University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare (Gainesville) Program

Welcome to the University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, a unique program committed to providing exemplary training across three diverse healthcare systems: the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, and VITAS Healthcare. This multidisciplinary fellowship is designed to cultivate leaders in hospice and palliative medicine who are dedicated to high-quality, compassionate patient care.

The fellowship focuses on the evolving needs of patients and families confronting serious medical conditions. Key program elements include emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to serve underrepresented populations. The faculty is recognized for their dedication to patient-centered care, professionalism, and their role in shaping responsive and skilled physicians in the field.

Training Structure

The fellowship is structured as a one-year clinical training program, admitting two fellows annually. The curriculum immerses fellows into various settings including acute care, inpatient hospice, outpatient care, telemedicine, and home hospice care, facilitating comprehensive exposure to the spectrum of palliative care services.

Clinical Rotation Sites

Fellows spend a substantial amount of time at the Orlando VA Medical Center, which cares for a large veteran population and features diverse medical teams specializing in palliative care. This setting allows fellows to develop competencies in managing complex, life-threatening medical conditions through various healthcare settings such as:

• Palliative Care Consult Teams.
• Long-Term Care environments.
• Hospice and Palliative Care Units.
• Continuity Outpatient Palliative Clinics.
• Telemedicine Services.

Additionally, fellows rotate through HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, which is a major teaching hospital providing acute emergency and trauma care. Their experience here is complemented by practical training with VITAS Healthcare, the leading provider of end-of-life care, where they receive extensive experience in both inpatient and home-based hospice care, including pediatric hospice rotations.

Curriculum Overview

The program’s curriculum encourages a balance between formal education and hands-on clinical experience. Fellows participate in rotations that last between 2 to 4 weeks, allowing for a deep dive into specific areas of palliative care. Key aspects of the curriculum include:

• Continuity outpatient clinic experiences throughout the fellowship.
• Elective opportunities in disciplines such as Geriatric Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and more.
• Engagement in weekly didactic sessions covering critical topics, enhanced by workshops and practical learning.

Recognizing the stress and potential for burnout in the medical profession, the program places a strong emphasis on fellow wellness and resilience training, incorporating mental health resources and support.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must submit their materials via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and comply with several key application requirements:

• Completion of a residency in an American Residency Accreditation Council (ACGME)-accredited program.
• Passing scores on all required USMLEs or COMLEX for D.O. graduates.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, medical school transcripts, and a current photograph.
• ECFMG certification is required for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). J-1 visa sponsorship is available.
• No H1 visa sponsorship is offered.

In addition, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and leadership in hospice and palliative care.

Competitiveness and Opportunities

The program maintains a competitive selection process, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates to apply. The fellowship not only provides robust clinical experience but also fosters scholarly activities, with fellows expected to engage in quality improvement projects and present at relevant conferences.

By combining diverse clinical experiences, a supportive learning environment, and a strong emphasis on wellness, the University of Central Florida/HCA Florida Healthcare Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine equips its fellows with the necessary skills and experiences to become leaders in this vital field.