University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Overview

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth offers a one-year clinical fellowship designed to prepare trainees for successful careers in hospice and palliative medicine. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and meets the requirements for board certification in the field. With four fellowship positions available each year, the program emphasizes the acquisition of a broad range of clinical skills and medical knowledge necessary for palliative care practitioners.1

Mission and Goals

The mission of the program is to develop competent palliative care specialists by providing robust clinical training and comprehensive knowledge about the pathophysiology and treatment principles of various diseases commonly encountered in palliative settings. The training incorporates a strong emphasis on developing high-level clinical skills that are essential in academic, inpatient, or outpatient practices.1

Eligibility and Application Process

All applicants must have completed three years of an ACGME-accredited residency before the fellowship start date. Valid specialties for sub-specialization in hospice and palliative medicine include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and several others. The program accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participates in the National Resident Match Program (NRMP). Importantly, the program only sponsors J1 visas and does not accept H1B visas.7

Competitiveness

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds including both domestic and international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates with a strong commitment to palliative care and relevant clinical experience are particularly well-regarded.7

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program is structured around significant clinical rotations across various healthcare settings. Key rotations include:

• Memorial Hermann – TMC – Palliative Service: 3 months in a high-acuity consult service that provides comprehensive care for patients with a variety of diagnoses.
• Lyndon B. Johnson Geriatric/Palliative Service: 3 months on a combined consult service in collaboration with oncology specialists.
• Pediatric Palliative Care: 0.5 months, with options to rotate through multiple esteemed institutions.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: 1 month focused on palliative care unit management and outpatient care.
• AccentCare Memorial Hermann Hospice: 2.5 months involving home visits and hospice management.
• Chronic Pain & Addiction Medicine: 1 month integrating care for chronic pain and addiction
• Palliative Medicine Clinic: Continuous experience in outpatient clinics throughout the fellowship.
• Elective Rotation: 1 month allowing fellows to pursue additional interests or specialties.

This ensures a comprehensive exposure to different facets of palliative medicine.8

Learning Opportunities

The program emphasizes educational advancement through various forms of learning opportunities. Weekly webinars cover critical topics, and monthly case presentations foster hands-on learning. The fellows also participate in the Texas Consortium of Hospice and Palliative Medicine's Journal Club, further promoting collaboration with peers from other fellowship programs. Monthly didactics include modules on self-care, quality improvement, and scholarly activity development.6

Training Sites

The fellowship provides a diverse range of training sites, including:

• Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center: A leading facility providing extensive services across numerous specialties.
• Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital: A verified Level III trauma center offering comprehensive medical services.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: Renowned globally for excellence in cancer care.
• Texas Children’s Hospital: Specializing in pediatric medicine, including palliative care.9

Fellow Support and Resources

The program offers various resources to fellows, including access to library resources, graduate medical education offices, and social media for networking. Fellows are empowered to develop leadership and collaborative skills essential for a successful career in hospice and palliative medicine.5

Life in Houston

Houston is a vibrant city characterized by its cultural diversity, affordability, and extensive services. The city is home to the world's largest medical center, creating an ideal atmosphere for medical fellows to thrive. Cultural opportunities abound, along with various recreational activities that support a well-balanced lifestyle for fellows and their families while they pursue their professional aspirations.8