University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Program

The Fellowship Training Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Iowa offers a distinguished opportunity for physicians across various specialties to undertake rigorous training in this vital field. The program is established at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, the state’s only academic tertiary medical center, which enhances the clinical learning environment by allowing fellows to train alongside diverse interdisciplinary teams.

The mission of the program is to prepare fellows to become leaders in hospice and palliative medicine by aiming at the comprehensive development of essential clinical skills, knowledge, professionalism, and interpersonal abilities required for effective patient care.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the fellowship is designed to cultivate advanced clinical palliative medicine skills. Training includes rotational experiences that facilitate exposure to a wide range of patient populations, wherein fellows learn to provide holistic care in inpatient, outpatient, and home settings. The curriculum is supported by didactic training, including core topics in hospice and palliative medicine, journal clubs, ethics conferences, and case discussions, which are led by an interprofessional faculty.1

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in various rotations that provide comprehensive care experiences with both pediatric and adult patients. This multidisciplinary approach allows fellows to work closely with professionals from various specialties, including surgery, oncology, family medicine, and emergency medicine, thereby enriching their training and proficiency in palliative care. Interdisciplinary teams play a crucial role in these rotations, emphasizing collaboration and integrative care for patients with serious illnesses.2

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in scholarly projects, which are instrumental in enhancing their research skills. Fellows receive mentorship from experienced faculty members who guide them throughout their research endeavors. There are multiple opportunities to present research findings at national conferences, allowing trainees to contribute to the broader field of hospice and palliative medicine and establish professional networks.2

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of the University of Iowa's hospice and palliative medicine fellowship is its partnership with the Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency Program. This collaboration allows fellows to work closely with pharmacy residents specializing in pain and palliative care, enriching the training experience through shared knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, the program emphasizes developing clinician-educators through structured involvement in educational activities.2

Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program before applying. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and should include a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a statement outlining long-term career goals, a dean’s letter, USMLE scores, and notarized transcripts from medical schools. It is essential for international applicants to include an ECFMG certificate with their application.3

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship is competitive, welcoming applications from DOs and IMGs, and emphasizes a diverse applicant pool. The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, which typically includes H-1B and J-1 visas, facilitating participation for international medical graduates. Detailed guidelines regarding visa sponsorship can be obtained during the application process.2

Additional Information

The stipend for fellows is commensurate with training years and aligns with the standards set by top programs nationally. The fellowship has a commitment to supporting the educational experience of its trainees, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching training environment.4