Developing Your Career in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Because of a number of factors, including the field's rapid growth and a growing population of aging adults and severely ill patients, there is tremendous need for physicians and other healthcare professionals who are trained in the practice of hospice and palliative medicine.

Many opportunities exist for recent graduates as well as established physicians seeking to develop additional skills and expand or refocus their career. Medical students can see why a career in hospice and palliative medicine could be right for you.

Jobs

The AAHPM Job Mart makes your CV available to hundreds of healthcare associations and professional organizations. Find a position that is right for you!

Clinical Training

A fellowship in the subspecialty of hospice and palliative medicine is mandatory in order to sit for the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) certification exams. Learn more about how to obtain a fellowship and about the NRMP Match program, as well as additional training opportunities.

Leadership Development

Whether you are a first time leader, took on a new leadership role, or have been a long-time leader, we all need a refresher course.

AAHPM’s Leadership Forum offers many opportunities to develop and enhance leadership skills and communications.

Certification

The primary pathway to specializing in hospice and palliative medicine is subspecialty board certification, available to both allopathic and osteopathic physicians.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Board Certification is offered through:

• American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS),
• American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and

Additional specialty certification is available through the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board.

Already certified? Learn more about how to maintain your certification.

Grow and Network with AAHPM

You can connect with peers and colleagues by utilizing:

• AAHPM Connect - join the members only Early Career Professionals special interest group (SIG)
• Mentor Match - become a mentor or be a mentee in a topic area chosen by you 

Resilience and Well-being

Learn how to stay resilient and take care of yourself while you take care of others.

AAHPM Scholarships

AAHPM scholarships bring opportunities to hospice and palliative care professionals to learn and connect at educational events that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.

Workforce Statistics

As the aging population rapidly grows, so does the need for trained physicians in hospice and palliative medicine. Read the full report on the current state of the hospice and palliative medicine workforce.