Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, is designed for physicians seeking to guide patients and families through the challenges of incurable diseases and life-threatening illnesses. This one-year program emphasizes a patient-centered and compassionate approach, grounded in evidence-based practices, aiming to optimize the quality of life by addressing suffering alongside various physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs

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Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is comprehensive, focusing on multidisciplinary holistic pain and symptom management as well as the history of hospice and palliative medicine. A key focus is on understanding both the patient and family unit, advocating for shared decision-making in treatment options, and promoting the patient’s autonomy within the healthcare system. Practical experience involves active participation in the care of patients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of varying patient needs and treatment approaches

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During the 12-month fellowship, participants will learn:

• To assess prognostic criteria for life-limiting illnesses and develop functional assessments.
• Appropriate palliative treatment options through empathetic discussion with patients and families.
• Techniques for conducting home visits as a vital component of end-of-life care.
• Collaboration with the Ethics Committee and developing action plans driven by patient needs.
• Leading palliative care team meetings and coordinating family meetings.
• Research skills, including the ability to design and complete a research project under the guidance of experienced clinician-researchers while contributing to ongoing clinical trials.

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Training Environment

The fellowship is situated in a specialized environment which includes an inpatient palliative care team, an inpatient hospice team, an outpatient palliative care team, and an outpatient hospice team serving a variety of settings—including patients' homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that fellows gain exposure to both inpatient and outpatient palliative care services, thus enriching their training experience significantly

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Research Opportunities

Fellows will find exceptional research opportunities within the program. With access to a broad spectrum of resources, participants can expect to engage actively in designing research projects relevant to palliative medicine, thereby enhancing their knowledge base and contributing to the body of literature in this vital field. Performance evaluations throughout the fellowship will ensure that fellows are meeting the educational requirements and fostering continual professional development

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Application Process

Admission to the fellowship is competitive, with one position available each year. Eligibility requires completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited graduate program in relevant specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, or neurology, among others. All applications must be submitted by August 31 of the preceding year, and candidates will undergo interviews from September to November. Notably, applicants must also register for the designated matching process administered by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

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Visa Support and Eligibility

The program supports visa applications for qualified international medical graduates. Most commonly, this includes sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. Successful applicants will receive assistance navigating the visa process, ensuring their ability to participate fully in this elite training opportunity

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Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, with acceptance largely based on overall performance during medical education and the applicant's potential to excel in hospice and palliative medicine. The program is open to both U.S. osteopathic and international medical graduates, fostering a diverse cohort of trainees who can learn from each other’s experiences

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Department and Faculty

The division of Palliative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is staffed by a diverse group of specialized healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. This multidisciplinary team structure allows fellows to gain a thorough understanding of the multifaceted approaches needed for effective patient care in palliative settings

4. Faculty members are not only dedicated to patient care but also to education, providing fellows with access to published authors and expert mentors throughout their training

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