University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

The Hospice & Palliative Medicine (HPM) Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed for physicians dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients plagued by serious medical illnesses. Established in 2011, this fellowship is overseen by the Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, and collaborates with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) to facilitate diverse training opportunities for its fellows.

The fellowship's core curriculum is structured to develop advanced clinical competencies in various essential areas essential for anyone in the field of hospice and palliative medicine. Among the critical domains fellows will master are communication, pain management (in both cancer and non-cancer patients), medical co-morbidities, psychosocial support, and quality improvement initiatives for populations with advanced illnesses, along with ethical decision-making processes in patient care settings 1.

Clinical Training and Rotations

Fellows will engage in a range of clinical experiences that encompass inpatient consult services, hospice and palliative care units, long-term care facilities, and outpatient palliative medicine clinics. The fellowship emphasizes an interdisciplinary teamwork approach, empowering fellows to assist patients and their families in improving their quality of life throughout the lifecycle of life-threatening illnesses 1.

The training program features rotations at multiple esteemed facilities, including SAVAHCS, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, and the University of Arizona Cancer Center. This variety ensures that fellows receive extensive exposure to diverse patient cases and interdisciplinary treatment strategies. Additionally, fellows can participate in continuity clinics alongside block rotations, further enhancing their clinical acumen and continuity of care experience 1.

Elective Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to explore various electives during their training. Options may include experiences in medical ICU, radiation oncology, interventional anesthesia pain service, inpatient and outpatient oncology, geriatrics, and pediatric palliative medicine. This flexibility promotes personalized career development aligned with individual interests and professional goals 1.

Research and Academic Development

In addition to clinical training, the program places a strong emphasis on academic development through teaching and research opportunities. Fellows are provided with the tools needed to disseminate the principles of palliative medicine effectively, thus contributing to the evolving landscape of care for patients facing advanced medical conditions. This focus on education underpins the fellowship’s mission and enhances the fellows’ ability to become leaders in the field 1.

Accreditation and Board Eligibility

The HPM Fellowship meets the requirements for fellowship training established by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Upon successful completion, fellows become board-eligible to sit for the hospice and palliative medicine board exam through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The program boasts an exemplary ABIM board pass rate of 100 percent among its fellows 1.

Visa Support and Eligibility Criteria

For international candidates, the program welcomes applications from graduates of foreign medical schools holding a recognized ECFMG certificate. The fellowship requires that all accepted candidates possess U.S. citizenship, valid residency status, or a J-1 visa, as H1-B visas are not supported. It is essential for applicants to comply with a range of application requirements, including obtaining a valid Arizona postgraduate training permit and passing a criminal background check 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the HPM Fellowship must fulfill specific eligibility criteria and submit a well-rounded application packet through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application should include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, medical school transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and three letters of recommendation. Notably, one letter should originate from the candidate's residency or fellowship program director 1.

The selection process is competitive, and completeness of applications is paramount for consideration during the review stage. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of August 30 each year to facilitate a fair evaluation of all applicants 1.