The MetroHealth System/Case Western Reserve University Program

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae with month/year specifications.
• A current state medical license (if applicable).
• A copy of USMLE, COMLEX, and/or National Board Certificates.
• A copy of the medical diploma and certified medical school transcript.
• Three letters of reference, including one from a current or former program director, emphasizing qualifications, achievements, and clinical skills.
• A personal statement that outlines the candidate's motivation for pursuing palliative medicine, relevant experiences, and career goals 3.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship spans one year, structured into blocks of approximately four weeks each. This design offers fellows broad exposure across various facets of hospice and palliative care, ensuring the development of clinical expertise and research acumen. The major components of the curriculum include:

• Dedicated hospice care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Palliative care consultation.
• Experience in geriatrics and long-term care.
• Longitudinal outpatient care.
• Oncology involving both inpatient consults and outpatient care, including radiation oncology.
• Pediatric palliative care.

Fellows may choose from elective offerings such as critical care, interventional pain management, pastoral care, and self-directed learning. Additionally, weekly didactic sessions are held to discuss current issues and evolving methods within hospice and palliative care, fostering a robust foundation in communication and prognostication 4.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program features a highly experienced faculty dedicated to teaching and enhancing patient care. Many faculty members are involved actively in both the clinical and educational missions of hospice and palliative care, ensuring that fellows receive a well-rounded mentorship experience 5.

Fellows' Experience

Fellows in this program gain invaluable clinical experience through interactions with diverse patient populations, involvement in inpatient hospice units, and collaboration with various teams providing in-home hospice care. The program emphasizes direct engagement in clinical decision-making and patient interaction, fostering confidence and competence in real-world settings 6.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. Typically, the program supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing for international participation in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is competitive, welcoming both US DO and IMG candidates. Specific requirements include ensuring candidates have not exceeded a certain number of failed attempts on USMLE steps, and they must be recent graduates of medical school to apply effectively.