University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program
Location:
Madison, WISpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5405614016The University of Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship offers a unique and personalized training experience aimed at shaping fellows into leaders in the hospice and palliative care field. This program emphasizes competency in communication and medical management for seriously ill patients and their families. The fellowship prioritizes support for fellows’ well-being, ensuring a comprehensive educational environment.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the fellowship is tailored to the diverse backgrounds of the fellows, focusing on individualized learning and career development. Training occurs across several notable sites, including UW Health, American Family Children’s Hospital, William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital, and Agrace Hospice. Aspects of the curriculum include:
- Advanced training in communication, including the program-developed "Best Case/Worst Case" tool.
- A comprehensive well-being and resiliency curriculum that features narrative writing workshops.
- High-quality conferences like topic and case conferences, along with a Journal Club.
- Hands-on experiences through family meeting simulations and PalliTALK workshops, which focus on real-life communication skills in palliative settings.
Clinical Rotations
The clinical rotations embedded in the fellowship are meticulously designed to provide fellows with a robust and diverse clinical experience. Unique interprofessional teams participate in training, ensuring that the fellows are exposed to a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. This fosters an educational atmosphere that emphasizes teamwork and comprehensive patient management.
4Research and Scholarly Activity
In addition to clinical training, fellows are actively involved in scholarly activities, participating in quality improvement (QI) projects and having the opportunity to engage with research faculty. The program collaborates with the Carbone Cancer Center to provide further research training opportunities, enhancing fellows' research experience.
10Mentorship Program
The fellowship includes a structured mentorship program providing both peer support and faculty-led guidance. Early in the fellowship, each fellow is matched with a faculty mentor. This relationship nurtures not only academic growth but also personal development throughout the training period.
9Application Process
The application process for the fellowship is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). International applicants may also be considered, as the program sponsors J-1 visas. Specific application requirements include:
- A completed ERAS application, including transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement that highlights the applicant's motivation and suitability.
- USMLE scores or ECFMG status for international graduates.
Program Competitiveness and Eligibility
The University of Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship is known for its competitiveness, particularly among those holding MD degrees. The program encourages applications from candidates diverse in their specialties, primarily accepting those from internal medicine and other relevant boards such as anesthesiology, family medicine, and pediatrics.
5Unique Aspects of the Program
This fellowship implements specific curricular initiatives that focus on well-being and resilience, including regular reflection sessions and social events. Furthermore, unique educational tools such as PalliTALK and WeTALK workshops are employed to enhance communication skills within clinical settings.
6Community and Living in Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, offers an outstanding environment for fellows, filled with cultural and recreational opportunities. The city is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere which adds to the overall fellowship experience, making it not only a place for professional development but also for personal enrichment.
2Website
Director
Sara K Johnson, MDAssociate Professor and Program Director Appointed Since February 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,454First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Madison, WI
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Madison, WI
Madison, WI, known for its beautiful lakes, vibrant music scene, and outdoor activities, offers a unique living experience. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Safety: Madison has a relatively low crime rate, making it a generally safe city.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports on the surrounding lakes. The city also hosts various cultural events, farmers' markets, and music festivals.
- Climate: Madison experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during the winter months.
- Population & Races: The population of Madison is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities contributing to the city's vibrant culture.
- Education: Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, providing educational opportunities and a youthful energy to the city.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Madison is reasonable compared to other major cities in the US, but it can be higher than the national average.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Chicago is about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, offering access to a bigger city for weekend getaways. Milwaukee is about 1.5 hours away, providing a closer urban experience.
- Pros: Beautiful natural surroundings, cultural events, educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
- Cons: Cold winters and potentially higher cost of living compared to some other locations in the US.
Interview Questions
