University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program
Location:
Albuquerque, NMSpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5403414110The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is designed to provide high-quality education and training to physicians wishing to specialize in palliative care. This fellowship focuses on addressing the diverse needs of patients and their families dealing with serious illnesses. The program places a significant emphasis on skilled communication, pain and symptom management, and whole-person care, particularly for underserved populations such as Native Americans, reflecting the state’s demographic composition.
1Program Overview
The HPM Fellowship spans 12 months and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Training occurs primarily at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), the only academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center in the state. Other training sites include the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center and UNM Children’s Hospital's Mariposa Program, involving a variety of settings for clinical rotations and learning experiences.
1Curriculum Components
Clinical Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to encompass a total of 27 weeks in adult inpatient services, alongside 10 weeks focused on hospice care, which includes inpatient, outpatient, and pediatric services. Additional weeks are allocated to long-term care, elective rotations, and special topics such as ethics and pain management. Fellows also participate in outpatient continuity clinics and home visits to provide comprehensive palliative care.
1Didactic Curriculum
The fellowship incorporates a rigorous didactic curriculum, which includes weekly sessions led by faculty in palliative medicine and guest specialists. A core component of the training involves a “Boot Camp” series designed to introduce key topics essential for palliative care. Monthly Journal Clubs encourage fellows to engage critically with current literature and strengthen their scholarly activities.
1Training and Mentorship
The fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, exposing fellows to a team of board-certified palliative medicine physicians and advanced practice nurses. Mentorship is an inherent aspect of the program, with guidance provided for individual scholarly projects along with opportunities to participate in regional and national meetings, specifically the AAHPM Annual Meeting.
1Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of the program, with efforts focused on understanding and addressing the palliative needs of New Mexico's diverse population. Fellows have the chance to engage in research projects that explore the impact of palliative care on various patient groups and clinical situations, thus contributing to the evolving field of palliative medicine.
1Application Process
The fellowship offers three positions and applications are processed through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Eligible candidates should be board-eligible or board-certified in primary specialties such as Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, Surgery, among others. The program seeks a diverse group of candidates and is committed to educating individuals from various backgrounds.
1Visa Support and Requirements
The program is open to international medical graduates and provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing qualified foreign physicians to participate in the fellowship. Applicants must note any specific application requirements regarding year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exam attempts, as the program upholds standards for selection.
1Competitiveness
While the fellowship is described as highly competitive, it maintains a commitment to diversity, making it more accessible to DO and IMG candidates compared to some other programs. The emphasis on service to underserved populations aligns with the mission to produce culturally competent physicians.
1Website
Director
Laura E Cotter, MD, MPHDivision Chief, Palliative Medicine; PD HPM Fellowship; Assistant Professor Appointed Since July 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,272First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Albuquerque, NM
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM is a city rich in culture and history. Here is a breakdown of what it's like living in Albuquerque:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Albuquerque has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety.
- Fun Activities: Albuquerque offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.
- Climate: Albuquerque experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
- Races and Population: Albuquerque has a diverse population with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, White, and other ethnicities.
- Education: Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Albuquerque is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Albuquerque is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ, and a 6-hour drive from Denver, CO. These cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
Pros: Rich culture, diverse population, lower cost of living.
Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, temperature fluctuations.
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