Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Program

The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Fellowship Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, designed to equip physicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, multidisciplinary palliative care. This program focuses on alleviating suffering and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

Program Overview

The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Wright State integrates various aspects of clinical education, research opportunities, and mentorship, preparing fellows for leadership roles in the field. The program aims not only to enhance clinical skills but also to foster a deep understanding of the ethical and holistic approaches necessary in palliative care.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum features diverse clinical experiences across multiple sites, ensuring fellows encounter a wide range of patient cases. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Formal training in pain management, symptom control, and palliative care practices.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with specialists in various fields, enriching the learning experience.

• Opportunities for reflective practice, case discussions, and participation in palliative care clinics.

• Didactic sessions focused on the palliative care continuum, ethics, and communication skills.

• Research initiatives aimed at advancing palliative care knowledge and practices, with fellows encouraged to present findings at conferences.

Rotations

The fellowship includes rotations at various clinical sites, ensuring exposure to different healthcare systems and patient demographics:

• Hospice facilities where fellows can engage in home-based and inpatient hospice care.

• Hospitals with dedicated palliative care teams, offering real-time application of palliative methods.

• Outpatient settings that serve patients requiring chronic illness management.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in research projects that contribute to the field of palliative medicine. This may include analysis of care models, quality improvement initiatives, or clinical trials. Support is provided for presenting research efforts at national meetings, enhancing professional development and networking.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A defining feature of the fellowship is its multidisciplinary approach, which incorporates not just medical expertise but also support from fields such as social work, psychology, and counseling. Fellows receive training in addressing the psychosocial aspects of patient care, which is crucial in palliative settings.

This program is also committed to fostering cultural competence, preparing fellows to effectively serve diverse patient populations with varying backgrounds and beliefs.

Training Sites

The fellowship leverages partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, including:

• The Miami Valley Hospital, known for its comprehensive medical and surgical services.

• The Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which offers extensive services to veterans and allows fellows to understand the unique needs of this patient group.

• Local hospice organizations, where hands-on experiences in home-based care are accessible.

• Community clinics that support holistic care models and outpatient palliative services.

Visa Support

The program is able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified international medical graduates. This sponsorship aligns with Wright State's commitment to inclusive education and provides opportunities for international trainees to join and enrich the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered competitive, primarily attracting candidates with a robust background in internal medicine or family medicine, along with a demonstrated commitment to palliative care principles. Candidates often possess strong letters of recommendation from mentors and background in relevant clinical experiences.

Application Requirements

The essential application criteria include:

• U.S. citizenship or a valid visa status for international applicants.

• A strong academic record with letters of recommendation emphasizing palliative care interests.

• Completion of at least one year of ACGME-accredited residency training in general medicine.

• Preference for scores at or above 210 on USMLE or equivalent COMLEX.

This structure ensures that all fellows are adequately prepared and qualified to take on the complex roles and responsibilities embedded in hospice and palliative medicine. By fostering a supportive learning environment and comprehensive skill development, the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine equips its fellows to excel in the multidisciplinary landscape of palliative care.