University of South Florida Morsani Program

The University of South Florida Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is designed to prepare fellows to meet the diverse needs of patients facing life-limiting illnesses. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship, established in 2008, partners with leading healthcare institutions such as Chapters Health System Hospice, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital to provide comprehensive training and clinical exposure.

The curriculum focuses on various aspects of hospice and palliative care, emphasizing symptom management, communication skills, interprofessional collaboration, and self-care. With the guidance of eight board-certified faculty members in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and multiple interprofessional educators, fellows gain essential skills to support both patients and families effectively.

Program Aims and Objectives

The program aims to educate fellows on alleviating the burden of life-threatening conditions, develop their skills in managing physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering, and provide in-depth training in sub-specialty areas such as interventional pain management and medical oncology. The objectives outlined by ACGME focus on delivering compassionate patient care, fostering medical knowledge, enhancing interpersonal communication, and promoting professionalism and effectiveness within healthcare systems 1.

Clinical Training Sites

Fellows participate in various teaching sites that cater to a wide range of patient needs:

• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute: This National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center provides fellows with opportunities to engage in psychosocial and palliative care for cancer patients through interdisciplinary teamwork.
• LifePath Hospice: As one of the largest independent hospices in the nation, LifePath offers diverse clinical settings and a significant patient census to ensure fellows gain valuable experience.
• James A. Haley VA Medical Center: This tertiary care teaching hospital has an active inpatient palliative care service, home care program, and skilled nursing facility, allowing fellows to participate actively in patient care on multiple levels.
• Tampa General Hospital: Serving as the area’s only Level I trauma center, fellows receive education on inpatient palliative care, interacting with a range of complex patient cases.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is competency-based, integrating clinical rotations and continuity experiences with extensive educational activities. Rotations occur in various settings with a focus on:

• Comprehensive assessments across physical, cognitive, and psychological domains
• Management of common comorbidities and symptoms in patients with life-threatening illnesses
• Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic symptom management strategies

Fellows also engage in didactic sessions including grand rounds, journal clubs, and board reviews, while opportunities for teaching and scholarly activities further enhance their training experience 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The fellowship is committed to attracting a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool. To be eligible, applicants must be graduates from accredited North American medical schools or have ECFMG certification. International medical graduates must have a J-1 visa and be actively pursuing advanced medical training. A current ACLS/BLS certification is also required. The application process involves submission through the ERAS system, including application forms, letters of recommendation, and medical transcripts. Consideration for visa sponsorship (J-1 or H-1B) is extended to highly qualified candidates 2.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows in the program receive a competitive salary along with various benefits. Detailed information regarding salary and insurance can be obtained through the GME department of USF Health.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program emphasizes engagement in multidisciplinary clinical research. Fellows are encouraged to participate in projects that foster critical thinking and contribute to evidence-based practices in hospice and palliative care.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty consists of experienced professionals skilled in various specializations within hospice and palliative medicine. They are committed to promoting fellows' educational and personal growth, guiding them throughout their training endeavors.