Old Dominion University Program
Specialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5405112095The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, is a comprehensive one-year program designed to provide fellows with extensive training in delivering care to patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses. The program emphasizes both clinical and educational experiences to equip fellows with the necessary skills in this vital field of medicine.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum comprises a variety of clinical rotations, including inpatient palliative care, outpatient continuity clinics, ambulatory care, and hospice and long-term care settings. These experiences are carefully structured to enable fellows to manage complex patient needs across diverse healthcare environments 1.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows participate in a range of elective rotations, which may include:
- Outpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Clinic
- Memory Assessment Consultation Clinic
- Critical Care Division
- Nephrology Division
This multidisciplinary approach helps fellows gain exposure to various aspects of patient care, from symptom management in chronic disease to end-of-life care 1.
Educational Experiences
To complement clinical training, the fellowship includes educational components such as:
- Journal clubs
- Topic review and case conferences
- Standardized patient visits
- Final rounds to discuss patient loss and continuous improvement
- Access to the Center to Advance Palliative Care online curriculum
These learning opportunities promote clinical reasoning and foster a deeper understanding of palliative care practices 1.
Training Sites
The fellowship involves training at multiple prestigious institutions, ensuring varied experiences:
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: A Level I trauma center providing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, where fellows work directly with the Palliative Care Medicine team.
- Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital: Offering sub-acute hospital care and skilled nursing care, focusing on rehabilitative services post-acute illness.
- Sentara Heart Hospital: A dedicated heart facility that includes an Advanced Heart Failure Palliative Medicine clinic.
- CHKD, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters: The only freestanding children's hospital in Virginia, emphasizing pediatric palliative care.
- Edmarc Hospice for Children: The first hospice designed specifically for children, providing unique learning experiences in pediatric palliative care.
- Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Provides comprehensive care across various medical specialties, including hospice services.
- Sentara Hospice: Supporting multiple care settings, where fellows learn the nuances of hospice care 2.
Supportive Environment
The program emphasizes wellness and work-life balance for its fellows. Through initiatives like the Wellness Works program, fellows gain access to a variety of resources, such as support groups, counseling services, fitness clubs, and leadership coaching 2.
Visa Support
The fellowship program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for J-1 exchange visitor visas, which is essential for foreign trainees seeking to pursue fellowship programs in the United States.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
Admission into the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is considered competitive. The program is approachable for both DOs and IMGs, making it an inclusive option for diverse medical graduates. Application qualifications may include maximum allowable failed USMLE Step exams and specific timeframes since graduation, which fosters a quality cohort of fellows committed to the field.
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Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
40 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
8 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$70,643First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Norfolk, VA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Norfolk, VA:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Norfolk has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average. It is advisable to exercise caution, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Norfolk offers a variety of enjoyable activities such as exploring the Virginia Zoo, visiting the Nauticus museum, and taking a stroll along the beautiful Norfolk waterfront.
- Climate: Norfolk experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. It's great for those who enjoy four distinct seasons.
- Races and Population: The population of Norfolk is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities adding to the cultural richness of the city.
- Education: Norfolk is home to Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Norfolk is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Norfolk is approximately 20 miles away from Virginia Beach and about 90 miles from Richmond, the state capital. Both cities are easily accessible by car.
- Pros: Beautiful waterfront area, diverse population, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Slightly higher crime rate, slightly above average cost of living.