Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program

The Vanderbilt Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship Program is dedicated to developing leaders in the field of hospice and palliative care who can make significant contributions to their communities and healthcare. This program, which has been operational since 2008, is structured to create capable palliative medicine physicians committed to improving patient care and outcomes. The program is affiliated with notable institutions such as the Vanderbilt Center for Quality Aging and the VA Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).1

Program Overview

The primary mission of the fellowship is to train physicians to be proficient in providing hospice and palliative care. This includes enhancing their abilities in patient care, interdisciplinary leadership, and quality improvement. The program encompasses a one-year clinical curriculum that prepares fellows for roles as consultants and independent providers. These fellows emerge as lifelong learners and educators, possessing abundant knowledge and skills in palliative medicine.1

Program Tracks

Vanderbilt offers several tracks within the fellowship program, allowing for tailored training experiences:

• Clinical Track: A one-year ACGME-accredited clinical palliative medicine fellowship.
• Research Track: This includes a VA Special Fellowship in Advanced Geriatrics, which combines one year of clinical training with two years of advanced research fellowship.
• Quality Improvement Track: Involves one year of clinical fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine, followed by two additional years in the VA Quality Scholars Fellowship Program.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum integrates small group learning sessions, hands-on experiential learning, and individualized mentoring. The teaching methodologies follow the principles of adult learning theory, emphasizing guided autonomy and self-awareness. The clinical training is comprehensive, covering various competencies and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) established by ACGME.1

The curriculum includes multiple rotations, satisfying all ACGME requirements:

• Inpatient Consultation (VUMC/VA): 6 months
• Inpatient Palliative Care Unit (VUMC): 4 weeks
• Hospice Experience: personal/rental car required
• Long-term Care Rotation (VUMC/VA): 4 weeks
• Pediatric Palliative Care (MCCH): 2 weeks
• Ethics (VUMC): 1 week
• Integrative Medicine (Osher Center): 1 week
• Outpatient Clinic: Weekly half-day session
• Elective: 2 weeks
• Vacation: 3 weeks

Clinical Training Sites

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) serves as a key site for the fellowship, providing a tertiary care environment with substantial exposure to palliative medicine. Trainees work closely with an experienced interdisciplinary team and will consult on a significant volume of patients annually, which enhances their learning curve and professional development. Additional clinical sites include:

• The Tennessee Valley Health Care System's VA facilities
• Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital for pediatric palliative care consultations
• Alive Hospice, the largest nonprofit hospice agency in the Nashville area
• Long-term care environments

Educational Experiences and Conferences

Fellows benefit from a variety of educational experiences throughout the fellowship. This includes regular core learning sessions, case conferences, and multidisciplinary conferences focused on communication and ethics. The curriculum also features specialized workshops aimed at addressing key palliative care competencies, maintaining well-being, and enhancing resilience.1

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to have completed an accredited residency program and must submit a curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. This rigorous application process ensures that only the most committed candidates are selected for fellowship training. The program encourages diverse applicants, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity within the field of palliative care.1

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship opportunities for eligible international medical graduates, enabling them to engage in the training provided. This support is crucial for creating a diverse educational environment that enriches the fellowship learning experience.1

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, welcoming applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to palliative care, academic excellence, and a genuine interest in making significant impacts in the field.1