Prisma Health/University of South Carolina SOM Columbia (Columbia) Program

The Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program offers an extensive and multidisciplinary training experience. It is designed to prepare physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine within a supportive learning environment, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and comprehensive patient-centered care.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses various educational methodologies, combining didactic learning with hands-on clinical experience. Residents engage in case-based discussions and participate in structured lectures covering medical ethics, social determinants of health, and the complexities of patient management in hospice and palliative settings. The program’s emphasis on a robust didactic curriculum ensures a profound understanding of the principles and practices crucial in this specialty 1.

Rotations

Training comprises clinical rotations across several disciplines, including inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and community-based settings. Residents rotate through different care facilities, ensuring exposure to a diverse patient population and the complexities of various medical conditions. Opportunities include participating in interdisciplinary rounds, leading family meetings, and managing comprehensive care plans 2. Key areas of rotation may involve the following:

• Hospice care settings
• Palliative care consultation services in various hospital settings
• Community health resources, including home hospice
• Specialty clinics focusing on symptom management and complex chronic conditions

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research projects, fostering a scholarly approach to clinical problems encountered in hospice and palliative care. Faculty members are committed to mentoring residents through the research process, enhancing skills in critical evaluation and scientific writing. This focus on research and academia allows residents to contribute to the evolving field of hospice and palliative medicine 3.

Training Sites

Residents train at multiple prestigious facilities, including Prisma Health Richland Hospital and community-based hospices. These sites are equipped to provide training that encompasses a wide range of palliative care scenarios, from acute care hospital settings to home care environments. The diversity of sites allows residents to appreciate the continuum of care necessary in managing patients with serious illnesses 4.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the program is its commitment to interprofessional education. Residents collaborate with various healthcare professionals including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and pharmacists. This multidisciplinary approach prepares residents for the collaborative nature of hospice and palliative care practice 5. Furthermore, the program places significant emphasis on communication skills training, vital for engaging patients and families in sensitive discussions surrounding goals of care and advanced care planning 6.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international medical graduates, specifically funding for J-1 visas. This offers an opportunity for highly qualified international applicants to partake in the residency experience 7.

Competitiveness

The program is recognized as competitive, attracting a diverse cohort of applicants from various medical schools, including DO and IMG graduates. The holistic review process considers multiple aspects of an applicant's profile, ensuring a well-rounded selection of talented individuals eager to join the specialty 8.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants are required to meet specific criteria for consideration, which includes that all candidates should have graduated from a medical school accredited by the appropriate bodies. It is also essential for foreign candidates to hold standard ECFMG certification and fulfill the necessary immigration status requirements. Additionally, the program may consider the number of attempts on standardized exams like USMLE as part of the evaluation process 9.