University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine Program

The University of Nevada, Reno offers a comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program designed to equip aspiring practitioners with the essential skills for high-quality palliative care. This fellowship provides rigorous interdisciplinary training aimed at enhancing goal-concordant care and alleviating burdensome symptoms faced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. Established in 2008, the program holds full ACGME accreditation and is characterized by its close-knit environment and strong faculty support.

The program focuses on mentoring a diverse cohort of Fellows, including new graduates as well as mid-career and multi-career physicians from various specialties such as internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, neurology, physiatry, anesthesiology, M.D.s, and D.O.s. The fellowship accepts up to three Fellows annually, emphasizing a commitment to diversity in training and education.

Training Structure

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship lasts for one year, predominantly focused on clinical experience. While the program does not currently offer pathways such as Research or Pediatrics, it includes various clinical rotations that cater to both adults and children needing palliative and hospice care. Those seeking specific Pediatric Palliative Care training are advised to explore alternative programs. Fellows may also engage in elective rotations that include subspecialty clinics, addressing chronic diseases like COPD and CHF, as well as home-based primary care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum comprises twelve one-month clinical rotations encompassing a range of clinical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and nursing facilities. Each rotation addresses vital aspects of hospice and palliative medicine education, effectively preparing Fellows in areas like clinical care, administrative roles, quality improvement efforts, team care planning, and teaching duties for house staff. Throughout these experiences, Fellows collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team, which may include nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, rehab staff, chaplains, nutritionists, and nurses, facilitating comprehensive care planning and case management.

Educational Experience

Didactic learning is an integral component of the fellowship, offered through a variety of formats such as live presentations, journal clubs, webcasts, and online educational sessions. These didactic sessions cater to various learning styles, from self-directed to formal structured learning. The Fellowship's robust academic environment encourages frequent mentorship and collaborative opportunities, allowing Fellows to grow professionally alongside Hospice and Palliative Medicine faculty.

Unique Benefits

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine's fellowship program affords several benefits that enhance the overall experience. These include professional society memberships, access to essential educational reference books, reimbursement for presenting scholarly work at professional conferences, as well as generous leave policies consisting of 15 days of paid annual leave, 15 days of sick leave, and 5 days dedicated to educational purposes. Importantly, fellows in the program are not required to take calls after hours or on weekends, allowing for an appropriate work-life balance.

Application Process

Applications for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program are submitted via the ERAS application system, with the open season for new applications starting in mid-July each year. Interviews are conducted on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from August through October. The program encourages a transparent application process, with match results being announced by early December each year, allowing for a clear timeline for prospective applicants.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is characterized as being friendly towards various candidates, including those with DO and IMG backgrounds. It is essential to check visa support details, as the program offers sponsorship for appropriate visa types, enabling international candidates to pursue their fellowship training in the United States.