Waco Family Medicine - Institute Program
Location:
Waco, TXSpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5404812125The Waco Family Medicine – Institute Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is dedicated to training exceptional physicians who provide empathetic care to patients across various age groups and backgrounds. The fellowship encompasses a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients. Training occurs in a multitude of environments, including inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and patients' homes, thus reflecting the comprehensive nature of hospice and palliative medicine.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship lasts one year and is ACGME-approved, specifically designed for graduates from primary care residencies, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The program offers a competitive PGY-4 salary along with comprehensive benefits, making it an appealing choice for candidates. Each fellow will engage in a variety of experiences to hone their skills in different aspects of hospice and palliative medicine.Curriculum and Clinical Experience
The fellowship curriculum is robust, featuring a combination of didactic learning and clinical experiences. Major components include:- Didactics
- Inpatient Palliative Consult Service
- Inpatient Hospice
- Home Hospice
- Pediatric and Perinatal Experiences
- Long-Term Care
- Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic
- Ethics
- Electives
- Scholarly Project
The collaborative nature of the program involves interdisciplinary teams, which include social workers, advanced practice providers, nursing staff, chaplains, and pharmacists, facilitating a well-rounded educational experience for fellows.
Clinical Collaborations
The program collaborates with several respected institutions, enhancing the training experience through varied clinical exposure. Key partnerships include:- Waco Family Medicine – Serving nearly 62,000 patients in McLennan County as a federally qualified health center.
- Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest Hospital – A 236-bed community-based hospital with a level 2 trauma center.
- Community Health Care of Texas – The largest nonprofit, Medicare-certified hospice in Texas, offering an eight-bed inpatient hospice unit.
- Baylor University – Incorporating a renowned Medical Humanities program into the fellowship training.
Faculty and Educators
The fellowship is guided by a distinguished faculty with varied backgrounds, including specialties in family medicine, geriatric medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine. The faculty members include:- Fellowship Director board certified in family medicine, geriatric medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine.
- Associate Fellowship Director who is board certified in family medicine.
- Faculty members with diverse qualifications, contributing to a rich learning environment.
Visa Support and Sponsorship
The Waco Family Medicine Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is welcoming to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa support. The program is able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for qualified candidates from around the world to apply.Competitiveness and Application Requirements
This fellowship is considered highly competitive, especially for candidates from primary care backgrounds. It emphasizes graduates from family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Applicants are generally expected to have completed their residency no more than a few years prior, ensuring that they have recent clinical training. Additionally, the program may have specific stipulations regarding the maximum number of failed STEP exams, aligning with common standards across ACGME fellowships.Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the unique aspects of the Waco Family Medicine – HPM Fellowship is its integrated approach, blending bedside clinical education with a strong emphasis on the ethical dilemmas often faced in hospice and palliative care. The interdisciplinary team dynamics foster collaboration across various healthcare specialties, which enriches the educational context for the fellows.Overall, the program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in hospice and palliative medicine, with a strong focus on compassionate patient care.
Website
Coordinator
Mrs. Meckell F Woodruff
programcoordinator@wacofamilymedicine.org
Institutional and Program Coordiantor
Program
Program Size
1 (1 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2019
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,266First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Waco, TX
Population
138,486
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
29
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Waco, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Waco has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average, especially in certain areas. However, the overall safety level is moderate, and like any city, taking basic precautions can help.
- Fun Activities: Waco offers a variety of activities, including visiting the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, exploring the Cameron Park Zoo, and enjoying outdoor recreational opportunities at Lake Waco. The city also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
- Climate: Waco has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with occasional thunderstorms in the spring and hot temperatures in the summer.
- Races and Population: Waco has a diverse population with a mix of races and cultures, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Education: Waco is home to Baylor University, a prestigious institution known for its academic programs and sports teams. The city also has public and private schools for K-12 education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Waco is relatively lower than in major cities, making it an attractive option for residents looking for affordable housing and everyday expenses.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Waco is located approximately 90 minutes away from Austin and 3 hours from Dallas by car. Both Austin and Dallas offer more extensive entertainment, dining, and cultural amenities.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, proximity to bigger cities.
- Cons: Slightly higher crime rate in some areas, hot summers.
Interview Questions
