University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is a comprehensive one-year program dedicated to preparing physicians for specialized careers in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM). This multidisciplinary fellowship is designed for individuals who wish to offer care for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses, focusing on patient-centered care across various settings. The fellowship prepares graduates for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in HPM, as well as for Hospice Medical Director Certification (HMDC) upon completion of the program 1.

Program Highlights

During the fellowship year, trainees experience diverse patient populations and gain exposure to multiple care settings including both inpatient and outpatient environments. The program partners with esteemed institutions such as UCSD, Scripps Health, Sharp Hospice, and The Elizabeth Hospice to provide a robust training that includes specialty rotations in long-term care facilities 1. Fellows are also part of an interdisciplinary faculty that fosters close mentorship opportunities, ensuring comprehensive support and professional development 1.

Training Sites, Rotations, and Curriculum

The fellowship training occurs at multiple sites including UCSD hospitals in La Jolla and Hillcrest, Scripps Health hospitals, Rady Children's Hospital, as well as outpatient palliative care clinics 2. Clinical rotations enable fellows to:

• Participate as integral members of interdisciplinary care teams.
• Develop and manage individualized patient care plans.
• Facilitate continuity of care across various settings.

In addition, a structured educational curriculum is comprised of weekly conferences designed to enhance knowledge in HPM, covering essential topics such as comprehensive symptom management, communication skills, psychosocial and spiritual care, and professional development 2. Fellows also engage in a weekly process group focused on community-building and peer support.

Application Requirements

The program welcomes applications through the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) Specialties Matching Service. Candidates must apply using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The fellowship is open to international medical graduates who meet the California medical licensure criteria 7. The eligible specialties for fellowship include disciplines such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and others. Specifically, J-1 visa holders must have a current California medical license to be considered 7.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is able to sponsor a J-1 visa, which is vital for international medical graduates seeking to train in the United States. However, it is important to note that applicants on a J-1 visa must meet the licensing criteria established by the Medical Board of California 7.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is considered to be competitive, appealing to a range of applicants, including those from osteopathic and international medical backgrounds. The program's focus on diverse experience and quality training makes it attractive to candidates aiming for specialty training in hospice and palliative medicine 5.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for fellows aligns with the UCSD PGY-4 salary range, which for the academic year 2023-2024 is $95,549. Additional stipends for medical license fees and educational expenses are provided. Moreover, fellows receive comprehensive insurance benefits, including malpractice, health, dental, and vision coverage 8. Furthermore, fellows are entitled to 20 days of paid vacation and are supported by UC San Diego's HEAR program regarding mental health and counseling services.

In summary, the UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is designed for those seeking a career in this vital specialty, providing extensive training and support in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.