Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Rutgers Health and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offer a comprehensive 1-year ACGME-accredited Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship aimed at developing physicians into leaders in both clinical and academic palliative medicine.

Training Sites

This fellowship is primarily based at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, a major Level 1 Trauma Center with over 600 beds, and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the only NCI-designated Cancer Center in the state. The training environment exposes fellows to a highly diverse patient population, characterized by a broad spectrum of disease pathology, complexity, age, and socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, enriching the learning experience

Curriculum Overview

The structured curriculum focuses on advanced communication skills, family dynamics management, prognostication, and the assessment and management of complex psychosocial and spiritual issues that affect patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

A multidisciplinary approach to patient care ensures fellows are involved in collaborative clinical settings, which deeply enhances their training.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship offers significant clinical training alongside dedicated blocks for research and personal time. Rotational experiences include:

• Inpatient Palliative Care Consult Service: 28 weeks
• Outpatient Palliative Medicine: Conducted weekly across 32 weeks, primarily at Rutgers Cancer Institute.
• Long Term Care: 4 weeks at Children’s Specialized Hospital and select skilled nursing facilities.
• Home Hospice Care: 6 weeks in collaboration with VNA Hospice.
• Electives: 4 weeks, allowing for focused learning in specialties such as radiation oncology and anesthesia.
• Research: 2 weeks dedicated to scholarly projects.
• Vacation: 4 weeks included to ensure wellness and balance.

Structured Didactics

The program incorporates a robust educational framework that includes:

• Palliative Care Grand Rounds
• Palliative Care Journal Club
• Clinical Interdisciplinary Conferences
• Board Review Curriculum for Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Research and Academic Activities

Fellows actively participate in research and quality improvement projects, with the expectation to submit at least one manuscript for publication or a poster presentation at the AAHPM annual meeting.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in one of several designated specialties, including but not limited to Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Pediatrics.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Requirements include:

• A personal statement detailing interest in Hospice and Palliative Care
• Three letters of support, with one from the applicant’s Program Director or Chief
• USMLE Step 1, 2, and 3 or COMLEX scores
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Medical school transcripts

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship salary aligns with the fellow’s postgraduate level as determined by Rutgers RWJMS/RWJUH, including health benefits and vacation time.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, typically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing international applicants to participate in this fellowship.

Competitiveness

The fellowship's position is considered not only highly competitive but also friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, expanding the pool of qualified candidates.

Special Application Requirements

While there are no strict eligibility criteria such as maximum failed STEP exams, candidates are encouraged to present a strong academic and clinical background as part of their application.