--
Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program
Overview
The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital, offers a comprehensive training experience for physicians looking to specialize in this critical area of healthcare. This fellowship emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to pain and symptom management, bringing together expertise from various fields to enhance patient care.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum integrates clinical rotations with didactic education, ensuring that fellows receive a well-rounded learning experience. Core components of the program include:- Clinical Rotations: Fellows engage in clinical rotations that provide exposure to various patient populations, including inpatients at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, patients in community settings, and consults within the affiliated hospitals.
- Didactic Sessions: Regular seminars and lectures cover topics such as pain management, symptom control, ethical dilemmas in palliative care, and the psychological aspects of dealing with serious illness.
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: Fellows work closely with a range of healthcare professionals, including social workers, chaplains, and nursing staff, to form a collaborative team approach to patient care.
Research Opportunities
Research is a pivotal element of the training offered in this fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects that advance the field of hospice and palliative medicine. This can include:- Clinical Trials: Collaborating on clinical studies designed to investigate innovative treatments and approaches in palliative care.
- Quality Improvement Projects: Engaging in initiatives aimed at improving patient care processes and outcomes within the Fellowship training sites.
Mentorship and Professional Development
Fellows benefit from personalized mentorship throughout the program, fostering academic growth and clinical excellence. Experienced faculty members are dedicated to guiding fellows in their professional development, aiding in research endeavors, and facilitating networking within the hospice and palliative care community.Training Sites
The program is anchored at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer treatment and research, where fellows have access to innovative care approaches and groundbreaking clinical research. Additional training sites include Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, providing a robust experience across multiple clinical settings.Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates who meet specific eligibility criteria. Common visa types supported include J-1 visas, which are specifically suited for graduate medical education. The program is committed to facilitating a smooth process for international applicants, ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.Competitiveness and Application Requirements
This fellowship program is highly competitive and welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Special attention is given to applicants with unique experiences or backgrounds. Notably, there may be specific application requirements related to the candidate's year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams, ensuring that successful applicants meet established standards of educational achievement.Diversity and Inclusion
The program espouses values around diversity and inclusion. Efforts are made to recruit a diverse cohort of fellows, reflecting the communities served and enhancing the cultural competency of the training experience.In summary, the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliates with Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital offers a unique opportunity for physicians to further their education in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment, enriching their practice and preparing them to provide leading-edge palliative care to diverse populations.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 23, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:7.7X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $95,344 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
49 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
49 Publications (5 yr)
The dominant role of geriatrics vulnerabilities and comorbidities in readmissions after colorectal surgery: Shifting from "nonmodifiable" to "actionable" risk.
Long-term trends in HIV-related stigma among older adults with and without HIV: a cohort study from Mbarara, Uganda.
Location
Boston, MA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Boston, MA
Crime Rate and Safety
Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.
Fun Activities
Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.
Climate
Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.
Races and Population
Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.
Education
Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.
Cost of Living
Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.
Pros
- Rich history
- cultural diversity
- top educational institutions
- vibrant arts scene.
Cons
- High cost of living
- higher crime rate in certain areas.
FAQ
Ready to Find Your Ideal Residency Program?
Get a personalized, data-driven program list built around your scores, experiences, and visa needs.
Nearby programs
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary) Programs Near Boston, MA
Other specialties near Boston, MA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/5402414046
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US2507000
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr