Eastern Maine Medical Center Program
Location:
Bangor, MESpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402212115Program Overview
The Eastern Maine Medical Center Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is a multidisciplinary fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training in palliative care. This program is housed within the Northern Light Health system, situated in Bangor, Maine, and is dedicated to developing expertise in symptom management, end-of-life care, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Residents in this program benefit from an integrated approach to patient care, allowing them to engage with specialists from various fields, including oncology, geriatrics, and pain management, enhancing the overall learning experience and patient outcomes 1.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship focuses on training fellows in the essential aspects of palliative care. This includes hands-on training in various settings, exposure to complex cases, and participation in interdisciplinary rounds. Fellows will spend time in inpatient settings, outpatient clinics, and potentially community settings to fully understand the breadth of palliative care practice.
Essential Components
The program emphasizes several core components:
- Symptom Management: Fellows will learn advanced skills in addressing common symptoms in serious illness, such as pain, nausea, and dyspnea, using both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in palliative care. The program will include training on breaking bad news, discussing goals of care, and facilitating family meetings.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fellows will work alongside various healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and chaplains, providing a holistic approach to patient care.
Rotations
The fellowship comprises diverse rotations that integrate inpatient and outpatient experiences. Residents will rotate through various practice areas, including:
- Inpatient Palliative Care: Training will take place in the hospital's inpatient palliative care team, providing comprehensive care to hospitalized patients with serious illnesses.
- Outpatient Palliative Care: Fellows will evaluate and manage patients with complex needs in an outpatient clinic setting.
- Home-Based Palliative Care: In select rotations, fellows will have the opportunity to provide home-based palliative care to patients, learning to manage care in a patient’s most comfortable environment.
Research Opportunities
In addition to clinical training, the program encourages participation in research. Fellows can engage in quality improvement projects and clinical research under the guidance of faculty mentors. The fellowship aims to foster an environment conducive to scholarly activity, including the opportunity to present research findings at national conferences 2.
Competitive Nature
The Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship at Eastern Maine Medical Center is considered competitive. Candidates are typically expected to have completed an accredited residency program in family medicine, internal medicine, or a relevant specialty. The program values diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those from DO and IMG candidates, promoting a friendly environment for all qualified applicants.
Application Requirements
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:
- Completion of a residency program in an appropriate specialty.
- Submit a complete application through the designated application portal.
- Providing three letters of recommendation.
- An interview is required for final acceptance into the program.
Visa Support
The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. It primarily sponsors J-1 visas, which facilitate training and residency completion in the U.S. This is crucial for IMGs seeking to gain invaluable experience in a palliative care setting.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinguishing features of the fellowship is its commitment to serving rural and underserved populations, reflecting the values of Northern Light Health. The program's integration with local communities aims to help address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality palliative care services 3.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows receive a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which may include health insurance, malpractice coverage, paid vacation, and support for educational expenses. This enables fellows to focus on their training and professional development during their time in the program 4.
Website
Director
Cosmina I Fachiol, MDPalliative Care Physician, Director, EMMC Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Appointed Since July 2013Coordinator
Program
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Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
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-Location
Bangor, ME 04401
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Bangor, ME
Bangor, ME is a small city located in the state of Maine. Here is a breakdown of various aspects related to living in Bangor:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Bangor is generally considered a safe city with a lower crime rate compared to larger cities in the U.S. However, like any city, it is recommended to take necessary precautions.
- Fun Activities: Bangor offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing. It also has cultural attractions like museums and theaters.
- Climate: Bangor experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. Snowfall is common during the winter months.
- Races and Population: The population of Bangor is diverse with a mix of different races and backgrounds.
- Education: Bangor is home to several educational institutions including the University of Maine, offering opportunities for further studies.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Bangor is moderate compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Bangor is around 2 hours away from Portland, ME and about 4 hours away from Boston, MA by car. Portland offers a vibrant urban setting while Boston is a major cultural and economic hub.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, safe community, outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Cons: Limited nightlife options, colder winters.
Interview Questions
