University of Michigan Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) Fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical School is a comprehensive one-year program designed to develop proficient leaders in the field of hospice and palliative care. This fellowship is coordinated by the Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine within the Department of Internal Medicine, focusing on enhancing clinical, academic, and research skills essential for providing high-quality patient care.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, allowing fellows to collaborate with a diverse array of healthcare professionals, which enriches the learning experience and prepares them for a versatile career in the palliative medicine arena. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants become eligible to apply for board certification in hospice and palliative medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes a series of clinical rotations tailored to provide extensive exposure to various aspects of hospice and palliative care. Fellows engage in the following key rotations:

• Ambulatory Palliative Care: Conducted at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center or C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, focusing on outpatient palliative care strategies.
• Hospice Rotation: Involves collaboration with Arbor Hospice, providing hands-on experience in home hospice services and understanding eligibility criteria for hospice care.
• Inpatient Consultation: Offers detailed insights into managing adult hospital patients through the U-M Adult Palliative Care Consultation Service, focusing on symptom management and care transitions.
• Pediatric Palliative Care: Pediatric fellows have specialized consultations to address unique pediatric needs at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
• Elective Rotation: Allows fellows to choose from various specialties such as Ethics, Radiology, or Cardiology, enabling personalized educational experiences based on their interests.

The program integrates didactic learning into clinical practice, covering essential topics such as psychosocial support, pain management, ethical decision-making, and bereavement care.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the HPM Fellowship. Fellows are expected to engage in scholarly activities, which may include quality improvement projects or the development of educational curricula. The program fosters an environment where fellows can present their research at local and national conferences, contributing to the broader field of hospice and palliative medicine.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Michigan is committed to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive environment. The fellowship actively seeks to recruit a diverse cohort of applicants, emphasizing holistic recruitment practices aimed at fostering equity within the program.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Fellows benefit from a structured mentorship approach, receiving guidance from experienced faculty who are leaders in the field. Additionally, the program prioritizes wellness, offering numerous support services designed to enhance the fellows' well-being throughout their training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The HPM Fellowship is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates. While there is no minimum USMLE score requirement, the program values strong clinical skills and genuine commitment to hospice and palliative care.

Application to the fellowship requires completion of an accredited residency in a relevant specialty such as internal medicine or family medicine. Additionally, eligibility for ECFMG certification is necessary for international medical graduates.

Visa Support

The University of Michigan provides visa sponsorship for international applicants, typically offering J-1 visas for clinical training.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive salary commensurate with that of house officers in equivalent training years. Benefits include health insurance, professional development opportunities, and tenant discounts on housing.

Community and Lifestyle

Fellowships at the University of Michigan provide excellent work-life balance, and Ann Arbor is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in. With a diverse food scene, abundant outdoor activities, and a vibrant cultural scene, fellows find ample opportunities to engage within the community.

The HPM Fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical School presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring hospice and palliative medicine specialists. Through extensive training, research opportunities, and support for well-being, fellows are well-prepared to lead and innovate in this vital field of medicine.