Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program
Specialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5402812004The 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.
4Clinical 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.
8Visa 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.
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Director
Jonathan Mullin, MDAssociate Professor of Pediatrics Appointed Since February 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
50 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
12 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$76,999First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
4.7XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
St. Louis, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a diverse city offering a mix of urban and suburban living. Here is an overview of different aspects of living in St. Louis:
- Crime Rate and Safety: St. Louis has areas with varying crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, the city has made improvements in safety but like any big city, precautions are still necessary.
- Fun Activities: St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, diverse food scene, museums, and sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues. There are also many parks and outdoor recreational activities available.
- Climate: St. Louis experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant.
- Races and Population: St. Louis has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural scene.
- Education: St. Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for continuing education and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: St. Louis is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, and a 5-hour drive from Kansas City, MO. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural experiences, plenty of outdoor activities.
Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.