University of Missouri-Columbia Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Missouri is a year-long program dedicated to training physician-educators in the field of interdisciplinary palliative care. This fellowship is designed to cultivate outstanding clinicians, teachers, and leaders in hospice and palliative medicine. By developing skills necessary for delivering compassionate and comprehensive care, the program aligns with the university's mission of excellent patient care, education, and scholarship.

Training Structure

Fellows participate in a structured curriculum that emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to care, thereby enhancing their capability to handle diverse patient needs. Training involves exposure in acute hospital settings, home-based hospice care, outpatient medicine, and long-term care facilities. This variety enables fellows to comprehensively understand the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers in the field of hospice and palliative medicine.

Training Sites

During the fellowship, participants gain practical experience in multiple training sites, fostering a robust clinical experience. Key training sites include:

• Compassus
• Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
• Harry S Truman VA
• Lenoir
• The Bluffs
• University Hospital
• Women’s Hospital

These sites provide fellows with the opportunity to work alongside experienced interdisciplinary teams, which are essential for mastering the collaborative aspects of palliative care.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program also emphasizes research in hospice and palliative medicine. Fellows are encouraged to engage with innovative studies that aim to improve patient outcomes and advance the field. Research activities are supported by a faculty that includes nationally recognized experts from various clinical departments, ensuring that fellows have access to a wealth of knowledge and mentorship.

Application Process

Application for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific eligibility criteria include the following:

• Fluency in English
• Eligibility for a Missouri Medical License
• Holding a valid ECFMG certificate by January 1

Fellowship candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to hospice and palliative care. Applications must include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (with at least one from the Residency Director), transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. A recent photograph is also required. The application deadline is November 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides support for candidates requiring visa sponsorship. Prospective fellows should obtain the necessary visa prior to the program start date. Specific visa types that the program typically sponsors will be communicated during the application process.

Competitiveness and Applicant Background

The fellowship program is competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates, including both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is designed to be inclusive and is friendly to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with DO degrees. However, candidates must meet stringent criteria, including a solid academic performance in previous medical education.