Geisinger Health System (Wilkes-Barre) Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Geisinger Health System in Wilkes-Barre provides an extensive one-year training program designed to equip fellows with the skills necessary to offer compassionate care to patients facing serious or terminal illnesses. The program emphasizes community practice with a focus on managing complex medical conditions and enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Fellows in this program will receive training in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, delivering them a well-rounded experience in hospice and palliative medicine. Core components of the fellowship include a robust structure of rotations, didactic learning sessions, and specialized electives.

Curriculum Overview

Core rotations that fellows will complete during their training include:

• Inpatient palliative medicine consult service
• Home and inpatient hospice
• Long-term care
• Ambulatory clinic
• Complex pediatrics

Additionally, fellows participate in weekly didactic seminars covering a range of topics such as symptom management and spiritual care. Elective rotations are also available, allowing fellows to tailor their education according to personal interests and career goals. Possible elective areas include:

• Interventional pain
• Addiction medicine
• Chaplaincy
• Pediatric palliative care
• Ethics
• Advanced heart failure
• Radiation oncology
• Medical oncology
• Geriatrics

Fellows will complete a scholarly project during their tenure, which involves research or performance improvement, culminating in a presentation at a Grand Rounds session. Publication of findings is encouraged but not mandated.

Training Sites

The training takes place at multiple facilities, including:

• Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton
• Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre
• Allied Services Hospice, a community hospice agency
• St. Joseph’s Center and the Trinity Child Care Center for pediatric experience

This diversity in training sites allows fellows to interact with a broad spectrum of patients, broadening their exposure to different facets of care.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program prides itself on a diverse faculty comprised of professionals from various medical backgrounds. This includes core faculty members who are deeply invested in the education and mentorship of fellows. Specific faculty members may include experts in pharmacy, chaplaincy, and multiple medical specialties, offering fellows a rich interdisciplinary learning experience. The program director emphasizes enhancing community access to critical services like palliative care, ensuring fellows receive both comprehensive clinical training and community engagement opportunities.

Competitiveness and Application Guidelines

This fellowship program is highly competitive and accepts only one fellow per year. To be eligible for application, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in specified areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics, among others. Applicants may submit their application through the program's website or via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Application requirements include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a dean's letter, medical school transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX transcripts. The program also accommodates international medical graduates by providing visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, ensuring a supportive environment for all qualified candidates.

Fellow Quality of Life

Understanding the importance of work-life balance, the program encourages a supportive and community-oriented environment. The geographical location in northeastern Pennsylvania not only allows access to urban conveniences but also to outdoor activities, promoting overall well-being during the rigorous fellowship training. Fellows are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between professional obligations and personal time, creating a fulfilling experience throughout the year.