Summa Health System/NEOMED Program

Summa Health System's Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to train physicians in multidisciplinary palliative care. Established in 2006, the program is based in the Department of Internal Medicine and emphasizes comprehensive training in providing evidence-based palliative care to patients with advanced illnesses. The fellowship is renowned for its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and offers both a rich educational environment and extensive clinical exposure.

The training framework prepares fellows not only to practice palliative care but also encourages them to take on teaching roles for medical students, residents, and allied health professionals. The program collaborates closely with Northeast Ohio Medical University, further enhancing the educational experience through shared learning opportunities.

Training and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship's curriculum includes monthly rotations across various clinical settings:

• Inpatient Palliative Care Consult Service: Spanned over four months, this rotation equips fellows with the skills necessary to offer comprehensive care to acutely ill hospitalized patients, emphasizing symptom management and effective communication.
• Outpatient Hospice: Lasting three months, fellows gain hands-on experience within a Medicare-certified hospice, developing skills vital for the role of a hospice medical director.
• Long-Term Care: A one-month rotation that includes exposure to rehabilitation settings and understanding geriatric care.
• Oncology: Encompassing one month, this rotation allows fellows to learn about palliative chemotherapy under the supervision of fellowship-trained faculty.
• Pediatric Palliative Care: A two-week rotation focusing on the unique aspects of caring for chronically and terminally ill pediatric patients.
• Research: Fellows have a dedicated month for individual research, contributing to quality improvement projects in palliative medicine.
• Elective Rotations: A flexible month where fellows may customize their experience based on career interests.1

Didactic Curriculum

The program includes a structured didactic curriculum consisting of:

• Boot Camp: An intensive orientation covering key concepts through discussions and literature reviews.
• Noon Conference Lectures: Twice weekly lectures focusing on core palliative topics.
• Self-Care Sessions: Weekly confidential sessions with the Director of Pastoral Care providing emotional and clinical support.
• Case Conferences and Journal Clubs: Opportunities for fellows to lead discussions on clinical cases and recent journal articles.
• Grand Rounds: Fellows deliver presentations on topics of interest impacting patient care.
• Ethics Committee Participation: Fellows engage in ethical discussions pertinent to patient care.
• Board Review Sessions: Preparatory sessions for board examinations happen weekly.
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Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-approved residency in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or other specified programs equivalent. All candidates must hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or J-1 visa status—note that H-1 visa applications are not accepted. Additionally, candidates must complete both steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or the COMLEX exams. It is important to have graduated from medical school within the last three years to ensure the knowledge base is current. International Medical Graduates are required to provide a valid ECFMG certificate prior to starting the program. The fellowship accepts three fellows annually and participates in the NRMP for the matching process. All applications are managed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive training environment. Each applicant receives consideration based on merit against standardized residency-related criteria such as academic credentials, communication skills, and personal attributes. The selection process actively promotes diversity within the cohort, aiming to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Stipends and Benefits

For the 2024-2025 academic year, stipend levels are determined by the year of training. In addition to competitive stipends, fellows receive comprehensive benefits that include health insurance options, three weeks of vacation per year, a monthly meal stipend, and assistance for relocation expenses if required. There are also provisions for professional development, including allowances for attending educational conferences annually. Additionally, fellows benefit from wellness initiatives aimed at ensuring their physical and mental well-being while managing the demands of the fellowship.

Wellness and Support

Recognizing the toll that medical training can take, the fellowship incorporates numerous wellness programs. Weekly self-care sessions with support staff and various group outings are facilitated throughout the year. Structured wellness initiatives aim to combat burnout and foster a supportive training atmosphere for all fellows.