University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria Program

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria offers a comprehensive one-year fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which is accredited by the ACGME. Since its inception in 2018, this program has been designed to equip fellows with an evidence-based approach and the necessary skills to become experts and leaders in the field. Following the completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in a relevant specialty, applicants participate in a multidisciplinary program that emphasizes holistic care for individuals and families facing serious illnesses.

The fellowship provides a unique and flexible learning environment that allows fellows to tailor their training according to personal interests and career aspirations. This includes options to focus on clinical, academic, research, or administrative skills. Fellows will benefit from an integrated curriculum that encompasses various inpatient, outpatient, home, and skilled nursing settings alongside opportunities in pediatric palliative care, thereby gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is structured to promote a healthy work-life balance. Fellows adhere to a manageable schedule, working daytime hours from Monday to Friday, with specific afternoons dedicated to research and education. A highlight of the program is the primarily minimal call schedule along with ample opportunities for vacation, national holidays, and dedicated time for attending conferences 3.

Fellows complete various rotations that include:

• **Internal Medicine**: Covering inpatient consult services and outpatient palliative clinics.
• **Pediatric Palliative Care**: Rotating through Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
• **Community and Inpatient Hospice**: Experience within the OSF Community Hospice and the OSF Richard L. Owens Inpatient Hospice Home.
• **Interventional and Chronic Pain Management**: Offering a focused 2-week rotation.
• **Addiction Medicine**: A critical area for understanding the intersection of pain management and addiction.

Additional electives cover topics such as oncology, geriatrics, neurology, and behavioral health, offering the fellows a wide-ranging and comprehensive educational experience 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to engage in scholarly activities, prompting them to incorporate research into their practice. Mentorship will be provided throughout, aiming for fellows to complete a research project by the end of the training year. This research could lead to significant contributions to the field and bolster fellow qualifications in future career endeavors 3.

Training Sites

The program is primarily based at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a tertiary referral and teaching hospital that serves a large area of Illinois and has a range of inpatient and outpatient services. The fellowship also utilizes the facilities of the Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, enhancing the training diversity. These sites provide exposure to complex cases and allow fellows to engage deeply in palliative care 4.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to apply to the fellowship. The program is equipped to sponsor J-1 visas, making it a friendly environment for IMGs and fostering diversity within the fellowship cohort 1.

Application and Competitiveness

Being a highly competitive program, interested applicants should ideally have completed an ACGME-accredited residency. There are specific criteria candidates must meet, including limitations on the years since graduation and a maximum number of failed USMLE Step exams 1. Applicants are assessed based on the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) policies, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the process 1.

Testimonials

Alumni of the program have spoken highly of its environment, emphasizing the excellent mentorship, extensive training, and supportive faculty. Graduates appreciate the program’s focus on wellness and self-care, vital for practitioners in such impactful fields 5.