Naples Comprehensive Health Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Naples Comprehensive Health provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to training in hospice and palliative care. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship program is designed to cultivate physician leaders equipped to handle the multifaceted aspects of patient care in this field.1

Program Overview

The fellowship hosts two fellows per year at Naples Comprehensive Health, located in Naples, Florida. This program is situated within a rapidly growing academic community hospital that boasts a complete and dedicated palliative care interdisciplinary team. Trainees engage in a mixture of clinical, didactic, and research opportunities that cover both primary and specialty approaches to palliative care. Such an immersive experience allows fellows to develop proficiencies in providing holistic care to patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes in-depth education featuring goals of care conversations, advanced pain and symptom management, as well as spiritual and emotional support for patients and their families. Fellows are actively involved in both inpatient and outpatient palliative care teams at the primary training site. Secondary experiences at hospice organizations and long-term care facilities offer additional context and exposure to diverse patient populations.1

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program emphasizes research in hospice and palliative medicine, encouraging fellows to engage in projects that lead to clinical innovations and advancements. Faculty members provide mentorship and guidance throughout the research process, enabling fellows to contribute meaningfully to the field.1

Training Sites

Fellows benefit significantly from the primary site at Naples Comprehensive Health, located in a community with a diverse patient demographic. Secondary sites include various hospice organizations that cater to patients in home, hospital, and long-term care settings, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of patient care across various environments.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa categories. This assistance allows international fellows to gain valuable experience and training in the United States, thereby fostering a multicultural learning environment within the program.2

Competitiveness

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Naples is considered competitive. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates, are encouraged to apply. While the selection process is rigorous, the program seeks to build a talented cohort of fellows committed to excellence in palliative care.2

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the program must have graduated from medical school and completed at least one residency. There are specific considerations related to prior examinations, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE); thus, a maximum of one failed attempt on any STEP exam is typically accepted. These criteria help ensure that fellows are well-prepared to thrive in the demanding environment of hospice and palliative medicine.2