Duke University Hospital Program

Established in 2005, the Duke Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is a one-year ACGME accredited program focused on training future leaders in the field of hospice and palliative care. The program aims to provide comprehensive training that incorporates both clinical and educational components. It emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients facing serious illnesses and their families. Fellows who complete the program gain extensive experience in the clinical practice of hospice and palliative medicine across diverse inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring exposure to various patient populations and clinical scenarios 1.

The fellowship combines an intensive curriculum with hands-on experience, equipping fellows with essential skills in patient care, teaching, evidence-based medicine, and leadership. Each fellow receives one-on-one mentoring from distinguished professionals in the field, allowing for personalized guidance and support throughout the fellowship 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum in the Duke Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is meticulously designed to encompass several vital aspects of palliative care. The educational experience includes didactic lectures, workshops, and practical training sessions, allowing fellows to develop a strong foundation in the principles and practices of hospice and palliative medicine. Fellows engage in patient care, where they learn to manage symptoms and provide emotional support to patients and their families, thus enhancing their clinical skills 1.

Rotations

Fellows participate in various rotations that expose them to different practice settings within the palliative care spectrum. These include inpatient palliative care services, outpatient consultations, hospice care, and pediatric palliative medicine. Each rotation focuses on distinct areas of practice, enabling fellows to understand the broad applications of palliative care across age groups and settings 1.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities. Fellows are provided with the opportunity to collaborate on ongoing research projects or initiate their own investigations within the realm of hospice and palliative medicine. The faculty consists of leaders in research and clinical practice who guide fellows through the research process, from identifying relevant questions to investigating solutions that can impact patient care 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Duke Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach, integrating specialties such as medicine, nursing, and social work into the care model. This collaborative experience teaches fellows the importance of teamwork and communication in providing holistic care to patients. Additionally, fellows benefit from the program's association with the Duke Center for Palliative Care, ensuring access to advanced resources and expertise 3.

Competitiveness

The Fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants. It is open to graduates of both MD and DO programs, making it an IMG-friendly choice as well. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to the field through relevant experiences, personal statements, and strong letters of recommendation. Specific requirements for application include transcripts from medical school, USMLE transcripts (Steps 1, 2, & 3), and three letters of recommendation, which must include a letter from the chair or program director of the applicant's residency 2.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for applicable international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, permitting qualified applicants to train in the United States. Prospective fellows are advised to clarify their visa status during the application process to ensure all documentation is in order 2.

Application Process

Applications to the Duke Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program, which allows for a structured matching process. After an initial review of completed applications, selected candidates are invited for virtual interviews, providing an opportunity for potential fellows to engage with the faculty and learn more about the program 2.

Program Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty at the Duke Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship comprises experienced professionals who are leaders in palliative care. The mentorship provided is considered a hallmark of the program, with each fellow receiving dedicated guidance tailored to their specific interests and career goals. The faculty members are actively engaged in clinical practice and research, further enriching the educational experience for fellows 3.

Current Fellows

The fellowship also showcases a vibrant community of current fellows, providing a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Interaction among fellows fosters collaboration and offers valuable insights into navigating the field of hospice and palliative medicine 4.