Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Program

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

The Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train fellows in providing compassionate care through an interdisciplinary approach to children with life-threatening illnesses. This program emphasizes the need to deliver care that respects the diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of patients and families. With an average of 300 patient consults per year, the program aims to equip fellows with the clinical skills and knowledge needed to manage complex palliative care scenarios.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship consists of a 12-block rotation calendar, offering training across various inpatient units within the hospital. Fellows participate actively as members of interdisciplinary consultation teams in units such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), medical-surgical units, and the Cancer Institute. During these rotations, fellows gain comprehensive exposure to palliative care assessments, acute and non-acute symptom management, ethical decision-making, and patient-family counseling, which are critical components of holistic pediatric care 1.

Research and Education

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, including quality improvement projects and research opportunities. Didactic lectures are held weekly, offering the foundation for ongoing education throughout the fellowship year 2. Additionally, the program emphasizes mentorship and communication training, key areas for developing leadership skills in pediatric palliative care.

Training Approach

The program seeks candidates committed to high-quality, empathic pediatric care, instilling a focus on leadership within the field of pediatric hospice and palliative medicine. Fellows will participate in teaching residents, ensuring a collaborative environment aimed at fostering educational growth for all participants 1.

Facilities and Resources

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital is equipped with various diagnostic laboratories and imaging services to support the fellows' training and clinical duties. The hospital's interdisciplinary team includes a diverse range of specialists who contribute to a comprehensive support network for fellow education and patient care 1.

Application and Requirements

Fellowship candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency program and be eligible for a State of Florida Medical Training License to apply. This position is filled through the National Resident Matching Program. Notably, the program is friendly towards applicants with a DO degree and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) 1.

Visa Support

For international applicants, the program supports J-1 visa sponsorship, which is vital for non-US citizens looking to pursue their fellowship in the United States 2.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive a salary and benefits package that includes professional liability insurance, health insurance options, vacation days, sick leave, and opportunities for professional membership reimbursements. An educational stipend of $3000 is also provided to support fellows attending conferences and workshops 2.

In summary, the Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital represents a robust and supportive training environment. This program enhances the fellows' abilities to deliver compassionate and expert care to children while promoting an interdisciplinary approach to palliative care.