University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

Overview

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix offers a comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Fellowship program, which utilizes the facilities of Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix VA Medical Center, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. This one-year, multidisciplinary fellowship accepts up to two fellows annually, focusing on the relief of suffering and improving the quality of life for patients. Fellows are trained to work with interdisciplinary teams of palliative care professionals across various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, long-term care, and hospice. They follow patients through their healthcare journey, from intensive care to outpatient follow-up, enhancing their clinical and communication skills while contributing significantly to the team dealing with the challenges of chronic illness and end-of-life care.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the fellowship is streamlined through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix expects applicants to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine, or possess a strong internal medicine background if coming from other specialties. The program seeks to match the strengths of its curriculum with applicants’ backgrounds to optimize the training experience. Interviews are held from August to October, and match results are announced in early December. The selection process is competitive, and candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the field through their previous experiences.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Fellowship emphasizes extensive clinical training combined with academic programming. Monthly didactic sessions allow fellows to engage in core learning activities, including Journal Club, clinical case conferences, and grand rounds. In addition to these regular meetings, fellows participate in group or individual sessions with the team psychologist to address self-care and resilience. Each fellow is guided by faculty mentors to identify and pursue a scholarly project, which usually involves quality improvement, clinician-educator development, or clinical research. Fellows are encouraged to present their findings at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Annual Assembly.

Training Sites

The fellowship’s comprehensive training takes place across a variety of esteemed institutions:

• Phoenix VA Medical Center: Offers acute medical, surgical, and psychiatric care, providing a diverse patient population for fellows.
• Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix: This academic medical center is known for its coordinated clinical care and extensive research activities.
• Hospice of the Valley: A nationally recognized leader in hospice care, offering fellows a chance to work closely with patients and families during critical times.
• Phoenix Children's Hospital: Provides exposure to pediatric palliative care and a range of medical specialties.
• Banner Boswell: A geriatric hospital that showcases multidisciplinary approaches to palliative medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the unique aspects of the Hospice and Palliative Fellowship program at the University of Arizona is its strong emphasis on mentorship and research support. Fellows are provided dedicated research time and the opportunity to participate in elective rotations that they're passionate about. Additionally, the program promotes a collaborative learning environment by integrating various healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and pharmacists, to provide comprehensive care to patients and families. This experience equips fellows with the necessary skills to navigate palliative care across different disciplines.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship program is competitive, with increasing recognition and interest in Hospice and Palliative Medicine as a sub-specialty among medical professionals. The program is open to both MD and DO candidates, and endeavors to create an inclusive environment that supports international medical graduates (IMGs). Visa sponsorship is available for J-1 and H-1B visa types, assisting international applicants in securing the necessary documentation to join the fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program addresses several common inquiries about palliative care, including its importance at various stages of illness and its distinction from hospice care. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for seriously ill patients and can be offered concurrently with curative treatments. Understanding the specific needs of patients and families is essential in the palliative care model, which highlights supportive interventions throughout the illness trajectory.

Faculty and Current Fellows

The fellowship is supported by a team of experienced faculty members from diverse backgrounds and specialties, including internal medicine, family practice, and pediatrics. The university boasts a history of successful fellowship graduates who have gone on to advance in academic and clinical settings. Through collaborative learning and mentorship, fellows gain valuable insights and experiences that contribute to their professional development.