Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402112002The Ochsner Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for fellows to develop comprehensive skills in various settings, including a quaternary care center, community hospitals, and local hospice agencies. This multidisciplinary program prepares candidates for diverse palliative care environments by providing exposure to inpatient consult services, dedicated hospice and palliative inpatient units, and robust outpatient clinics that conduct both in-person and virtual visits 1.
Fellows are integrated into a multidisciplinary team encompassing physicians from multiple specialties, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and geriatrics, along with advanced practice providers and licensed clinical social workers who specialize in palliative care. Additionally, a dedicated board-certified chaplain adds to the holistic approach to patient care within the program 1.
Curriculum and Training
The fellowship curriculum focuses on a robust didactic learning experience, which includes formal lectures, a journal club, and attendance at national conferences. These educational components are designed to ensure fellows achieve proficiency in complex symptom management and navigate challenging discussions around goals of care with patients and families 1.
Training Sites
The Ochsner Medical Center, located in New Orleans, serves as the primary training site and is recognized as a leading healthcare hub for the Gulf South region. Other notable training facilities include Ochsner Baptist, Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, and Northshore Medical Complex. Each site is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering a comprehensive array of services and serving different patient care needs 5.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship aligns with Ochsner Health's commitment to serving, healing, leading, educating, and innovating in healthcare. The program seeks to enhance the quality of life and mitigate suffering for patients facing serious illnesses through state-of-the-art, compassionate, interdisciplinary, and integrated care 4.
Application Information
The application process for the fellowship utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific eligibility requirements include graduates from accredited medical schools in the U.S. or Canada within the past five years, or international medical graduates meeting certain conditions, such as having a valid ECFMG certificate and at least one year of clinical experience in the United States. It is preferable for applicants to be in possession of a J-1 visa or Permanent Residency 2.
Visa Support
The program is capable of sponsoring candidates holding J-1 visas, which are commonly utilized for fellows and residents in graduate medical education programs in the United States. This support is crucial for international medical graduates looking to train in the U.S. healthcare system 2.
Competitiveness
The Ochsner Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is regarded as competitive due to its comprehensive training and exposure to various clinical settings and specialties. While the program can be highly competitive, it actively welcomes applications from osteopathic physicians and international medical graduates, making it friendly toward a diverse applicant pool 2.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$67,711First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
14XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
