Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program designed to train physicians as leaders in clinical care, research, and education within the field. This ACGME-accredited fellowship is administered through the Department of Medicine's Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics. Established in 2010, the fellowship has consistently maintained its accreditation and has successfully trained over 25 physicians in various primary specialties, including internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine.

Fellowship candidates can pursue either a Standard Track or a Pediatric Track, with each track offering its unique clinical rotations and exposures. The fellowship is particularly notable for integrating clinical care of both adult and pediatric patients, fostering an environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork among a robust faculty comprised of over 25 palliative medicine physicians and other healthcare professionals 1.

Curriculum Overview

During the one-year training program, fellows undergo extensive learning through clinical rotations at various sites that cater to diverse patient populations. The curriculum also includes significant didactic and experiential learning components designed to develop fellows into proficient palliative medicine specialists. The training encompasses year-long mentorship from experienced faculty, providing individualized guidance throughout the fellows' educational journey 1.

Fellowship Tracks

The program includes two specific tracks for fellows, each offering a blend of clinical and educational opportunities:

Standard Track

The Standard Track primarily focuses on adult patients with serious illnesses while providing necessary exposure to pediatric patients. This track is designed for physicians who have prior training in specialties like internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine 3.

Pediatric Track

Conversely, the Pediatric Track trains fellows in managing pediatric patients with serious illnesses while ensuring they gain experience in adult care as well. This track is ideal for physicians who have undergone training in pediatrics and aim to specialize in pediatric palliative medicine 3.

Application Process

To apply for this competitive fellowship, candidates must be board-eligible or board-certified in one of several ABMS specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and others. Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates must register for the Medical Specialties Matching Program through the NRMP 2.

During the selection process, highly qualified applicants will be invited for interviews. The interview day entails opportunities to meet current fellows, tour clinical sites, interact with interdisciplinary teams, and learn more about the program 2.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship provides myriad educational activities designed to enhance the fellows' knowledge and skills. Weekly didactics, known as Academic Half-Day, take place on Tuesdays and involve faculty presentations on core competencies in hospice and palliative medicine. The curriculum also includes a longitudinal communication component aimed at improving the fellows' communication skills 6.

Fellows are encouraged to participate in interactive sessions such as Fact, Fiction, and Fellowship (F3), where they engage with clinical issues in a relaxed setting alongside experienced professionals 6.

Fellow Wellness

The program emphasizes fellow wellness through structured support systems. This includes opportunities for self-reflection and interprofessional communication, which are crucial in the demanding field of palliative care. Periodic Process Group meetings offer fellows a safe space for discussing the emotional aspects of their work, facilitated by trained social workers 5.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is international medical graduate (IMG) friendly and provides visa sponsorship for the appropriate candidates. The program can offer J-1 or H-1B visa support to eligible fellows, ensuring that IMGs can participate in this invaluable training experience 6.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Emory Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is highly competitive, attracting applications from well-qualified candidates across various medical specialties. It does not differentiate based on the year of graduation or application history but emphasizes comprehensive training and readiness for fellowship training in palliative medicine. The program does not have a blanket policy regarding the maximum number of failed STEP exams; however, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate resilience and commitment to advancing their medical education 2.