Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to provide high-quality training in hospice and palliative care. The program's mission is to enhance symptom management and support the best quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families through specialized inter-professional clinical care, education, and research.

At Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, there is a commitment to treating the whole person rather than just the disease. This holistic approach encourages fellows to focus on improving the quality of life for each patient while helping families clarify their care goals.

Program Structure

The fellowship offers two distinct training tracks: an adult track and a pediatric track. Each track accommodates one fellow per year, ensuring personalized guidance and mentorship. The fellowship emphasizes the development of clinical competency and provides opportunities for growth and research in academic medicine, leading to board certification in hospice and palliative medicine upon completion.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum consists of 12 months of intensive clinical training complemented by didactic and educational experiences to enhance competencies as academicians in areas such as research, education, quality improvement, and advocacy. This robust curriculum includes a variety of educational initiatives:

• Bootcamp Lectures: An intensive series covering core concepts in palliative care.

• Communication Skills Training: A structured approach that includes role-play and interaction with standardized patients.

• Case-Based Learning: Quarterly sessions focusing on pharmacologic symptom management.

• Quality Improvement Projects: In-depth training on QI principles with mentored project completion.

Fellows benefit from an average of one hour of didactic lectures per week covering essential topics in hospice and palliative medicine, delivered by experts in the field.

Clinical Rotations

The clinical training experience includes a variety of rotations, allowing fellows to gain comprehensive exposure to different aspects of hospice and palliative care:

• Inpatient Palliative Care Consult: 6 months at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, tailored for adult and pediatric cases.

• Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic: Regular outpatient commitments to apply skills learned during inpatient rotations.

• Inpatient Hospice at Evelyn’s House: 6-8 weeks focused on hospice care delivery.

• Electives: Opportunities to explore additional areas through 4 weeks of elective rotations.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research as part of fellowship training. Fellows can engage in innovative research activities through the Lab for Innovation in Palliative Medicine. Various studies are conducted focusing on caregiver experiences and evidence-based interventions, providing fellows with valuable research exposure and experience.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, and prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific requirements for applicants include:

• Medical School Transcripts

• USMLE Scores

• Curriculum Vitae

• A Personal Statement

• Letters of Recommendation, including one from the current chief of service

Details regarding the application process can be found alongside deadlines through the National Resident Matching Program.

Visa Support

The program seeks to support international medical graduates (IMGs) through a visa sponsorship process. Typically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for medical fellowship candidates from outside the United States. It is advisable for international applicants to review the visa requirements during their application process to ensure compliance.

Unique Aspects

Moreover, fellows gain exposure to a collaborative interdisciplinary environment, working alongside physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and chaplains. This multidisciplinary approach fosters the delivery of holistic care tailored to the unique needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses.