Phoenix Children's Hospital Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is a one-year, multidisciplinary program specifically designed for the development of advanced skills and knowledge in the field of palliative care. The fellowship accepts up to two fellows each year and provides a comprehensive training experience utilizing facilities at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix VA Medical Center, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Fellows engage in a range of clinical activities alongside an interdisciplinary team of palliative care professionals, which includes nurses, social workers, chaplains, and pharmacists. The program is committed to alleviating suffering and enhancing quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses, playing a crucial role in both inpatient and outpatient settings.1

Curriculum Structure

Fellows participate in a structured curriculum emphasizing monthly didactics, case conferences, and journal clubs. Each month includes two hours dedicated to these activities, with additional meetings scheduled to discuss academic progress. A group session with a team psychologist is held to review challenging cases and promote resilience.3

Moreover, fellows are encouraged to embark on a scholarly project with mentorship from the faculty, focusing on areas such as quality improvement and clinical research. Presentations, including a Palliative Medicine Grand Rounds presentation and a clinical case report abstract for the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Assembly, are integral components of the fellowship.3

Training Sites

The fellowship provides training across several notable healthcare facilities, enhancing the learning experience through diverse patient interactions:

• Phoenix VA Medical Center: A facility dedicated to serving veterans, where fellows gain exposure to high morbidity and mortality cases, benefiting from collaboration with intensive care teams.
• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix: This nationally recognized academic medical center offers a wide-ranging clinical environment for fellows, particularly in areas of high-risk obstetrics and advanced surgical services.
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital: As Arizona’s first standalone children’s hospital, it furnishes significant exposure to pediatric subspecialties.6
• Hospice of the Valley: Known for its leadership in hospice care since 1977, this institution further prepares fellows in providing dignified end-of-life care.6
• Banner Boswell: A specialized geriatric facility where fellows engage with a dedicated palliative care team, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.6

Application Requirements

The program follows a structured application process through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), welcoming two fellows annually. To qualify, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program, with a robust background in internal medicine and family medicine preferred. Additionally, the fellowship evaluates various aspects of applicants' experiences to align with the strengths of the program.2

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates and provides support for visa applications. Specific visa types sponsored by the program, including J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitate the acceptance of diverse candidates into the fellowship.1

The competitive nature of the fellowship ensures that applicants possess a strong foundation in medicine. While the fellowship maintains high standards, it is also considered DO/IMG friendly, promoting inclusivity in its recruitment strategies.2

Program Unique Aspects

This fellowship is distinct in its commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork, enabling fellows to develop comprehensive communication skills crucial for managing complex cases. Furthermore, engaging in diverse clinical settings equips fellows with significant exposure to varying patient demographics and needs, enhancing their training within the burgeoning specialty of palliative medicine.1