University of Virginia Medical Center Program

The University of Virginia Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program provides a one-year immersive experience designed for physicians seeking specialized training and expertise in palliative care. This fellowship emphasizes clinical excellence, research, education, and a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions.

Program Overview

Fellows in this program will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to offer high-quality care to patients and families dealing with complex health challenges. Key objectives include developing administrative capabilities to lead a palliative care program or hospice organization, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning, and enhancing teaching and communication skills essential for compassionate care.

Clinical Training Environment

The training will take place across multiple clinical settings, including the esteemed UVA Medical Center, the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, Hospice of the Piedmont, and several local inpatient hospice facilities. This diverse exposure allows fellows to engage with patients at various stages of their illness from diagnosis and treatment to end-of-life care.

UVA Medical Center

UVA Medical Center, a CAPC-designated Palliative Care Leadership Center, features a 600-bed academic tertiary care hospital known for its robust inpatient palliative consult service. The team includes skilled practitioners across disciplines—physician, nurse practitioner, social worker, nurse liaison, and chaplain—delivering comprehensive consultations throughout the hospital.

Pediatric Palliative Care

A unique aspect of the fellowship includes a dedicated two-week rotation on the inpatient pediatric palliative consult service, allowing fellows to address the specific needs of younger patients.

Hospice and Community Care

Fellows actively engage in community hospice services through local organizations like Hospice of the Piedmont, which includes home visits and participation in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Rotations and Electives

The fellowship structure encompasses five months in the Inpatient Palliative Care Service, along with rotations in Geriatrics/Long-term Care, Research and Quality Improvement, and electives, which include specialties such as radiation oncology and interventional pain anesthesiology. A comprehensive continuity clinic offers supportive care on a weekly basis.

Curriculum and Conferences

The fellowship curriculum is robust, beginning with introductory didactics to familiarize fellows with essential palliative topics. Weekly interdisciplinary palliative conferences serve as the primary educational platform, facilitating case presentations, journal discussions, and quality improvement initiatives.

Quality Improvement and Research

Fellows collaborate with faculty on quality improvement projects and have the opportunity to present research findings at various conferences within the department.

Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship program is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment manifests in training practices, patient care, and the overarching institutional values important to UVA. The program actively seeks to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination through policy development and compassionate care.

Application Requirements

Admission to the fellowship requires a completed M.D. or D.O. degree, along with three or more years of residency training in a relevant, ACGME-accredited specialty. Applicants must demonstrate U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or hold a J-1 visa. The selection process includes the submission of a curriculum vitae, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and evidence of passing USMLE Step 3 prior to fellowship commencement.

Competitiveness and Support

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse candidate pool. The program supports visa sponsorship for J-1 visas, accommodating international medical graduates who meet the program's application criteria.

Fellow Wellness

Fellow wellness is prioritized in all aspects of the fellowship, with abundant resources available to promote mental health and work-life balance. The program encourages participation in wellness activities and self-care practices to enhance focus and resilience in this demanding field.

Living in Charlottesville

The fellowship takes place in Charlottesville, a region known for its rich history, cultural activities, and natural beauty. The community offers recreational opportunities in the Blue Ridge Mountains and a vibrant cultural scene, enhancing the fellowship experience.