University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System’s Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is a distinguished multidisciplinary training program that was established in 2014 and is ACGME accredited. This program is designed to provide comprehensive clinical training in hospice and palliative medicine, emphasizing patient-centered care for a diverse population under the guidance of experienced, board-certified faculty. Fellows benefit from a robust educational environment that integrates multiple sectors of the healthcare system, enabling them to gain practical knowledge and experience in various clinical settings.

The training sites include Jackson Memorial Hospital, a large urban university-affiliated teaching hospital, Holtz Children’s Hospital, which specializes in pediatric care, the Miami VA Medical Center, and the University of Miami Health System (UHealth). These facilities are conveniently located within walking distance, promoting easy access and efficient training. Additionally, Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, the largest for-profit community hospice agency in South Florida, collaborates with the program to offer educational experiences in home hospice care settings, enriching the fellows' training further.1

The fellowship rotations are thoughtfully structured to ensure a balanced exposure to various clinical environments, including inpatient hospice and palliative care unit management, palliative care consultation for inpatients, outpatient palliative care clinics, home hospice care, long-term care, and pediatrics. Fellows are also encouraged to engage in a variety of specialty and subspecialty elective options, including pain medicine and interventional pain services, hematology and oncology, cancer supportive services, and heart transplant programs. This diversity allows for a comprehensive understanding of palliative approaches in multiple contexts, aiding fellows in developing well-rounded treatment strategies.1

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum emphasizes conducting domain-based, comprehensive, whole-person assessments and delivering goal-directed, individualized treatment plans. The palliative care team operates in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary group of professionals, including social workers, rehabilitation therapists, and chaplains. This collaboration ensures optimal clinical outcomes for patients and their families by fostering effective communication and teamwork throughout the care process. Fellows are trained to work effectively within this interdisciplinary team, providing recommendations on care plan development, care coordination, and care transitions.1

Research Opportunities

The fellowship promotes a fertile academic environment conducive to clinical and educational research. This emphasis on scholarly activities not only enhances the fellows' training experience but also fosters career development across various fields. By engaging in research projects, fellows can contribute to advancements in hospice and palliative medicine while gaining invaluable insights into treatment efficacy and patient care improvements.1

Special Tracks

The program has evolved in response to the growing need for specialized training. In the 2018-2019 academic year, a pediatric track was introduced, enhancing the fellowship's scope to cater to the needs of pediatric patients. Moreover, a combined geriatric and palliative medicine fellowship track was initiated in 2019-2020 to develop future leaders and scholars in geriatrics and hospice care.1

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

Given the program's reputation and comprehensive training, it is competitive, appealing to both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program promotes a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, including those with DO and IMG backgrounds. Applicants typically need to meet certain criteria regarding their year of graduation and any prior scores on the STEP exams, ensuring that those who apply are prepared for the rigorous demands of the fellowship.1

Visa Support

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System is supportive of international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorships for suitable candidates, specifically in the form of J-1 and H-1B visas. This support is crucial for fostering a diverse training environment and attracting a broad range of candidates who can contribute to the program's objectives.2