Stony Brook Medicine/University Hospital Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital is a one-year accredited program designed to cultivate leaders in academic palliative medicine. The program's objective is to equip physicians with the skills necessary to provide innovative and compassionate care to seriously ill patients and those with disease-limiting illnesses. The fellowship is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is open to applicants who have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited residency in one of the ten medical specialties that accept Hospice and Palliative Medicine as a subspecialty, such as internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a variety of clinical care settings, ensuring comprehensive training through exposure to inpatient and outpatient palliative care, home-based and inpatient hospice, and long-term care facilities. Fellows will manage a diverse patient population, including infants to adults from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The cases will range from hematological malignancies to advanced neurological conditions, providing fellows with a broad spectrum of disease pathology. The training team is comprised of experts in palliative medicine, ensuring fellows receive high-quality mentoring throughout the program.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship program incorporates a well-structured rotation schedule to maximize clinical exposure. The breakdown is as follows:

• Inpatient Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care Consult Service at Stony Brook University Hospital - 28 weeks (including a minimum of 2 weeks for Pediatric Palliative Care)
• Inpatient Hospice at Good Shepherd Hospice - 4 weeks
• Home Hospice in the surrounding community - 6 weeks
• Long Term Care at the Long Island State Veterans Home - 4 weeks
• Palliative Care Continuity Clinic at Stony Brook Cancer Center and Primary Care Center’s Geriatric Medicine Clinic - 32 weeks
• Research time - 2 weeks
• Electives/Selective - 4 weeks

Fellows have the opportunity to engage in electives such as Interventional Pain Management and Radiation Oncology, tailoring their education to their interests in the field.

Research and Quality Improvement

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research and quality improvement projects throughout their training. Each fellow is expected to submit at least one project for presentation or publication by the end of the fellowship year. This focus on research aims to foster an academic environment where fellows can explore innovative ideas and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Stony Brook University Hospital provides a unique training environment attributable to its role as the only tertiary academic hospital and Level I trauma center in Suffolk County, Long Island. The facility's geographic location enhances the diversity of clinical exposure. Fellows benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration with various services within the hospital, such as Acute Pain Management, surgical teams, critical care, and pediatric care.

The program also facilitates specialized training in pediatric palliative care, enhancing fellows' capability to manage complex cases that arise in younger patients. Moreover, the integration with the Long Island State Veterans Home provides valuable exposure to unique patient needs, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Community and Camaraderie

Despite being part of a large academic center, the fellowship emphasizes community and camaraderie among staff and trainees. The program fosters a collaborative atmosphere where fellows can engage with faculty in discussions surrounding clinical care, education, and the advancements within the field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. This supportive environment is crucial for personal and professional growth during the fellowship.

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas where applicable. This assistance allows eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds to train at Stony Brook University Hospital, further enriching the program's educational environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Stony Brook is considered highly competitive, aligning with similar programs nationally. The program is open to both DO and IMG candidates who meet the specified eligibility criteria. Applicants are generally expected to have completed a residency within an appropriate timeframe and should not have significant prior failures on STEP exams, as expertise in the foundational areas of medicine is critical for success.

Conclusion

The fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital is designed for physicians eager to lead in the field of palliative medicine, emphasizing comprehensive care, research participation, and a strong mentorship environment.