University of Tennessee College of Medicine Program

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine offers a one-year ACGME-accredited Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Memphis, which is designed to accommodate six fellows each year, three focusing on pediatric care and three on adult care. This fellowship emphasizes intense training in managing patients with serious illnesses and provides a comprehensive pathway to board certification. The curriculum includes a diverse range of training settings, such as inpatient, hospice, and outpatient environments, enabling fellows to gain essential knowledge and experience to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care along the age and disease continuum 1.

The training provided in this fellowship focuses on critical areas including symptom management, effective communication regarding care goals, advance care planning, and the philosophical shift from curative treatment to comfort care. The program’s mission is to instill compassionate care among fellows while promoting self-care practices and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship’s curriculum is structured to provide fellows with comprehensive didactic and clinical training. Upon commencing the fellowship, fellows will undergo a month-long orientation in July that covers fundamental aspects of hospice and palliative medicine. This initial training includes lectures on pain and symptom management, workshops focusing on communication skills, narrative medicine, and health equity 4.

During the fellowship year, fellows will participate in bimonthly formal didactics, bedside teaching, and journal clubs. The clinical exposure is vast, covering a broad spectrum of patient care services involving interdisciplinary team members who are specialists in pain and symptom management for both pediatric and adult patients, including a unique pediatric community-based program that provides home care and hospice services 4.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities and research throughout their training period. Each fellow is assigned a faculty mentor who guides them in research and quality improvement initiatives. Opportunities to present research at national meetings are available, and fellows are provided with resources for assistance in statistical analyses and research design 4.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program places a strong emphasis on wellness and self-care. Monthly sessions are dedicated to wellness activities, which include both structured and unstructured options. Additionally, fellows have opportunities for debriefings with non-faculty members, fostering a supportive environment for reflecting on their experiences and managing the emotional aspects of their training 4.

Training Sites

The program benefits from its affiliation with notable institutions in Memphis, including Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Hospital, and Methodist University Hospital. Through these affiliations, fellows are positioned to gain robust clinical experience in various healthcare settings, contributing to their versatility and competence as practitioners after completion of the fellowship 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

For international medical graduates (IMGs) applying to the fellowship program, the program requires a minimum of three months of “hands-on” clinical experience within the United States and that the medical school graduation occurs within the last five years. The program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas, therefore applicants requiring an H visa should not apply 5.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, especially for international medical graduates, as they face a large pool of qualified candidates for a limited number of interview slots. As a result, only a select group of IMGs are offered interviews, necessitating a strong application showcasing relevant clinical experience and qualifications 5.

Salary, Benefits, and Leave

The compensation for fellows is in line with national standards for ACGME-accredited programs. In addition to the base salary, fellows receive benefits such as healthcare insurance (including health, dental, and vision), life and disability insurance, and an education stipend for conference attendance and study materials. Leave policies allow for three weeks of annual leave, three weeks of sick leave, and up to 10 days of educational leave per year 6.

Life in Memphis

Memphis presents a vibrant living experience with a rich cultural and historical backdrop. The city has been recognized for its diverse population and its role as a healthcare hub, featuring notable hospitals and health organizations. Fellowships in Memphis make the most of this environment by affording fellows opportunities to experience urban life while engaging with a dynamic healthcare community 7.