Haven and North Florida Regional Medical Center have partnered to offer physicians a Fellowship Training Program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.
The one-year program in the Department of Family Medicine has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Up to two physicians are accepted into the program per year.
The Fellowship Training Program’s objective is to develop experts in the field of hospice and palliative medicine and ensure that patients with serious illnesses receive expert and appropriate care. A variety of clinical rotations, education experiences, and scholarly and research opportunities are offered through the program.
Working within interdisciplinary teams is an integral part of the fellowship. Fellows have opportunities throughout the year to teach medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary team members. This training program prepares physicians to work competently in both the palliative care and hospice setting. The program is university-sponsored and community-based, with an affiliation with the University of Central Florida.
“This is a significant expansion of Haven’s mission—to the North Central Florida community, to the hospice community, to Haven’s own staff and volunteers,” said Haven President and Chief Operating Officer Pauline Taylor, RN, MHA. “We hear so often from patients and their family members that they wish they had known about hospice and palliative care earlier in their healthcare journey. By giving more physicians the opportunity for advanced training in hospice and palliative medicine right here at home, we will go a long way toward ensuring that patients benefit from the best, most appropriate care at the right time.”
Haven physician Kristin Scott, M.D., is the program director for the Fellowship Training Program. Dr. Scott is board-certified in both Neurology and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, having completed prestigious and competitive residencies and fellowships with Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
“There are great talents here at Haven and all welcome the opportunity to mentor and teach the next generation of hospice and palliative care leaders, “ said Haven Chief Medical Officer Shirley Codada, M.D. She continued, “These physician trainees are expected to come from the community and are more likely to remain here to address the unmet needs local patients and their families experience across the continuum of their serious illness.”
Haven physician Tiffany Massey, M.D., is the first fellow in the Fellowship Training Program. Dr. Massey is already board-certified in Family Medicine. Upon completion of the program, Dr. Massey plans to sit for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine board certification exam. “I am honored to start this fellowship program through Haven Hospice and North Florida Regional Medical Center,” said Dr. Massey. “I am confident this opportunity will enable me to expand my medical knowledge in the specialized area of hospice and palliative care and become a stronger advocate for my patients and their families.”