Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

Cleveland Clinic’s Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship program is a multifaceted training opportunity, rooted in a long-standing commitment to excellence in care, education, and research within the domains of hospice and palliative medicine. Established in 1989, this fellowship holds the distinction of being the first physician fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in the United States. The program is designed to cultivate an advanced, well-rounded skill set in fellows, essential for delivering compassionate, effective care to patients facing serious illnesses.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Cleveland Clinic prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion within its fellowship program. This commitment ensures a rich diversity among fellows that reflects the patient populations served. The fellowship fosters an inclusive environment aimed at broadening the educational experiences of all trainees and enhancing interactions with patients and families from different backgrounds. DEI training is integrated into the curriculum to equip fellows with tools to serve a diverse community effectively.

Curriculum Overview

The one-year clinical fellowship encompasses extensive educational and clinical training designed to provide expert mastery in symptom management, communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of various diseases and palliative care’s role in patient treatment strategies. The curriculum includes a unique palliative medicine boot camp in July, spanning several clinical rotations providing hands-on experience in diverse settings:

• 20 weeks in inpatient palliative care consult services.
• 4 weeks with the Solid Tumor Oncology team.
• 6 weeks on the ICU palliative service.
• 6 weeks in a general palliative consult service.
• 2 weeks in outpatient palliative care clinics.
• 6 weeks of home hospice and palliative care.
• 2 weeks of inpatient pediatric palliative care.
• 15 days of vacation plus 5 personal days.

Fellows also benefit from an array of electives, tailored to personal interests, including research, medical education, and various medical disciplines such as addiction medicine and bioethics.

Didactics and Training

The fellowship program emphasizes the balance between clinical service and educational experiences. Monthly academic days, during which fellows are introduced to advanced topics through lectures and skill-building workshops, allow fellows to refine critical communication skills and participate in essential discussions relevant to palliative care.

Communication skills training integrates practical workshops focusing on challenging conversations, including discussions about prognosis and the delivery of bad news, using diverse methodologies such as sociodrama and medical improv.

Training Sites and Rotation Locations

Fellows primarily train at the Cleveland Clinic's Main Campus, which houses over 100 specialties and expansive facilities, including the Taussig Cancer Center. Additional training occurs at community-based facilities such as Hillcrest Hospital and Fairview Hospital. The fellowship emphasizes collaborative practice within varied clinical settings, enhancing the fellows’ clinical learning experiences.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities. They are supported with funding to present research findings at national conferences, and there are structured opportunities for conducting projects that can lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals. Access to experienced faculty fosters mentorship and guidance throughout the research process.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The application process involves submission through ERAS, requiring a range of documentation including letters of recommendation, medical transcripts, and personal statements. Candidates must have completed ACGME-accredited residency training in a relevant field and will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experiences, and interests in palliative care. The fellowship is considered competitive, with a commitment to inclusivity welcoming DO and international medical graduates, reflecting Cleveland Clinic’s overarching philosophy of equity.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international candidates, typically providing support for J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified foreign physicians can participate in its esteemed training environment.

Benefits

Cleveland Clinic provides a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive health plans, retirement options, professional liability insurance, and paid time off. The educational allowance provides fellows with funds to support their clinical training and scholarly activities, underscoring the program's commitment to fostering an excellent learning environment.