Residents interested in Palliative Care should seek out elective and training experiences that deepen their understanding of serious illness management, enhance their communication skills, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration across inpatient and outpatient settings. Ideal rotations expose residents to diverse patient populations with chronic, complex, and life-limiting conditions—particularly in settings where goals-of-care discussions, symptom management, and family-centered care are integral to clinical decision-making.
Contact
Hilary Flint
Essential Electives
Hospice & Palliative Care
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will immerse themselves in the interdisciplinary care of children with life-limiting conditions, focusing on symptom management, communication with families, end-of-life care, and goals-of-care discussions. Experiences may include home hospice visits, inpatient consults, and team-based family meetings, offering exposure to both the emotional and clinical complexities of pediatric palliative medicine.
Complex Care
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will work closely with children who have medical complexity and their families to understand longitudinal care coordination, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the social determinants that impact quality of life. Emphasis is placed on continuity, transitions of care, and advocating for patients across medical and community systems.
Recommended Electives
Hematology/Oncology
In this half- or full-block outpatient elective, residents will care for patients with cancer and blood disorders, developing skills in managing chronic illness, communicating serious diagnoses, and supporting children and families through intensive treatments and uncertainty. Opportunities to participate in family care conferences are encouraged.
BMT
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will gain experience in the care of immunocompromised and critically ill children undergoing stem cell transplantation. The rotation highlights ethical decision-making, symptom management during intensive therapy, and fostering resilience among families facing complex prognoses.
PICU Elective
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will deepen their understanding of critical illness, acute care decision-making, and the role of palliative care in intensive settings. Participation in family meetings, code status discussions, and longitudinal follow-up of critically ill patients is encouraged to broaden perspectives on care integration.
Pain: Medical
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will focus on the evaluation and treatment of acute, chronic, and procedural pain in children. Working alongside anesthesiology, palliative care, and integrative medicine teams, residents will learn multimodal approaches, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies.
Other Electives
Hospital Medicine Elective
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will refine their inpatient management skills while exploring the systems-based aspects of care for children with both acute and chronic illnesses. Emphasis is placed on care transitions, communication with families, and recognizing when palliative care consultation can support goals of care.
CICU
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will manage children with complex congenital and acquired heart disease, gaining insight into high-stakes decision-making and the integration of palliative principles in the setting of advanced technology and uncertain prognoses.
NICU Elective (With Fetal Care Experience)
In this half- or full-block elective, residents will participate in the care of critically ill newborns, with a focus on antenatal counseling, interdisciplinary collaboration with fetal care teams, and supporting families facing life-altering decisions before and after birth. The rotation offers experience in perinatal palliative care and ethics.
Recommended procedures
- Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) management
- Goals of care discussions/Advanced care planning
Other Experiences
Communication skills training (example – Vital Talk)
Scholarly Activity
Most applicants pursuing Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine participate in a scholarly project. The project does not have to be housed in the Division specifically, and a wide array of projects have been completed by residents matching into the field. The quality the mentoring and methodology are the most important criteria programs consider.
Professional Organizations
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM)
The primary professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative care. AAHPM offers resources on fellowship training, national conferences (e.g., Annual Assembly), clinical guidelines, and advocacy. Trainee memberships provide access to mentoring, educational webinars, and discounted registration for events.
Website: www.aahpm.org
AAP Section on Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAP-SOHPM)
A sub-group of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this section supports pediatricians interested in palliative care through educational programming, policy work, and networking opportunities. They help shape national guidance and host sessions at the AAP National Conference.
Website: AAP SOHPM
Journals & Online Resources
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
The official journal of AAHPM, this peer-reviewed publication focuses on clinical research, case reports, and reviews relevant to symptom management and palliative care.
Website: https://www.jpsmjournal.com
Journal of Palliative Medicine
A peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal covering all aspects of end-of-life care, communication, and serious illness management across all age groups.
Website: https://home.liebertpub.com/publications/journal-of-palliative-medicine/41/
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
A clinically oriented journal offering practical insights, original research, and review articles focused on hospice, end-of-life care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Website: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ajh
Fast Facts – Palliative Care Network of Wisconsin (PCNOW)
Fast Facts is a searchable database of peer-reviewed, evidence-based summaries on core palliative care topics, such as pain management, communication, and ethical dilemmas. Trainees can use Fast Facts to enhance clinical care or prepare for teaching and presentations.
Website: https://www.mypcnow.org/fast-facts/
Courageous Parents Network (CPN)
CPN is an educational and emotional support resource for families caring for children with serious illness. It includes parent stories, expert videos, and clinician tools. Trainees can gain perspective on family-centered care and learn how to better communicate with and support families during difficult transitions.
Website: https://courageousparentsnetwork.org