University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford emphasizes exceptional communication skills combined with comprehensive clinical abilities to support patients and families through serious illnesses. This fellowship offers specialized training in hospice and palliative care, equipping fellows with the needed skills to manage complex cases effectively while improving the quality of life for patients. The program not only focuses on developing clinical competencies but also on fostering resilient, compassionate leaders in the field of hospice and palliative medicine, who will advocate for patient and family needs during challenging times.1

Program Overview

The fellowship is a one-year program accredited by ACGME and is ideal for those who wish to concentrate on rural health challenges. The program aims to cultivate proficiency across multiple competencies, ensuring that graduates emerge as well-rounded practitioners in hospice and palliative medicine. Key objectives include enhancing patient care skills, understanding systemic challenges in healthcare, and cultivating compassionate clinical interactions.1

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship includes a structured yet flexible rotation schedule tailored to individual interests. Key rotations consist of:

• Inpatient and Home Hospice: Two 4-week rotations that incorporate home palliative care duties.
• Interventional and Chronic Pain Management: A 2-week rotation focused on managing complex pain scenarios.
• Oncology/Radiation Oncology: Two 4-week rotations designed to understand the nuances of cancer treatment.
• Weekly Longitudinal Outpatient Palliative Medicine Clinic: Ongoing outpatient experiences throughout the fellowship.
• Dedicated Research Time: Fellows receive between 80-160 hours for research projects, culminating in expected publication submissions.

Fellows also participate in weekly didactic sessions, journal rounds, and are encouraged to engage in teaching sessions, significantly broadening their educational experience.2

Location and Training Sites

Located in Rockford, Illinois, the program utilizes multiple reputable training sites including:

• SwedishAmerican Hospital: This facility provides a robust inpatient palliative care consultative service with a focus on comprehensive patient care surrounding end-of-life issues.
• Serenity Hospice and Home: This rural hospice provides both inpatient unit care and home visit services, fostering a community-centered approach to healthcare.
• Rockford Pain Center: A key site for pain management which offers a multidisciplinary approach to alleviating pain and enhancing quality of life for patients.
• SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center: Offers extensive outpatient services and aligns with the fellowship’s goal of providing holistic cancer care.3

Salary and Benefits

For the academic year of 2023-2024, fellows will receive a stipend of $69,112. Additional benefits provided include:

• Access to educational resources such as UpToDate and MD Consult.
• Paid certification courses, including ACLS.
• $1,200 in annual CME funding to support attendance at medical conferences.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision options.
• Access to on-site childcare and family leave policies.
• Relocation allowance of up to $1,500 for fellows moving to the area.5

Application Process and Competitiveness

The fellowship program adheres to National Resident Matching Program policies, with applications accepted through ERAS. The competitiveness of the program is high, and it encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, including both MD and DO candidates as well as internationally trained graduates. While there may be specific eligibility criteria related to graduation year and allowable attempts on licensing exams, it is essential for prospective fellows to demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of hospice and palliative medicine.4

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship, primarily supporting J-1 visas. This offers international medical graduates the opportunity to pursue fellowship training in hospice and palliative medicine in the United States without significant legal barriers impacting their eligibility for the program.

Unique Aspects

Unique to the fellowship is its focus on delivering care to rural populations, an often underserved segment in healthcare. Additionally, fellows are involved in community projects like Project SILO, which enhance their educational reach and understanding of community healthcare needs. Opportunities for volunteerism in local restaurants, theaters, and community centers further enrich the educational experience, integrating the clinical with community engagement and personal development.1