Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program

Research Training

Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Project

All fellows participate in a group quality improvement (QI) project, selecting from ongoing initiatives within the Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics. Working with faculty mentors and QI specialists, fellows identify and address issues related to patient care in inpatient, ambulatory, or hospice settings. These projects provide valuable experience in implementing and evaluating systems-level improvements in clinical practice.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Case Presentation

Through a dedicated Root Cause Analysis mini-series integrated into the Didactic Thursday curriculum, fellows gain hands-on experience with patient safety principles. Over five sessions, they work through each phase of an RCA: selecting a case, constructing fishbone diagrams, identifying stakeholders, and formulating actionable recommendations. The sessions, led by experienced physician faculty, help fellows incorporate critical systems-thinking into their daily clinical practice.

Research or Education Project

Fellows in the two-year track complete an independent research or education project during their training. Each fellow selects one or more mentors whose expertise aligns with their academic interests. The program’s diverse mentor network includes funded researchers and educators from Medicine, Psychiatry, Critical Care Medicine, and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, ensuring rich, interdisciplinary guidance and career development support.

Case of the Month

Each fellow contributes to the Case of the Month, a collaborative publication produced by the Palliative and Supportive Institute and University of Pittsburgh faculty. These cases explore complex or thought-provoking issues in palliative medicine and are shared broadly across the Pitt/UPMC community. Selected cases are also featured on Pallimed: Arts & Humanities, a national blog that highlights the intersection of palliative care and the arts.

Additional Scholarly Opportunities

Fellows with specific academic interests are encouraged to pursue smaller scholarly activities, such as developing Fast Facts, preparing article reviews, or presenting their work at local and national conferences. These projects provide additional avenues for professional growth and academic engagement.