are conducted virtually and invitations are communicated via email through the ERAS system, facilitating effective engagement with prospective fellows.

Living Environment

Broward Health is a nationally recognized healthcare system that has been delivering exemplary healthcare services in South Florida for over 85 years. Its geographical location in North Broward County places fellows in proximity to a vibrant community of restaurants, entertainment options, and beautiful beaches. This balanced environment ensures that fellows experience a fulfilling work-life dynamic, making it an ideal location to embark on a year of intensive training in hospice and palliative medicine.