Johns Hopkins University Program
Location:
Baltimore, MDSpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402314104Overview of the Program
The Johns Hopkins University Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is a postgraduate clinical fellowship designed to cultivate specialized palliative medicine physicians. The 12-month program provides comprehensive training in various clinical settings to develop robust practitioners, educators, and leaders in the field. The program was initially accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2012 and has since successfully maintained its accreditation.
1Curriculum Structure
The curriculum encompasses diverse clinical rotations across multiple facilities, ensuring exposure to various patient demographics, clinical acuity, and treatment contexts. Each training site is overseen by a dedicated site director, facilitating mentorship tailored to fellows' individual learning needs. The fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with fellows working closely with specialists from various medical domains, enhancing their clinical acumen.
1Weekly seminars promote peer learning where fellows participate in didactic sessions, grand rounds, and a journal club. Notable educational components include:
- Core Palliative Medicine didactic sessions every Tuesday, fostering a collaborative educational atmosphere.
- Monthly Grand Rounds focused on contemporary issues in palliative care.
- An annual Palli-Talk conference that emphasizes communication skills within medical contexts.
Training Sites
The fellowship training occurs across prominent facilities, each providing unique opportunities:
- Johns Hopkins Hospital and Children's Center
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- Gilchrist hospice facilities, including home hospice and inpatient care
- Pediatric rehabilitation at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital
- Ambulatory pediatric pain management at the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Research Opportunities
The program actively encourages research initiatives in palliative care, focusing on symptom management, quality assurance, and enhancing communication strategies for serious illness discussions. Active research studies include:
- Integration of palliative care into oncology.
- Quality improvement initiatives for patients receiving palliative care.
- Innovative communication tools to enhance decision-making and patient interactions.
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows benefit from competitive salary packages, comprehensive medical insurance for dependents, and funding allocations for attending conferences relevant to palliative care. The program offers a flexible vacation policy, allowing fellows four weeks of leave annually, which can be utilized in one or two-week increments, facilitating study and examination preparations.
1Johns Hopkins University places a strong emphasis on wellness, providing psychological support, mindfulness sessions, and various resources targeting stress management. The atmosphere promotes inclusivity and diversity among fellows, allowing individuals from varied backgrounds to thrive professionally.
1Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship, with opportunities for H-1B and J-1 visa types, catering to both international medical graduates (IMGs) and those seeking long-term residency. Moreover, the program actively supports applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including those with Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degrees.
3Application Requirements
Special application criteria are in place for prospective fellows. Candidates typically need to hold a medical degree from an accredited institution and may be required to provide documentation regarding their performance in United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). The program places significant emphasis on clinical experience, research involvement, and personal statements that reflect on candidates' motivations for pursuing a career in hospice and palliative medicine. Specific thresholds regarding graduation years and maximum failed examinations may also apply to streamline candidate selection.
3Competitiveness
The Johns Hopkins University Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is notably competitive, attracting candidates from across the globe. It embraces a diverse applicant pool, being friendly towards DOs and IMGs, making it an attractive choice for candidates with varied medical backgrounds. The comprehensive training and mentorship provided significantly enhance fellows' prospects of securing prominent roles post-fellowship.
2Website
Director
Danielle Doberman, MD, MPHMedical Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins Hospital Appointed Since July 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Baltimore, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Baltimore, MD - Program Location Overview
- Crime Rate and Safety: Baltimore has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with some areas being safer than others. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety before moving.
- Fun Activities: Baltimore offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Inner Harbor, museums, historic sites, and waterfront activities. There are also parks, nightlife spots, and diverse dining options to explore.
- Climate: Baltimore experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities enjoyable during those times.
- Races and Population: Baltimore is a diverse city with a significant African American population. It also has a mix of other races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant culture and communities.
- Education: Baltimore is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's intellectual landscape.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Baltimore is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. Rent and home prices can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Baltimore is about an hour's drive away from Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Both cities offer their own unique attractions, cultural experiences, and job opportunities for residents willing to commute.
- Pros: Diverse population, cultural attractions, educational opportunities, proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, slightly above average cost of living, extreme weather conditions.
Interview Questions
