University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Fellowship Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System is dedicated to training future leaders in the field of palliative care and hospice. The program is structured to provide a strong core curriculum while allowing for tailored educational experiences that meet the unique career goals of each learner. It consists of three ACGME-accredited training programs, namely the Traditional Fellowship Program, Mid-Career Fellowship Program, and the Combined Nephrology-Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, enhancing the multidisciplinary approach of the training.

The Traditional Fellowship Program is a one-year program intended for applicants who have completed training in various medical and surgical specialties. Each year, three physicians are accepted into this program. For those already established in their medical careers, the Mid-Career Fellowship Program offers a time-variable, competency-based approach, though it is currently limited to existing Penn Medicine physicians. Furthermore, the innovative two-year Combined Nephrology-Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship leads to Board eligibility in both specialties, accepting one physician annually.

The program also incorporates a Radiation Oncology Track tailored for individuals who have completed residency training in radiation oncology, providing opportunities to gain specialized knowledge and experience in palliative care and complex re-irradiation cases, ultimately leading to dual board certification.

Fellows engage in intensive training, focusing on the care of seriously ill patients and their families as part of an interdisciplinary team. They are trained in providing patient-centered medical care and developing advanced communication skills necessary for effective palliative care.

Clinical Rotations

The clinical rotation component of the fellowship emphasizes diverse palliative care experiences to enhance fellows' competency. Rotations include working with Penn Medicine hospice services, inpatient hospice units at Vitas Philadelphia Hospice, and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. Additionally, fellows are involved in inpatient palliative care consultation teams at several hospitals, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Fellows also participate in an outpatient setting at the Supportive Oncology Clinic and the Palliative Care Clinic, providing longitudinal care to patients. Specialized rotations in pediatric palliative care, addiction medicine, and an embedded ICU palliative care rotation further enhance fellows' education. The program allows fellows to customize elective experiences based on their interests and career goals.

Enhancing the learning experience, the fellowship incorporates a well-being curriculum focusing on self-care, burnout prevention, and resilience. A series of health system conferences, didactic sessions, and workshops on symptom management and communication are integrated into the curriculum.

Research and Mentorship

The program places a strong emphasis on scholarly activities and mentorship. Fellows participate in structured quality improvement projects to learn various methodologies and processes. They receive mentorship from faculty to execute notable projects, many of which are presented at national conferences or published in reputable journals.

Fellows are also encouraged to deliver presentations during Palliative Medicine Grand Rounds and participate in collaborative projects within interdisciplinary teams. Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor who supports their professional development, including clinical, teaching, research, and advocacy skills relevant to hospice and palliative care.

Diversity and Application Requirements

The program is fully committed to diversity and inclusion; candidates from underrepresented populations in medicine are especially encouraged to apply. All fellowship graduates are eligible to take the Hospice and Palliative Medicine board exam post-completion of the fellowship.

Applications for the fellowship are accepted through the ERAS system. There may be specific application requirements related to the year of graduation or limitations on the number of failed STEP exams; however, these should be thoroughly reviewed by potential applicants.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Candidates demonstrating a strong commitment to palliative care and hospice medicine are encouraged to apply.

For international applicants, the program offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating the process for qualified candidates seeking to join the fellowship.