MaineHealth Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at MaineHealth is a comprehensive one-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Established within Maine Medical Center, the fellowship seeks to develop proficient specialists in interdisciplinary palliative care. The program is designed to groom future leaders dedicated to enhancing care for patients with serious illnesses.

Program Structure

The fellowship currently enrolls four fellows annually and is open to applicants from various medical specialties, allowing for diverse training and insights. Candidates can come from Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine, thus enriching the learning environment with varied experiences.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows engage in clinical rotations across multiple training sites, including MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC), the Veterans Administration Hospital in Augusta, and Hospice of Southern Maine. These sites provide ample opportunity for hands-on experience with a broad spectrum of palliative and hospice care conditions:

• MaineHealth Maine Medical Center: This is a tertiary academic medical center with comprehensive adult and pediatric palliative medicine services available both in inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Togus VA Medical System: Offers significant exposure to inpatient palliative care, hospice units, and long-term care facilities.
• Hospice of Southern Maine: Provides extensive training in Medicare-certified home-hospice and inpatient hospice care.

Additionally, fellows have opportunities for elective rotations at other local hospice agencies to gain skills in specialized fields such as rural palliative medicine, heart failure management, geriatrics, and pediatric palliative care.

Didactic Curriculum

The educational aspect includes structured didactics twice a month that incorporate grand rounds, case discussions, journal clubs, and communication skill trainings. The curriculum covers critical topics such as:

• Symptom management in various diseases
• Prognosis estimation and communication
• Ethics and spiritual care integration
• End-of-life planning and family meetings

Sessions are enriched through state-of-the-art simulation laboratories to better equip fellows with essential communication skills in an interdisciplinary setting. The collaboration with other Northern New England programs further enhances the educational experience through joint retreats focusing on critical palliative care skills.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to complete a scholarly project during their training, with an emphasis on quality improvement, research ventures, and practical applications of palliative medicine. They are also provided with resources to engage in research through the Center for Interdisciplinary Population and Health Research (CIPHR) at the MaineHealth Institute for Research. Past fellow initiatives have included a variety of impactful projects published in relevant healthcare journals.

Support for International Medical Graduates

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship accepts J-1 visa candidates, ensuring support for international medical graduates (IMGs) wishing to train in this innovative program.

Application Process

Applicants are required to have completed three years of residency in an accredited program and must submit essential documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Important application materials include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal statement and letters of recommendation
• Transcripts and proof of eligibility status

Interviews are typically conducted in the fall for positions starting in July, with decisions communicated via the ERAS platform.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The MaineHealth fellowship program prides itself on being DO and IMG-friendly, inviting a diverse range of applicants. The program is competitive, given its structure and comprehensive training across multiple settings.

Well-being and Work-life Balance

MaineHealth emphasizes the importance of self-care for its fellows, promoting resources focused on resident well-being while they navigate this intense but rewarding training.

Living in Portland, Maine

Fellows can look forward to life in Portland, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene, historical milieu, and proximity to stunning landscapes. The program supports fellows’ engagement with the community and the opportunity to enjoy various recreational activities.