The Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program intended for physicians interested in providing compassionate, appropriate and effective care for patients facing debilitative or end-of-life health care conditions.

Program Description

The HPM fellowship has been in existence since July 1, 2011. The goals and objective for this fellowship program are competency-based, and they align with the six competencies endorsed by the ACGME: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, and systems-based practice. There are no additional certifications or recognitions that the program holds.

Educational Program

Fellows must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.   They must demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.

Fellows must demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and life-long learning.  

Fellows must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and professional associates.  They must demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles.

Fellows must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.

The didactic curriculum for  the Hospice/Palliative Care program cover a broad range of topics.  They  include, but are not limited to Grand Rounds-Department of Medicine,  Tumor Board at SAVAHCS, Journal Club at VA Hospital, Interdisciplinary Team Meetings, Palliative Care Clinic at the AZCC, and projects that can be individually arranged with individual faculty members

Eligibility

Qualifications for admission to the Fellowship Program include:

  • The successful completion of a three-year residency in one of the following disciplines: Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology or Surgery
  • US Citizenship, valid residency, or J-1 visa. This program does not support H1-B visas
  • Graduates of foreign medical schools  must have a standard ECFMG Certificate
  • All accepted candidates must obtain an Arizona medical training license

How to Apply

You may apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service ERAS. The application process may require the following documentation:

  • CV
  • Three letters of reference
  • USMLE scores
  • ECFMG certificate (if relevant)
  • Medical school transcript
  • Certificate of completion (or good standing in) ACGME accredited residency (can be in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology or Surgery)
  • Personal statement