HonorHealth Program

The HonorHealth Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program located in Scottsdale, Arizona, designed to cultivate skilled and compassionate healthcare providers in hospice and palliative care. This fellowship offers a robust training experience in collaboration with Hospice of the Valley, a renowned not-for-profit agency, enriching the training environment with practical experience and academic resources.

Training Goals and Structure

The program aims to equip fellows with the clinical acumen and academic rigor necessary to provide high-quality palliative care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses. The curriculum is meticulously aligned with the ACGME's core competencies and emphasizes a community-focused approach in harmony with HonorHealth's mission to enhance healthcare across communities. Upon completion, fellows will be eligible for board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship encompasses a year of comprehensive clinical training. Trainees will participate in rotations across various inpatient and outpatient settings within the HonorHealth system, including HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, and Phoenix Children's Hospital, among others. The structure allows for exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios, covering all facets of palliative care.

In addition to primary clinical duties, fellows are afforded the opportunity to select elective rotations to deepen their clinical expertise in areas of interest. The fellowship also integrates didactic learning through lectures, seminars, and clinical conferences, enhancing the educational experience.

Research Opportunities and Academic Resources

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects and quality improvement initiatives throughout their training. The program collaborates with Hospice of the Valley’s Palliative Care Consortium, providing access to a wealth of resources and an established network for research and academic support.

Competitive Application Process

HonorHealth seeks candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or radiation oncology. The application process is conducted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with selection through the National Resident Matching Program's (NRMP) Medical Specialties Matching Program. Special requirements include documentation of graduation from a residency program and USMLE completion, aligning with the program's standards for excellence.

Visa Support

HonorHealth participates in the J-1 Visa program, made available through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This visa is mandatory for incoming international fellows, as HonorHealth does not sponsor H1-B visas. Canadian medical graduates must also utilize the J-1 program, ensuring robust support for successful candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Diversity and Inclusion

The HonorHealth Fellowship Program emphasizes diversity within its training environment, aiming to cultivate a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for fellows from varied backgrounds. This commitment aligns with broader healthcare equity initiatives, enabling fellows to practice high-value, patient-centered care.

Conclusion

The HonorHealth Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship represents a unique and valuable opportunity for medical graduates seeking to specialize in this rewarding field. By striking a balance between rigorous clinical training and ample research opportunities, the program prepares compassionate clinicians equipped to meet the challenges of caring for patients with life-limiting conditions.