MedStar Health Georgetown University Program

The MedStar Health—Washington Hospital Center Fellowship Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers a comprehensive interprofessional training experience designed to cultivate expertise in palliative care. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship program prioritizes an integrative approach that encompasses a unique blend of disciplines, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, pharmacists, and chaplains, all committed to addressing the holistic needs of seriously ill patients. The program is affiliated with Georgetown University School of Medicine, enhancing its academic rigor and research capacity.

Why Train Here

The fellowship emphasizes interprofessional education with participation from a diverse faculty, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Fellows are provided opportunities to educate other healthcare professionals while participating in varied clinical settings. Training spans from outpatient supportive oncology clinics to high-acuity environments like surgical intensive care units, preparing fellows to provide palliative care throughout the continuum of serious illness and beyond.

Curriculum

The curriculum is multifaceted, featuring innovative didactics and experiential learning. Fellows engage in case conferences that allow for in-depth discussions of difficult cases and participate in lectures from both faculty and visiting disease state experts. Additional components include:

• Journal Clubs to analyze landmark literature in the field.
• Communication Workshops aimed at enhancing vital dialogue skills.
• Morbidity and Mortality Conferences that scrutinize quality and safety in patient care.

Moreover, fellows are encouraged to pursue elective rotations tailored to their personal interests. Options include clinical ethics, consult liaison psychiatry, cancer rehabilitation, and research opportunities, promoting individual professional growth.

Rotations

Primary training occurs at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, a key tertiary care facility renowned for its trauma, burn, and cancer centers. Clinical rotations may include major disease entities such as neurosurgical conditions, gynecological and surgical oncological diseases, and advanced heart failure management. The program also offers partnerships with Capital Caring Health, facilitating a robust hospice experience, and Children’s National Medical Center for pediatric palliative care training.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are integrated into research projects covering quality improvement, adding an academic dimension to their clinical practice. This practice culminates in a year-end capstone project, allowing fellows to present their findings and showcase the culmination of their scholarly activities.

Application Information

Applications are accepted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with a matching process conducted through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants are expected to meet specific criteria:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program.
• Board certification or eligibility in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, neurology, or related fields.

Additionally, applicants must present a curriculum vitae, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a USMLE transcript. The program supports J-1 visa applications for international medical graduates.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

The MedStar Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship stands as a competitive program. It is welcoming towards applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including DO and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, being highly competitive is an essential characteristic, ensuring that fellows are selected based on their commitment to palliative care and demonstrated expertise in relevant medical domains.

Benefits and Support

Comprehensive support structures exist for fellows, including access to resources within the MedStar Health system, the largest healthcare provider in the region. Additional resources are available for emotional, academic, and clinical wellbeing, ensuring fellows thrive throughout their training.