Professionals in Training

1. Complete a residency in an eligible specialty
2. Apply to and complete an accredited hospice and palliative medicine fellowship
3. Meet eligibility requirements set by your primary specialty board
4. Pass ABMS or AOA board certification exams

Important Note: Certification requirements vary. Always confirm details with your primary board.

Start by researching accredited programs and identifying the best fit based on your goals, specialty, and interests.

Make sure to explore:

• ACGME Fellowship Program Directory
• Pediatric-Specific Fellowship Programs
• Program structure, length, and clinical focus areas

The hospice and palliative medicine subspecialty participates in the National Resident Matching Program.

Why it matters:

• Standardized application and selection process
• Ability to evaluate multiple programs before committing
• Required for most ACGME-accredited fellowships

Next Step: Learn how to register, apply and prepare for Match Day

For eligible, board-certified physicians, the AIRE (Advancing Innovation in Residency Education) pathway offers a flexible route into hospice and palliative medicine training.

Key Highlights:

• Designed for mid-career physicians  
• Approved by multiple specialty boards
• Available at select institutions across the U.S. 

Enhance your expertise with additional academic training in palliative care. 

Options include:

• Master’s degrees in palliative care
• Graduate certificate programs
• Communication and supportive care training

Important: These programs do not replace fellowship training or qualify you for board certification. 

Understand how your performance will be evaluated during fellowship.

Explore core resources:

• HPM Curricular Milestones
• Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
• ACGME HPM Reporting Milestones

Prepare a strong application and explore funding options:

• Fellowship Applicant FAQs
• Fellowship Funding Guide

Continue your career journey with tools designed to support your transition into practice.

• AAHPM Job Mart
• Primary Boards Contact Sheet