Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Program
Specialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5405612001The Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation in La Crosse presents a unique opportunity for fellows to develop essential skills necessary for providing high-quality, patient-centered hospice and palliative care. The program is designed to train the next generation of healthcare providers to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team, ensuring that patients and their families receive dignified and compassionate care.
Fellowship Structure
This one-year fellowship is divided into 13 four-week blocks, comprising various rotations that encompass a wide array of experiences in hospice and palliative medicine. A distinctive feature of the program is the inclusion of an elective block, allowing fellows the flexibility to pursue research or customize their training based on personal interests and career aspirations.
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Core Rotations
Fellows will engage in several core rotations during their training:
- Inpatient Palliative Medicine: Conducted at the Gundersen Health System campus, fellows join an interdisciplinary team to provide consultative services, lead family meetings, and manage end-of-life care for hospitalized patients.
- Community-Based Hospice: This rotation includes visits to patients in home and community settings, focusing on comprehensive symptom management and community education.
- Palliative Medicine Clinic: Fellows will develop skills in outpatient consultative services while managing their own panel of patients over the course of the fellowship.
- Adult and Pediatric Hematology & Oncology: This combined rotation offers insight into cancer care and treatment, with a specific focus on concurrent palliative methods.
- Geriatrics/Longitudinal Care: Fellows will gain experience with geriatric syndromes and comprehensive management of older adults in community nursing facilities.
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Curriculum and Learning Opportunities
The curriculum emphasizes both clinical acumen and interpersonal skills necessary for the practice of hospice and palliative medicine. Weekly didactic sessions and monthly conferences, including the Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Medicine conference and a Palliative Medicine journal club, foster continual professional development. Furthermore, fellows will undertake a scholarly or quality improvement project, supported by dedicated research staff, which includes biostatisticians and media specialists.
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Faculty and Mentorship
The program boasts a diverse faculty of board-certified professionals from various medical backgrounds, including family medicine, geriatrics, and internal medicine. Each faculty member is committed to providing personalized mentorship to fellows, ensuring that their learning needs and professional goals are met effectively. Close collaboration occurs within the interdisciplinary teams that make up the palliative care divisions.
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Research Opportunities
Research plays a vital role in the overall educational experience of fellows. During the program, fellows are expected to complete at least one academic project and have opportunities to participate in quality improvement initiatives, thus contributing to the advancement of hospice and palliative care practices.
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Benefits Offered
The fellowship program provides substantial benefits to support fellows during their training, including paid medical premiums, funding for educational and wellness expenses, and a meal stipend. A focus on wellness is integrated into the fellowship experience, allowing fellows to balance their personal health with professional development.
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Application Process and Competitiveness
Applications for the fellowship are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Candidates must submit a complete application that includes an ECFMG certificate, personal statement, three letters of support, and transcripts from USMLE (steps 1, 2, and 3). The program is open to both H1B and J1 visa applicants, facilitating participation from international medical graduates.
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Housing and Community
Fellows are provided with housing options that promote a supportive and collegial living environment, situated close to the Gundersen medical center. The La Crosse area is renowned for its vibrant community, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences, enabling fellows to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Director
Laurence Skendzel, MDProgram Director and Core Faculty- Hospice Medical Director Appointed Since June 2024 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
60 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
12 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$75,705First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
5XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
La Crosse, WI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in La Crosse, WI
- Crime Rate and Safety: La Crosse has a moderate crime rate compared to other cities in Wisconsin. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: La Crosse offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and water sports on the Mississippi River. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues.
- Climate: La Crosse experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold with significant snowfall. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and beautiful foliage.
- Races and Population: La Crosse has a diverse population, with a majority of residents identifying as White. The city also has significant populations of Hispanic, African American, and Asian residents.
- Education: La Crosse is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The city has a strong educational system and numerous opportunities for lifelong learning.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in La Crosse is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Housing costs, utilities, and groceries are all reasonably priced.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: La Crosse is about 2.5 hours away from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 3.5 hours from Madison, Wisconsin. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population.
- Cons: Winter weather can be harsh, limited public transportation options.