UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402412050The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School is committed to developing palliative care experts equipped to deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and interdisciplinary care for seriously ill patients and their families. This two-year ACGME-accredited program trains two fellows annually, emphasizing a servant leadership model focused on social justice, teaching, quality improvement, and research to advance the field of palliative care.
Fellows benefit from a rigorous curriculum that encompasses a variety of clinical experiences, integrating both inpatient and outpatient settings. The program’s mentorship framework fosters personal and professional growth while addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering largely encountered in palliative care.
Curriculum and Fellow Experience
The fellowship offers extensive clinical rotations that provide comprehensive exposure to palliative medicine across various healthcare settings such as safety-net hospitals, community hospitals, and home-based care environments, which together maintain around 600 active clinic patients. This structure promotes continuity of care allowing fellows to follow up with patients across different stages of treatment.
The core components of the curriculum include:
- Inpatient Consult Services: Over six months divided between two major campuses, fellows collaborate in complex cases involving advanced therapies and critically ill patients.
- Ambulatory Palliative Care: Fellows manage their own panel of continuity patients, enhancing their clinical skills in an outpatient setting.
- Two Months of Hospice Experience: Direct engagement with patients in home and facility settings is emphasized.
- Pediatric Palliative Care: One month dedicated to pediatric practice in inpatient and outpatient scenarios.
- Long-Term Care: One-month rotation in nursing homes focusing on comprehensive palliative care principles.
- Elective Month: Opportunities to explore specialized areas or to build individual electives related to career goals.
- Scholarly Activity: The program encourages fellows to engage in research or quality improvement projects under guidance, culminating in some form of scholarly presentation.
Research and Faculty Development
Fellows are expected to engage in teaching and research during their fellowship. The curriculum integrates a recognized faculty development program titled Teaching of Tomorrow, fostering skills in teaching, including curriculum design and evaluation, pivotal for those looking toward careers in academic medicine. Additionally, UMass Chan offers opportunities for funding and mentorship in projects that enhance palliative care practices.
Fellowship Goals and Educational Philosophy
With a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care, the fellowship aims to prepare fellows as competent consultants within interdisciplinary teams. Initial responsibilities will evolve to leadership roles in patient care team settings, further reinforced by teaching opportunities. Overall, the program fosters personal development through hands-on involvement and regular mentoring sessions, ensuring a supportive environment for professional growth and resilience.
Support for Well-being
The program incorporates wellness and mindfulness strategies, ensuring that fellows receive adequate support in managing the emotional and psychological stresses inherent in palliative practice. Regular sessions with health psychologists and social workers are part of the fellowship, reflecting an understanding of the importance of mental health in medical training.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
To apply for this highly competitive program, applicants must have completed an accredited residency and should be board certified or board eligible in areas such as internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, or other relevant fields. The application process requires submission through ERAS and involves a letter of interest, a current CV, three reference letters, and proof of USMLE or COMLEX scores.
This fellowship program is considered DO and IMG friendly, catering to a diverse array of candidates. As part of the application process, attention is given to prior training, the ability to communicate effectively, and the candidate's commitment to palliative care.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship to qualified international candidates, specifically providing support for J-1 and H-1B visas. This initiative reflects the program’s commitment to valuing diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the field of palliative medicine.
Website
Director
Jennifer Reidy, MD, MSProgram Director , Chief, Division of Palliative Care Appointed Since February 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
65hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
11hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,384First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
Interview Questions
