University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville Program

The University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, designed to provide comprehensive training in the management of adult and pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions. This program stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, incorporating various clinical and community settings into the training process.

Program Structure

The fellowship encompasses a total of 13 four-week block rotations. These are divided into inpatient palliative care consults and a variety of outpatient experiences. Inpatient rotations take place at both Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville. Various outpatient clinics contribute to the fellow's education, including clinics focused on pain management for adults and children, pediatric physical and rehabilitation medicine, genetics, and bioethics. The fellowship also emphasizes hospice rotations that involve home visits, allowing fellows to engage directly with patients and families in their home settings as well as time at dedicated adult hospice facilities and inpatient units, thus encompassing the full spectrum of hospice and palliative care experiences.

Training Sites

Training will occur at several pivotal sites:

• Wolfson Children's Hospital: A specialized facility with over 200 pediatric beds, renowned for its family-centered care approach and a wide range of pediatric specialties, including a state-of-the-art Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
• UF Health Jacksonville: A large, not-for-profit teaching hospital providing innovative medical services and housing a regional pediatric trauma center, alongside a neonatal intensive care unit.
• Community Hospice and Palliative Care: Serving over 1300 patients daily, this organization focuses on delivering high-quality hospice care and includes multiple free-standing hospice units within Northeast Florida.
• Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital: Offers specialized rehabilitation services catering to acute and chronic neurological conditions.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the fellowship, with the program encouraging residents and fellows to participate in clinically applied research. The Office of Research Affairs supports these efforts. The fellowship's Dean's Fund Research Grant allows fellows to pursue individual research projects, facilitating publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at significant educational events.

Application Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and should submit as part of their application a directed letter of recommendation from their program director and three letters from faculty members familiar with their work. The program seeks highly competitive candidates, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills, professionalism, and a commitment to patient care throughout the application review process.

Benefits and Support

The fellowship program offers a robust array of benefits. Trainees receive health insurance coverage, disability benefits, meal cards during overnight calls, and access to comprehensive counseling services. The fellowship also covers costs for lab coats and parking, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Both professional liability coverage and life insurance are provided, underscoring the program's commitment to the welfare of its fellows.

Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visa types. This makes the fellowship accessible to qualified international applicants who meet eligibility criteria.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville is recognized as highly competitive. The program supports a friendly environment for both DO candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs), encouraging diversity and inclusivity in its application processes and training.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets this fellowship apart is its singular focus on family-centered care and its emphasis on community engagement. The program aims not only to train competent palliative care providers but also to empower fellows to understand and address the social determinants that impact patient health. Jacksonville offers varied outpatient pediatric clinical experiences and serves a wide demographic, enhancing the fellows' ability to provide equitable care.