Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Phoenix) Program

Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a one-year Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine designed to provide comprehensive training for physicians specializing in the care of patients with advanced and life-limiting diseases. This fellowship is a collaborative initiative with Hospice of the Valley, the largest not-for-profit hospice organization in the U.S., which enhances the fellow's exposure to varied clinical environments, including home care and specialized palliative care units.

The program aims to cultivate academic leaders in palliative medicine, nurturing exceptional skills in clinical practice, research, medical education, and administration. It is consistently recognized as a top hospital in Arizona, boasting a 100% board pass rate in hospice and palliative medicine, demonstrating the quality of education and training provided in the fellowship program.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum comprises 13 blocks of clinical training, each lasting four weeks. Fellows also engage in weekly half-day clinics, augmenting their clinical experiences with ongoing didactics and research opportunities. Various elective rotations are available, allowing fellows to explore areas such as interventional pain management, hematology, pediatric palliative care, and integrative medicine, among others.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will spend significant time on an array of clinical rotations, including:

• Palliative Care Consultation Service: 20 weeks of hands-on experience assisting with symptom management and goals-of-care discussions.
• Outpatient Clinic: Weekly clinics focus on new consultations and follow-ups, with support from a multidisciplinary team including social workers and chaplains.
• Inpatient Hospice Experience: Fellows will work in Sherman Home, a 12-bed unit on the Mayo Clinic campus, as well as participate in home hospice visits.
• Pediatric Experience: A two-week rotation at Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with palliative care teams to support critically ill young patients.

Research and Academic Support

The fellowship emphasizes research training, encouraging fellows to develop and complete a research project, contribute to quality improvement projects, and participate in scholarly activities through various presentations. Opportunities for funding and support for attending national conferences are also provided, promoting professional development.

The program leverages Mayo Clinic's reputation as a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and its renowned transplant center, offering fellows exposure to advanced care techniques and approaches.

Administrative and Business Training

Fellows get insight into the administrative components of palliative care, essential for those aiming to assume leadership roles in the future. This includes understanding healthcare policies, operations within hospice settings, and navigating complex healthcare systems.

Visa Support and Application Process

The program offers visa support, enabling it to sponsor H-1B visas, allowing international graduates to participate in the fellowship. This is integral for ensuring a diverse group of fellows who bring varied perspectives to the care of patients.

Three positions are available each year, and acceptance is competitive. Applicants should have completed a residency in a relevant field accredited by ACGME or AOA. Applications require submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), along with necessary documentation, by August 1 of the year prior to fellowship commencement.

Alumni Outcomes and Faculty Support

The fellowship emphasizes a team-based approach to care, involving collaboration with physicians, advanced practice providers, social workers, and chaplaincy. The faculty consists of board-certified specialists who are dedicated to training fellows, offering mentorship in clinical practice and research.

Graduates of the program have gone on to become leaders in palliative medicine, contributing to academia and patient care with a strong foundation of skills acquired during their fellowship years.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The application process is highly competitive, making prior residency performance and experience in specialties that engage with palliative care critical. There may be specific requirements regarding the year of graduation and any failed attempts at board examinations. The fellowship aims to select individuals who have not only excelled academically but are also passionate about the field.