Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University Program

The DMC/Wayne State University Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program was established in 2005 and has achieved initial ACGME accreditation as well as subsequent re-accreditation. The program was the first of its kind in Michigan, designed to offer comprehensive training in hospice and palliative medicine through a multidisciplinary approach.

Program Overview

The fellowship provides extensive opportunities for fellows to engage with patients across all age groups suffering from a variety of serious illnesses. Training includes ambulatory, inpatient, and long-term care settings, encompassing a wide scope of clinical experiences that are critical for developing well-rounded competencies in hospice and palliative medicine 1.

Training Sites

The program features several key training sites that enhance the educational experience:

• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center: A primary training site where fellows manage care for veterans with terminal illnesses. This facility includes a nursing home hospice unit and offers a variety of palliative care settings, including outpatient clinics and inpatient consultations 1.
• Karmanos Cancer Center: A National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center where fellows spend four months focusing on cancer patients with complex symptom management needs 1.
• Children's Hospital of Michigan: Offers a rotation that can vary in length and focuses on pediatric hospice and palliative medicine 1.
• Hospice of Michigan: The state’s largest nonprofit hospice, where fellows engage in home visits and interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings 1.
• Angela Hospice: Fellows gain experience in managing patients within a free-standing care center 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of weekly in-person didactics aimed at enhancing fellows' knowledge and skills in hospice and palliative medicine. These sessions include presentations from faculty and specialists on pertinent topics 4. In addition to shared didactics with other institutions, fellows are expected to participate in journal clubs and case presentations. The program also encourages scholarly activities, requiring fellows to engage in quality improvement or research projects throughout their training 4.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have the opportunity to participate in quality improvement projects and research within the field of hospice and palliative medicine. Past fellows have contributed to various academic endeavors, including case presentations and nursing education initiatives 4.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed or be on track to complete an ACGME-accredited residency in fields such as Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or others 2. Important application components include:

• At least three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a program director or department chair.
• A personal statement that emphasizes interest in hospice and palliative medicine.
• Curriculum vitae and USMLE transcript.

The program is competitive; however, it is known to be friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, providing a welcoming environment for all qualified applicants 2.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates. Typically, J-1 or H-1B visas are supported, contingent upon the eligibility of the candidate and their respective national educational credentials 1.

Unique Aspects

A distinctive feature of the fellowship is its robust network of interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, and recreational therapists. This collaborative model not only benefits fellows in clinical practice but also enhances patient care 1. Moreover, fellows are involved in faculty development initiatives, ensuring continuous learning and professional growth 4.

Additional Training Facilities

The fellowship utilizes several exceptional training facilities, including:

• Karmanos Cancer Center, known for cutting-edge cancer care and comprehensive palliative services.
• John Dingell VA Medical Center, which serves a broad veteran population.
• Angela Hospice and Hospice of Michigan, both providing extensive community-based care.
• Children's Hospital of Michigan, offering specialized pediatric training in palliative care 6.