Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program

Overview of the Fellowship Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Cook County Health is an ACGME-accredited program that offers a one-year comprehensive training experience designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a career in palliative care. This fellowship allows fellows to gain clinical experience in various healthcare environments, catering to a diverse patient population from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds 1.

Participating Institutions

The fellowship involves training at multiple esteemed institutions, including:

• John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County: A large public hospital serving a diverse urban population.
• Rush University Medical Center: A leading academic institution providing quaternary care.
• Addus Journey Care and Palliative Care: A community-based hospice program with extensive educational outreach.
• Seasons Hospice: A provider of community-based home hospice services.
• Advocate Lutheran General Hospital: A community teaching hospital specializing in pediatric palliative care.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to palliative care, with an emphasis on communication, care planning, symptom management, and ethical decision-making. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Regional Fellows’ Conferences: Monthly half-day conferences are held to foster collegiality among fellows from different institutions and cover core topics in palliative care through a blend of didactic and interactive teaching methods 1.
• Advanced Topics in Palliative Care: These sessions focus on advanced concepts in palliative medicine, presented by core faculty and guest speakers monthly.
• Journal Club: This monthly gathering promotes evidence-based practice by critically analyzing current literature in palliative care 1.
• Case Conference: A structured forum for discussing complex issues related to patient care, integrating clinical, ethical, and social dimensions.
• Psychosocial Aspects of Care: A conference dedicated to discussing the emotional and spiritual dimensions of patient care.
• Wellness Course: Focused on self-care and professional development, this course includes modules on issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.

Rotations

The fellowship affords substantial clinical exposure across various settings. Fellows can expect to engage in the following key rotations:

• Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation Service: Fellows will spend up to six months rotating through consultation services at Rush University Medical Center and Stroger Hospital, engaging with well-established interdisciplinary teams.
• Inpatient Hospice Unit: An eight-week rotation dedicated to high-acuity hospice patient care and family support.
• Home and Long-Term Care: This eight-week rotation focuses on outpatient perspectives as fellows see patients in home and long-term care settings, emphasizing continuity of care 1.
• Outpatient Clinic: Fellows will conduct outpatient palliative care consultations for half a day weekly over at least six months, enhancing their clinical skills in a structured environment.
• Electives: Opportunities for elective rotations are available, allowing fellows to tailor their training to align with personal interests, including pain management, rehabilitative medicine, and research 1.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

• Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency in fields such as Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics.
• Board eligibility or certification in the primary discipline, with the intent to complete certification.
• Eligibility to obtain an Illinois Medical License and DEA certification before the start of the fellowship.
• Application submission through the ERAS system.

Competitive Nature of the Program

This program is considered highly competitive, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The diverse care environments and comprehensive training prepare fellows for both academic and community practices in palliative care 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, providing support for J-1 or H-1B visa types which are commonly used for fellowship programs in the United States. This initiative is part of the program's commitment to fostering diverse medical talent and ensuring that all candidates meet their educational and professional aspirations in palliative medicine 1.