Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota, is designed to train future leaders in the field of hospice and palliative medicine through a comprehensive curriculum that includes both clinical training and academic preparation. The fellowship lasts for one year and encompasses a wide array of clinical experiences, research opportunities, and didactic training.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship includes 12 months of clinical training with an emphasis on outpatient palliative medicine, structured around a 3+1 format. This structure divides each four-week block into three weeks of uninterrupted service rotation followed by one week dedicated to outpatient duties. During the outpatient week, fellows engage in two full days at the palliative medicine clinic, one day of core didactics, and two scholarly or wellness days, allowing time for research and academic growth 1.

Rotation Schedule

Clinical rotations are diversified into various key areas:

• Palliative Care Consultation Service: Fellows spend time providing inpatient consultative services, working within an interprofessional team that includes various specialists, who help foster a collaborative approach to patient care.
• Inpatient Palliative Care Service (IPCS): This unit focuses on managing complex symptoms in patients with oncological diseases. Rather than merely participating in patient care, fellows take on supervisory roles that include teaching responsibilities.
• Palliative Medicine Clinic: Fellows manage their patient panel, providing longitudinal palliative care that addresses a range of serious illnesses, ensuring continuity during transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings.
• Combined Inpatient/Outpatient Hospice: This rotation models the responsibilities of a hospice medical director, allowing fellows to gain experience in providing end-of-life care.
• Pediatrics: Fellows spend time with the pediatric palliative medicine consult service, including inpatient and outpatient consultations and home visits.
• Electives: Elective rotations cover various specialties, including pain management, radiation oncology, and integrative medicine, providing fellows with the opportunity to tailor their learning according to personal interests.

Fellows also benefit from no in-house calls, with call responsibilities managed from home, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Engagement in research is a pivotal aspect of the fellowship, with dedicated time allocated for scholarly activities. Fellows conduct a mentored research project and participate in quality improvement initiatives, furthering their academic skills. The fellowship encourages submitting findings to national conferences, ensuring visibility within the academic community 3.

Didactic Training

The fellowship extensively integrates didactic training, comprising various components:

• Weekly Conferences: Mandatory noon conferences cover complex cases, wellness, and journal discussions.
• Grand Rounds: Quarterly lectures by expert speakers provide exposure to cutting-edge topics in palliative medicine.
• Monthly Workshops: Each month, fellows engage in workshops that emphasize teaching skills, mentorship, and leadership development.

Faculty and Mentorship

Education is led by a dedicated faculty comprising board-certified palliative medicine clinicians, who provide mentorship through daily bedside teaching as well as formal didactic sessions. This creates an environment where fellows can learn and expand their skills in palliative medicine, enhancing their clinical acumen 4.

Life as a Fellow

The fellowship prioritizes wellness through various support resources. Access to the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center is available for physical training and wellness activities, while emotional and social wellness is encouraged through various campus groups established for fellow networking and support 5. The Mayo Clinic promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all fellows through various initiatives aimed at fostering a diverse workforce.

Eligibility and Competitiveness

For potential applicants, it is important to note that the fellowship is competitive, with only three positions available each year. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program or a significant portion of such a program. The importance placed on diversity also means that applications from Women and underrepresented groups in medicine are encouraged 6.

Visa Support and Application

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in this rigorous training program. Specific details about the types of visas sponsored should be clarified during the application process, as they may vary.