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- Residency and Fellowship Programs
- Airway Management Fellowship
- Complex Radiation Oncology Fellowship
- Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship
- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship
- Body Imaging Fellowship
- Breast Imaging Fellowship
- Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Cancer Rehabilitation Fellowship
- Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Cytopathology Fellowship
- Dermatopathology Fellowship
- Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Fellowship
- General Internal Medicine Fellowship
- Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship
- Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction Fellowship
- Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
- Hematopathology Fellowship
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Fellowship
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowships
- International Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship
- Interventional Radiology Independent Residency
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Fellowship
- Leukemia Fellowship
- MD Anderson Lymphoma/Myeloma Fellowship
- Melanoma Oncology Fellowship
- Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship
- Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery
- Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship
- Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship
- Neuro-Oncology Fellowship
- Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship
- Onco-Cardiology Fellowship
- Oncologic Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship
- Oncologic Emergency Medicine Fellowship
- Oncologic Endocrinology Fellowship
- Onco-Hospitalist Fellowship
- Onco-nephrology Fellowship
- Oncologic Audiology Fellowship
- Oncological Neuroradiology
- Advanced Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship
- Pain Medicine Fellowship
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Fellowship
- Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship
- Pediatric Oncologic Critical Care Fellowship
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Fellowship
- Perioperative Medicine and Onco-Anesthesia Fellowship
- Radiation Oncology Residency
- Randal S. Weber Education and Research Fellowship in Head and Neck Cancer Care Transformation and Discovery
- Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship
- Selective Breast Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Gastrointestinal & Liver Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Genitourinary Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Head & Neck Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Soft Tissue Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Surgical Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Thoracic Pathology Fellowship
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
- Surgical Endocrinology Fellowship
- Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology Fellowship
- Thoracic Radiology Fellowship
- Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
- Transplant and Oncology Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
- Urinary Tract and Pelvic Reconstruction Fellowship
- Urologic Oncology Fellowship
Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship
The Pediatric Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology interdisciplinary team at the Children's Cancer Hospital at MD Anderson offers an ACGME accredited one-year clinical Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. The program is approved for two positions.
Pediatric patients and their families come from all over the world to the Children’s Cancer Hospital seeking treatment for their life-threatening, life-limiting, and terminal diseases. Our interdisciplinary team approach achieves the highest quality of patient and family-centered care.
With faculty and staff who are at the forefront of the field, innovative clinical research, and a diverse patient population that is unmatched anywhere else in the world, we are uniquely positioned to train a new generation of experts in Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Exceptional training that makes us unique
- Outstanding program providing intense, comprehensive training in Pediatric Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology. Professional mentorship with clinical and research faculty who are experts in the field and establishing the standard of care.
- State of the art pain and symptom management for: Pediatric cancer patients, patients undergoing cancer surgery, Hematopoietic SCT, and complications of cancer treatment.
- Dedicated pediatric interdisciplinary teams: Primary oncology team, palliative care faculty, nurses and advance practice providers, social workers, chaplain, child psychologists, dieticians, educators, pharmacists, and child life specialists.
- Innovative clinical research and mentorship: Karen Moody, M.D., Program Director, recently awarded NIH R01 funding for a study that will potentially change practice standards to improve outcomes for children and their families, particularly those who reach end of life.
- Phase I/II Clinical Trials: Providing palliative care and psychosocial support to patients facing complex medical decision making.
- Pediatric Integrative Medicine: Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Arts in Medicine, Energy Balance, Massage, Mind Body Therapy, Music Therapy, Yoga.
- Adult HPM Rotation at MD Anderson in the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine.
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Rotation: The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Memorial Hermann, a national leader in medical rehabilitation and research
How to Apply & Program Information
Our fellowship program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
ACGME program number: 5404812124
NRMP Code: 1004540F1
Timeline
July: Application submission begins in ERAS.
August-September: Application review
September-October: Interviews will be conducted during this time
November: Match results
Applicant Qualifications: Board-eligible or board certified in pediatrics or one of its sub-specialties
Instructions
- Apply through ERAS
2. Curricula Vitae
3. Personal Statement: Single page
4. (1) Letter of support from your program director
5. (2) Letters of recommendation
6. USMLE or COMLEX transcript
7. Medical school transcript
8. If a graduate of a medical school outside the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico, valid ECFMG certificate or one that does not expire prior to the start of the fellowship
9. Recent Photograph (optional)
Additional Information:
- Positions available: Two per year
- Compensation and Benefits: Learn more about GME trainee benefits
- Vacation: 4 weeks
- Sick Leave: 100 hours
- Parking subsidy: Parking is available at 1MC, Pressler and Braeswood garages at 50% subsidy.
- Contact: We encourage open communication with the program director and coordinator throughout the application process.
- Karen Moody, M.D., Director, Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program: KMoody@mdanderson.org
- Amy Heaton, Program Manager: aheaton@mdanderson.org
- Kate Bond, Coordinator: Krbond@mdanderson.org
Curriculum
Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Curriculum
MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Children's Cancer Hospital are the main clinical sites for the Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program. The affiliated sites are Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann Hospice.
Fellows completing our one-year Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) Fellowship, are board eligible in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Rotations
- Inpatient Pediatric Palliative Care
- Outpatient Pediatric Palliative Care Clinic, also serves as continuity clinic
- Adult Palliative Care Unit
- Adult Palliative Care Inpatient
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neonatal and Pediatric Palliative Care (benign disease)
- Hospice
- Electives
Electives
- Child Psychiatry
- Scholarly Project: Research/QA
- Child Life
- Integrative Medicine
- Self-designed elective as approved by the program director
Scholarly Project and Research Opportunities
There is protected time throughout the year for the fellow to complete at least one major scholarly activity. The faculty will provide mentorship and the fellow may choose from the following:
- Research, case report, and literature review
- Article or book chapter
- Quality improvement project
- Poster at conference or local research presentation
- Submit a case presentation for peer review for AAHPM, AAP, etc.
- Fellows will present their scholarly project at the end of the fellowship year
The fellow may also join in ongoing research projects with the faculty. We have an active research program, as well as active relationships with educators and researchers from a multitude of specialties.
Didactic Education and Conference Schedule
The didactic component is structured to enhance the clinical experience with formal and small group educational activities. In addition to didactics organized by the Division of Pediatrics (e.g. Grand rounds, Research seminars, journal club) HPM didactics include:
- Weekly HPM Team Meeting
- Monthly TCH Palliative Care Conference
- Monthly Pain Lectures
- Weekly PRIM Grand Rounds (Adult HPM)
- Weekly Pediatric Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Rounds
- HPM Seminars: Small group learning on palliative care topics using various formats including problem based learning, case based approaches, video, power point didactics, etc.
- National Conference
- Pedi Onco-Talk – 2 Day communication skills course based on Vital Talk
- Weekly Adult HPM Professor Rounds
Meet the Team
Karen Moody, M.D.
Director, Pediatric Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology
Director, Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program
Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine
Avis Harden, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology
Nelda Itzep, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology
Kevin Madden,
M.D.
Assistant Professor, Palliative Care and
Rehabilitation Medicine
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Rhonda S. Robert, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Division of Pediatrics
Ursula Campbell, M.S.N., R.N.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Pediatrics-Patient Care
Kimberly Kresta, M.S.N., R.N.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Pediatrics-Patient Care
Jaci Whittaker, M.S.N., R.N.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Pediatrics-Patient Care
Bonny Bowen, R.N.
Clinical Nurse, Outpatient, Pediatric Supportive Care
Nicole Rosburg, M.S., C.C.L.S.
Child, Adolescent & Young Adult Life
Zachary Gresham, M.A., M.Ed.
Arts in Medicine
Melissa Sandoval, B.S.
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Amy Heaton, B.A.
Program Manager
Kate Bond, B.S.
Program Coordinator
Meet Our Fellows & Alumni
Fellows
Emily Rav, M.D.
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology Oncology MD Anderson Cancer Center
Residency: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital/Westchester Medical Center
Amanda McCarthy, M.D.
Fellowship: Pediatrics Critical Care Medicine University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Residency: General Pediatrics Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Alumni
Rhonda Idemmili, M.D.
Pediatric Palliative Care Physician at Unity Point Health Blank Children's Hospital
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Residency: Pediatrics Blank Children's Hospital, Des Moines, IA
Muhammad Usman Baig, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neuro-Oncology and Palliative Care, Loma Linda School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
Fellowship: Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Residency: Pediatrics, University of Arizona
Avis Harden, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Fellowship: Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Fellowship: Advanced Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Living in Houston
The fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is home to:
- World’s best restaurants from dives to high end. You can dine around the world without leaving town.
- Numerous parks, including Hermann Park which has an outdoor theater and large zoo.
- An academic and cultural arena that includes Baylor College of Medicine, Rice and St. Thomas Universities, the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Menil Collection.
- Close proximity to Houston's noted symphony orchestra, opera, theater and ballet.
- Great sports teams: Rockets, Astros, Dash, Dynamo and Texans.
Other sites of various activities available within a few minutes' drive include Moody Gardens, Sam Houston Race Park, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, SplashTown Waterpark, Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston, Lone Star Flight Museum, San Jacinto Battlefield, NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center. The cost of living is moderate and housing is very reasonable.
View the MD Anderson About Houston page and Why Houston Guide.
For entertainment, restaurants and things to do, visit Houston Culture Map.
Contact Information
For inquiries and questions, contact:
Karen Moody, M.D.
Director, Pediatric Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology
Director, Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program
Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine
KMoody@mdanderson.org
Amy Heaton
Program Manager
aheaton@mdanderson.org
Kate Bond
Program Coordinator
Krbond@mdanderson.org
Related Resources
MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to our mission to end cancer. If you are applying for a GME fellowship or residency program starting on or after July 1, 2016, please be advised that MD Anderson will have instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to achieve these goals. If you are offered an appointment, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws. If you do not pass the urine drug screening which includes testing for tobacco compounds, you CANNOT be appointed at MD Anderson. Should you fail to meet this contingency, MD Anderson will withdraw your offer of appointment for the academic year. You may reapply for the following academic year, but there are no guarantees that you will be offered a position as many of our programs are already filled for several years out.
Our Labs
Learn more about our faculty and research taking place in our labs.
Conferences
View conferences available for continuing education credit.