Senior Resident

Complete a Palliative Medicine Rotation

A hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) rotation will help you confirm your alignment with an HPM career and provides insight into its distinctive lifestyle compared to emergency medicine (EM). It is also a crucial piece of a fellowship application, as many fellowship directors consider a dedicated palliative care rotation during residency a prerequisite for an interview.

Build Your Network

Take on leadership roles in organizations like RAMS or EMRA and attend national conferences for networking. Actively participate in the EM palliative interest groups through organizations like SAEM, AAEM, and ACEP for mentorship and insight. If your home hospital hosts an HPM fellowship program matching your goals, build a strong relationship with the fellowship faculty, attend educational sessions, and communicate your interest and intent to apply early.

Apply for HPM Fellowship

Fellowship applications are processed via ERAS and the NRMP fellowship match. Applications open in July, one year prior to the fellowship start date. Interviews are typically conducted August-October, with match results released in the late fall.

• Investigate HPM Programs: most, but not all, HPM programs are open to training emergency physicians, so identify programs that have historically admitted EM graduates. Apply to at least 10 programs if geographic considerations allow.
• Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: seek recommendations well in advance of the July deadline from sources including your Program Director, EM or HPM mentors, and faculty who can vouch for your qualifications and fit for the field. Provide letter writers with your CV and a description of your HPM aspirations.
• Prepare and Submit your ERAS Application Early: assemble your fellowship application meticulously. Prioritize submitting your complete application on the first day if possible, even if some letters are pending.