Specialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5403512003Overview
The Nuvance Health Consortium provides an ACGME-accredited Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. The fellowship is designed for those who wish to develop advanced skills in the domains of communication, symptom management, and quality of life improvement for patients facing serious illnesses. As the program officially started in July 2023, it accommodates three fellows per year, allowing them to immerse in a comprehensive training environment focused on patient-centered care.
Program Objectives
The primary aim of the fellowship is to equip fellows with expertise in managing complex communication situations, establishing goals of care, and understanding the intricacies involved in pain and symptom management. At the end of the fellowship, graduates will not only excel in these areas but will also be adept in providing end-of-life care, contributing to better patient quality of life.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program | Nuvance Health Learning InstituteTraining Environment
The training is predominantly conducted at Vassar Brothers Medical Center (VBMC), a 350-bed facility that incorporates a robust and busy Inpatient Palliative Medicine Consult Service. Fellows participate in rounding with interdisciplinary teams across various settings, including surgical floors, the intensive care unit, and emergency departments, providing comprehensive palliative care assessments and management.
Clinical Rotations
The fellowship includes diverse rotations that span various palliative care settings:
- Inpatient Palliative Medicine Consult Service: Here, fellows will engage directly with patients admitted to VBMC, where they will conduct comprehensive consultations with primary care and specialty teams.
- Outpatient Palliative Care: Through established outpatient clinics within the Dyson Cancer Center, fellows will have the opportunity to follow patients longitudinally through their journeys, focusing on pain management and holistic support.
- Hospice Experience: In collaboration with Hudson Valley Hospice, fellows will gain experience seeing patients in home settings, enhancing their understanding of hospice care practices.
- Pediatric Palliative Care: A combined rotation with Elizabeth Seton Children Center will provide exposure to pediatric patients in a rehabilitative care environment.
- Elective Rotations: Opportunities for elective rotations, allowing fellows to tailor their educational experience to specific interests like geriatric psychiatry, oncology, or other subspecialties pertinent to palliative medicine.
Academic and Research Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement initiatives throughout their training. Educational sessions include monthly Journal Clubs focused on relevant literature and ongoing didactic sessions covering essential palliative care topics, thereby fostering a cycle of continuous learning and improvement.
Mentorship and Faculty Support
The fellowship features a strong mentorship model whereby each fellow is paired with experienced faculty mentors who guide their personal and professional development. This relationship is vital in ensuring that fellows receive the individualized support they need in navigating the complexities of palliative care.
Wellness Initiatives
Considerable emphasis is placed on wellness within the program. Regular wellness activities and opportunities for personal reflection are built into the fellowship, promoting a sustainable work-life balance that is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the ERAS system, providing the following documentation:
- Personal Statement
- Current CV
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- USMLE Step 1 CK or COMLEX Level 1 Score
- USMLE Step 2 CS or COMLEX Level 2 PE Score
- USMLE Step 2 CK or COMLEX Level 2 CE Score
- Program Director’s Letter (for new or recent graduates)
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports J-1 visas for international medical graduates. However, it does not sponsor H-1B visas at this time, making it crucial for applicants to consider this when applying.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is highly competitive, and while it is friendly towards international medical graduates and DO applicants, applicants are advised to thoroughly prepare their applications. A maximum of two attempts on each USMLE step is generally preferred for candidates.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program | Nuvance Health Learning InstituteWebsite
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Director
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
60 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
27 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$87,139First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Admission
Location
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Living in Poughkeepsie, NY
- Crime Rate and Safety
Poughkeepsie has average safety ratings with certain areas that may need more caution. It's always advisable to be vigilant and inquire about the neighborhood. - Fun Activities
Poughkeepsie offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and visiting the Walkway Over the Hudson. There are also cultural attractions like museums and historic sites. - Climate
Poughkeepsie experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snowy winters. - Races and Population
The population of Poughkeepsie is diverse with various races and cultures represented. - Education
Poughkeepsie has educational institutions like Vassar College and Marist College, providing opportunities for continued learning. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Poughkeepsie is moderate compared to larger cities in the region. - Proximity to Bigger Cities
Poughkeepsie is approximately 1.5 hours away from New York City by car, offering access to the city's resources and entertainment. - Pros
- Scenic views along the Hudson River, diverse community, educational opportunities.
Cons
- Some areas may have higher crime rates, colder winters.
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