St Elizabeth Boardman Hospital Program

Overview of the Fellowship Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital is a one-year program accredited by the ACGME. This fellowship aims to prepare physicians for a career in the care of patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. The program emphasizes the development of clinical knowledge and compassionate care skills needed to support patients and their families throughout challenging times.

Program Details

St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital offers a supportive and interdisciplinary environment where fellows can gain a comprehensive understanding of hospice and palliative care. The program accepts two fellows each year, ensuring personalized attention and tailored educational experiences. The hospital collaborates with multiple community-based facilities to provide a breadth of experience essential for mastering the specialty.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship provides a diverse curriculum involving clinical rotations at various Mercy Health facilities. Key locations include the St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, an acute-care facility known for its comprehensive medical services, and the St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, designated as a Level 1 Trauma Center. An essential facet is the collaboration with the Hospice of the Valley, which offers inpatient hospice services and extends to home care for community patients.

Fellows will complete rotations in pediatric palliative care at the Akron Children's Hospital and geriatric medicine at the Aventura at Assumption Village Skilled Nursing Facility, designed to enhance their skills with different patient demographics. This multifaceted approach allows fellows to receive hands-on training in various aspects of palliative care, from pain management to interdisciplinary team coordination.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $74,000, supplemented by various educational stipends and benefits, including a $1,700 annual educational fund and reimbursement for board review courses up to $2,000. They also have access to health insurance, paid time off, free parking, and wellness amenities available at the Youngstown campus.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must be citizens of the United States, permanent residents, or able to secure a J-1 or H-1B visa. Successful completion of Step 3 of the USMLE/COMLEX is required, and international medical graduates must possess valid ECFMG certification or a full U.S. medical license.

Application submissions are processed through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), and participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is mandatory. Required documents include a completed ERAS application, Dean’s Letter, professional reference letters, personal statement, CV, and medical school transcripts.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship's focus on holistic care encompasses an interdisciplinary approach that fosters essential leadership skills within palliative care teams. The program is structured to provide fellows with a robust educational foundation while nurturing practical skills necessary for independent practice.

Opportunities for self-care and wellness education are integrated into the curriculum to help fellows manage the emotional complexities of working with patients with life-threatening conditions effectively.