Temple University Hospital-Fox Chase Cancer Center Program

The Temple University Hospital-Fox Chase Cancer Center Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers a unique, combined three-year fellowship that integrates training in hematology/oncology and hospice/palliative medicine for internists who have successfully completed an approved U.S. residency program. The program is structured to combine the educational resources of Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple University Hospital, focusing on comprehensive clinical training and research opportunities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program is designed to provide an integrated educational experience across three years. The first two years consist of alternating six-month rotations between Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple University Hospital. During the time spent at Temple University Hospital, fellows will receive exposure to both non-malignant and malignant hematology along with an immersive experience in inpatient palliative medicine, including an eight-week rotation specifically dedicated to the inpatient palliative medicine consult service

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The third year is primarily focused on enhancing palliative medicine training while allowing fellows to participate in quality improvement and clinical research projects. This year emphasizes core rotations for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship and includes opportunities to customize training based on specific interests in either clinical care or research, enhancing the fellow's proficiency in both fields

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Training Sites

Fellowship training takes place in leading facilities known for their comprehensive cancer care. Fox Chase Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that specializes entirely in oncology, offering a robust outpatient environment where fellows take primary ownership of patient care through specific continuity clinics. This experience is crucial for developing adeptness in both service lines within an integrated model of patient care

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Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, providing avenues for fellows to engage in diverse clinical and translational research projects closely aligned with their training. These initiatives include exploring innovative approaches to symptom management in hematology/oncology, palliative care integration, and workforce optimization in higher quality patient care applicable to advanced cancer

2. Furthermore, fellows can also delve into quality improvement projects that are pertinent to supportive oncology

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Application Requirements

To apply for the program, candidates must be eligible for a Pennsylvania medical license and must have completed an approved Internal Medicine residency in the U.S. Applications are conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and interviews occur in late summer and fall each academic year. One fellowship position is available each year, making the program highly competitive

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Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by accepting H1B and J1 visa types, which cover the duration of the fellowship training. This supportive framework allows eligible international medical graduates to pursue this fellowship opportunity without immigration barriers, promoting diversity within the training cohort

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Competitiveness

Due to its structured design and dual training in two prestigious fields of medicine, the program is regarded as highly competitive for applicants. Additionally, its integrated approach enables unique specialization that can be beneficial for applicants from various educational backgrounds, including DO and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), which reflects positively on the inclusionary nature of the fellowship

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Unique Aspects

The integrated model of the fellowship encourages simultaneous training in hematology-oncology and palliative medicine, wherein fellows not only share clinical experiences but also collaborate on research projects related to supportive care and treatment mechanisms. This interdisciplinary approach enriches learning and fosters professional growth among fellows

2. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of primary palliative care skills, which allows candidates to develop a deeper understanding and practical expertise applicable across their future medical careers

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