Geisinger Health System Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Geisinger Health System is designed to train physicians within an integrated healthcare organization, focusing on patient care, education, research, and community service. This ACGME-accredited program offers a one-year fellowship that accepts two fellows annually and emphasizes a compassionate approach to guiding patients and families through serious illnesses.

The curriculum of the fellowship is crafted to ensure fellows gain comprehensive insight and skill in the assessment and management of patients with serious illnesses in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and community environments. By the culmination of the fellowship, participants are expected to be proficient in the six ACGME core competencies: Patient care, Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning and improvement, Interpersonal and communication skills, Professionalism, and Systems-based practice 1.

Training Rotations and Electives

During the fellowship year, fellows undergo multiple rotations designed to provide hands-on experience. The training includes:

• Inpatient: Palliative consults and inpatient hospice (6 months)
• Home hospice (2.5 months)
• Home palliative care (2 weeks)
• Long-term care (nursing home) (1 month)
• Ambulatory clinic: half a day/week throughout the year
• Elective rotations (1 month) including options such as interventional pain, medical oncology, ethics, or other surgical subspecialties based on interest

Fellows are also encouraged to pursue electives tailored to their interests, ensuring a personalized training experience 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship incorporates a robust didactic component, with a schedule of comprehensive core curriculum conferences that cover lecture topics like ethics in palliative care, the history of palliative care, advanced care planning, prognostication, and addiction 1. These lectures are complemented with journal club activities, where fellows present cases and participate in discussions, enhancing both their learning and teaching skills.

Research Opportunities and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are required to conduct a research project or a quality improvement initiative during the program. The fellowship supports various scholarly activities and encourages fellows to submit their work to national, state, and local meetings 1. This emphasis on research fosters a culture of inquiry and critical thinking among participants.

Faculty Mentorship and Support

Participants are mentored by a diverse team of faculty members who are board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine. The faculty actively engages with fellows in teaching, case discussions, and leadership training, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for future career paths in palliative medicine 1.

Location Benefits

Training occurs in Danville, Pennsylvania—a location known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and low cost of living. The proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C., provides fellows with convenient access to weekend getaways 1.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an accredited program in specific medical fields. Applications can be submitted directly or through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and must include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, medical school transcript, and exam transcripts. The program does not have a cutoff score for board exams; however, passing on the first attempt is expected 2.

Visa Support

The program supports international graduates by providing sponsorship for visa types compatible with its training structure, ensuring that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can participate in the fellowship 2.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Geisinger is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program seeks to engage passionate physicians eager to enrich their expertise in hospice and palliative medicine 2.