In addition to our world-class clinical training, interprofessional didactics, and commitment to diversity and resiliency, our program is uniquely rich in resources. This allows fellows to tailor their experience to better suit their own interests and goals.

Global Health

In partnership with Harvard and Tulane, we are currently piloting a Global Palliative Educational Collaborative (GPEC), which includes:

• A one-month clinical elective overseas precepted by local palliative care practitioners
• Mentorship in Global Palliative Care provided by experienced Global Health Faculty
• A series of pre-briefing, debriefing, and didactic virtual meetings across all three institutions
• Access to the resources of existing Global Health programs at UCSF

Fellows who desire more extensive training can also streamline application to either of two 2-year Global Health fellowships based at UCSF: HEAL and the Masters in Global Health.

Learn more about GPEC

Research

UCSF is fortunate to be home to some of the top researchers in the fields of Hospice & Palliative Medicine (HPM) and Geriatrics. Our HPM fellowship is tightly linked to two research fellowships that provide additional training and mentored research experience for candidates interested in a career in research. The typical course would be to complete the one year clinical HPM fellowship followed by two years of additional fellowship research training.

The UCSF Division of Geriatrics and the San Francisco VA Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care groups offer two fellowships with up to 10 spots that provide training opportunities for fellowship candidates interested in palliative care research. The first, an NIA-funded T32 grant, recruits physicians interested in research at the aging and palliative care interface. The second, the VA Quality Scholars program at the San Francisco VA, provides training in both research methods and quality improvement. Fellows in the T32 and VA Quality Scholars share coursework, small group sessions, and office space to create a community of fellows. 

Exceptional candidates may be considered for simultaneous admission into these research fellowships following their one-year clinical HPM fellowship. If you are interested in applying for either research fellowship in addition to the clinical HPM fellowship, please indicate this in your application as well as emailing our HPM program director and program coordinator.

For more information about the research fellowships, you may also contact the appropriate research fellowship director as below:

• T32 Aging Research Fellowship: Alex Smith at [email protected].
• VA Quality Scholars Fellowship: Sei Lee at [email protected].

Specialty Tracks

In addition to our five (5) categorical adult fellowship positions, we offer one (1) position in our two-year Integrated Geriatrics-Palliative Care program and one (1) position in our Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship.

Advisor Program

In a one-year fellowship, fellows must almost immediately focus on long-term goals such as career and longitudinal projects. Ideally, job goals align with and are enhanced by electives as well as required scholarly and QI projects. Our advisor program matches each incoming fellow with a faculty advisor to help navigate these aspects of the curriculum and find his or her way around the UCSF system.

American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM)

Our fellows attend the AAHPM Annual Assembly, which takes place in February or March. To facilitate their attendance, conference and travel time is protected and our program reimburses expenses.

Scholarly Project

With the many projects taking place at UCSF, we provide the space for fellows to be involved in a project of their choosing. We hold a forum for UCSF faculty to present their current projects to allow for fellows to fully understand the scope and responsibilities.