Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program
Location:
Hershey, PASpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5404112103The 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.
Website
- 1 .Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships
- 2 .Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships
- 3 .Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship - Penn State College of Medicine Residencies and Fellowships
Director
Ana I Flores, MDProgram Director; Core Faculty Appointed Since November 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,324First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Hershey, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Hershey, PA
Hershey, PA is a charming town known for its chocolate production. Here are some aspects of living in Hershey:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Hershey is generally considered a safe town with a lower crime rate compared to larger cities.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy attractions like Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and various events hosted by the Hershey Entertainment Complex.
- Climate: Hershey experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
- Races and Population: The population of Hershey is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Hershey is home to the Milton Hershey School and several public schools known for their quality education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hershey is generally higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is about 15 miles away from Hershey and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car. Harrisburg offers more city amenities and cultural attractions.
Pros: Charming town with a strong sense of community, abundance of family-friendly activities, and proximity to larger cities.
Cons: Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options compared to big cities.
Interview Questions
