Hospice of Palm Beach Countys Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is seeking applicants to apply for fellowship. The year-long clinical curriculum prepares the selected physician for board certification in hospice and palliative medicine. In addition, it contributes to quality end-of-life care by educating physicians in the latest treatments and care relevant to terminally ill patients physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Designed to further physician education in palliative medicine through practical training and experience in multiple clinical and residential settings, the selected fellow will also gain knowledge through lectures, discussions and mentoring. The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program is a cooperative effort of Hospice of Palm Beach County and JFK Medical Center, and has been generously funded by the Hospice Foundation of Palm Beach County.
According to Richard Levene, DO, FAAFP, FAAHPM, Fellowship Program Director, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Director of Medical Education for Hospice of Palm Beach County, “Our 30 years of compassionate hospice care is the cornerstone behind the program. Fellows will learn in an environment of care, where the way things are done is just as important as the treatments themselves.” Lucy Mead, RN, MS, CHPN, Medical Education Specialist, has been integral in assisting Levene with curriculum development and continued program management.
The Hospice of Palm Beach County Medical Education Department selected Kate Brazzale, M.D., as the first Fellow to participate in the Program which began July 15, 2008. Dr. Brazzale received a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from University College London and completed her residency at the University of Florida, Gainesville in the Family Practice Residency Program serving as Chief Resident in her third year.
Together with the Hospice of Palm Beach County Education Committee, one fellow will be selected each year for participation. The goal is to achieve accreditation in 2010 by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Certification candidates are grandfathered until 2012, so completing an unaccredited program is not a barrier to certification. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2009-2010 fellowship year. The fellow will receive a competitive salary and benefit package based on prevailing regional university compensation for fellowship candidates.
