Henry Ford Health/Henry Ford Hospital Program

The Henry Ford Hospital Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) Fellowship Program is a one-year, adult-focused, ACGME accredited program ideal for those looking to specialize in hospice and palliative medicine within a multidisciplinary context. The program, located in Detroit, Michigan, aims to cultivate future leaders who can enhance the quality of life for patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. Graduates are prepared to serve both community and academic settings, emphasizing their proficiency in leading interdisciplinary care teams and educating medical learners at various levels 1.

Training Environment

The primary training site for the program is Henry Ford Hospital, an 877-bed quaternary care center that accommodates 53 ACGME accredited training programs. This setting offers fellows a rich learning environment alongside nearly 700 residents and fellows. Complementing this are several additional clinical sites, providing a diverse patient population and varied disease processes enhancing the fellows' educational experiences 1.

Clinical Rotations

The clinical experience is comprehensive and includes a variety of rotations. Key components are:

• Inpatient Palliative Medicine Consult Service (22 weeks): Fellows engage in consultations across the hospital, including departments such as the Emergency Department and ICUs. They participate in advanced care scenarios involving technologies such as ECMO and multi-organ transplants 3.
• Community Hospice (8 weeks): This rotation involves working with Henry Ford Hospice, a non-profit organization that provides extensive hospice services. Fellows will initially accompany an interdisciplinary team on home visits to better understand the collaborative care model 3.
• Hospice Inpatient Unit (4 weeks): Fellows assist with acute symptom management for hospice patients in-house, gaining experience in interdisciplinary team dynamics within a hospital setting 3.
• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (4 weeks): This includes working in a community living center and providing palliative consultations for veterans 3.
• Hospice Residence (4 weeks): At Angela Hospice Care Center, fellows oversee care for hospice patients while leading care teams 3.
• Pediatric Palliative Medicine (4 weeks): At the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, fellows provide inpatient and outpatient consultations, working within a pediatric interdisciplinary team 3.
• Interventional Pain (2 weeks): Fellows participate in pain management consultations with the Interventional Pain Service, expanding their understanding of complex pain syndromes 3.
• Palliative Medicine Ambulatory Clinic (Longitudinal): Embedded within Henry Ford Cancer - Detroit, fellows provide ongoing care for oncology patients 3.
• Electives (4 weeks): Fellows may select from various electives to tailor their experience to their interests, such as Clinical Ethics and Advanced Pulmonary Disease 3.

Didactics and Communication Curriculum

Fellows participate in a structured didactics program that includes weekly sessions shared with other fellowship programs, emphasizing core HPM topics. The curriculum is enhanced by fellows' presentations and interactive workshops that focus on vital communication skills vital for HPM practice 6. The CLEAR Conversations program is a pivotal component, utilizing improvisational training to enhance communication skills 6.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program encourages fellows to engage in scholarly activities, with the requirement to complete a quality project during the training year. Several blocks of protected time are allocated for research endeavors, with opportunities for presentation at regional and national meetings 3.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency program in various specialties, including Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics, with foreign graduates needing ECFMG certification. All applicants are required to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and pass all USMLE or COMLEX exams, although there is no minimum score requirement 2. The program accepts applications solely through ERAS and participates in the NRMP. It sponsors J-1 visas but does not offer H1-B visa sponsorship 2.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The program is considered to be competitive, with emphasis placed not only on clinical excellence but also on the individuality and unique qualities each applicant brings. While it welcomes graduates from both DO and IMG backgrounds, candidates should be aware that strong letters of recommendation can significantly enhance their application prospects 2.