How do I apply to the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program?
Please refer to the section on how to apply.
What are the USMLE examination requirements for the program?
We do not have a minimum score requirement. The passing of the USMLE/COMLEX examinations on the first attempt is desirable. You may consider applying to the program as all applications will be evaluated on individual merit.
How many fellows are accepted per year?
Our program will be accepting two hospice and palliative medicine fellows each year through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
Do fellows receive vacation time?
Fellows will get 4 weeks of vacation per academic year, taken in 1 or 2-week blocks. In addition, fellows will get 4 sick personal days per year that are not counted towards vacation time.
Are all the rotations at The Valley Hospital?
All rotations will be within Valley Health System. The inpatient service will be covered at The Valley Hospital in Paramus, NJ. The outpatient services will be at The Luckow Pavilion, 1 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus, NJ. The hospice service will be primarily located at The Kraft Center, 15 Essex Rd in Paramus, NJ, but travel to patients’ homes will be necessary. Our long-term care experience will be located at Family of Caring, Ridgewood at 304 S Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ.
What type of call system will there be?
Our program uses a home call system, meaning you will not be required to remain in the hospital overnight. Clinical scope of call is focused entirely on urgent pain and symptom management, ensuring our patients are well cared for overnight. Goals of care discussions and other non-urgent symptoms can be deferred until the morning.
What are the benefits and the salary?
For information on the benefits and the salary, please click here.
What are some factors that make the residency program unique?
While our program is new, our sponsoring institution, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, hosts one of the largest and most prestigious graduate medical education programs in the country.
Through this powerful partnership, our fellows will benefit from the expansive resources and institutional support of the Mount Sinai Health System. Additionally, our location in Bergen County, NJ, offers an outstanding quality of life—combining smaller and vibrant communities with seamless access to the endless cultural opportunities of New York City.
What makes your new program distinct from other new programs?
Our program director, Dr. Sharma has extensive experience in medical education and residency leadership, and our program leaders, including Dr. Spitzer, have the expertise to create a vigorous program while providing a collegial, friendly training environment.
Unlike other newly developed programs, our program’s sponsoring institution, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has one of the largest graduate medical education programs in the country. With resources and support from Mount Sinai, Valley's program is well-positioned to succeed.