Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program, designed to train leaders and academicians in the care of patients facing potentially life-limiting illnesses. The program admits one fellow per year and emphasizes the importance of providing comfort through relief from symptoms and stress, which is integral to palliative care.

This fellowship offers extensive exposure to palliative medicine, integrating emotional and spiritual well-being into patient care and fostering collaboration between patients, families, and caregivers across various settings. This foundational philosophy aims to ensure that individuals maintain a high quality of life, regardless of their illness severity.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive clinical training program, mainly conducted at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, with additional rotations at the Lebanon VA Medical Center and the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania. The program integrates various educational formats, including clinical conferences, journal clubs, and special interprofessional peer-driven curriculum that involves nursing and chaplaincy.

During the fellowship, fellows will engage in activities that enhance coordination of care and facilitate communication among interdisciplinary teams. Additional opportunities include participating in national didactics connecting fellows with peers across the country, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Core Clinical Training

Fellows will actively participate in multiple facets of palliative care:

• Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation Service: Fellows will spend a minimum of four months with interprofessional inpatient consultation teams, gaining vital experience in hospital settings.
• Outpatient Clinic: Hosting their half-day outpatient practice allows fellows to follow patients longitudinally in various settings.
• Hospice and Palliative Home Care: The fellowship includes at least 25 home visits to hospice and palliative patients, promoting hands-on learning experiences.
• Pediatric Palliative Medicine Rotation: A two-week rotation focuses on pediatric palliative care at the Hummingbird Program located at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Research and Scholarship

The program embraces an academic mission allowing fellows to engage in research projects that emphasize quality improvement, patient safety, and educational opportunities. Milestones include abstract submissions to conferences and manuscript publications, enhancing the fellow's research competencies.

Application and Admission Details

Applicants can pursue the fellowship only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Special attention is given to those interested in the interprofessional nature of the program. The program conducts virtual interviews on selected Thursdays from late August to mid-October.

Visa Support

The program offers Visa support for qualified international applicants. Visa types that can be sponsored may include J-1 visas, which are commonly used for medical fellows, aligning with the program's commitment to providing educational opportunities for diverse medical graduates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is considered competitive, attracting candidates from various educational backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Prospective fellows are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to palliative care throughout their application.

Diversity Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of diversity within the medical workforce, the program supports various initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive environment. The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion actively promotes discussions on cultural sensitivity and awareness within the fellow's training.

Wellness Resources

Wellness is a key component of the training experience at Penn State, with resources dedicated to self-care. Fellows can access wellness programs designed to support emotional, mental, and physical health.

Fellows are encouraged to partake in community activities and leverage networking opportunities available through the GME-Wide Partners in Medicine program, which assists in acclimating to life in Hershey, PA.