Training the Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians of Tomorrow
Based at Baptist Health South Florida, the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship provides fellows with comprehensive training in the care of patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses. Fellows rotate through hospital consult services, inpatient hospice units and community-based hospice settings, gaining experience in complex symptom management, serious illness communication and end-of-life care.
The program emphasizes teamwork, compassionate communication and patient- and family-centered care. Fellows work closely with interdisciplinary teams while learning to lead goals-of-care discussions, coordinate care across settings and support patients and families throughout the course of serious illness.
Program Leadership
Andy Arwari, M.D.
Assistant Professor; Program Director, FIU/Baptist Health Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine Fellowship
aarwari@fiu.edu
Vanessa Lewis Ramos, M.D.
Assistant Professor; Associate Program Director, FIU/Baptist Health Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine Fellowship
vlewisra@fiu.edu
Daniela Albrecht
Program Coordinator; FIU/Baptist Health Thoracic Surgery Fellowship; Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship; Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship
305-348-9414
daalbrec@fiu.edu
Where you will train
Baptist Hospital
Baptist Hospital of Miami, the flagship of Baptist Health with over 900 beds, is a nationally recognized destination for advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care, offering leading-edge technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and the distinction of being Florida’s first and only six-time Magnet® Hospital for Nursing Excellence.
Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute
High Performing Cancer Institute, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute is a destination cancer center offering world-class care through groundbreaking treatments like proton therapy, advanced research and a renowned team of specialists as part of South Florida’s largest cancer program.
NSPIRE Kendall
NSPIRE Healthcare Kendall is a skilled nursing and post-acute care center where fellows gain experience caring for older adults with serious illness and complex medical needs. Working alongside an interdisciplinary team, fellows develop expertise in symptom management, advance care planning and providing compassionate, patient-centered care across the continuum of illness.
VITAS Healthcare
VITAS Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of hospice and palliative care, delivering comprehensive services across homes, hospitals, nursing facilities and inpatient settings. Fellows work within interdisciplinary teams to provide expert symptom management, navigate complex goals-of-care discussions and support patients and families through every stage of serious illness and end-of-life care.
Kendall MedSquare VITAS
VITAS Inpatient Unit at MedSquare Kendall is a dedicated inpatient hospice facility serving patients with complex symptom management needs. Fellows gain experience caring for patients requiring intensive end-of-life support while collaborating with physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and other specialists to deliver compassionate, patient- and family-centered care in an acute hospice setting.
Comprehensive MD – Coral Gables
Comprehensive MD – Coral Gables provides fellows with exposure to multidisciplinary pain management and rehabilitation services for patients with complex medical needs. Training focuses on symptom management, communication and patient-centered strategies that enhance comfort and quality of life.
Curriculum
Fellows complete rotations in inpatient palliative care and consult services, oncology outpatient clinics, hospice and home health, inpatient hospice, long-term care and pain medicine. Fellows also have dedicated elective and vacation time.
Program Application Requirements
Our program attracts, educates, and retains exceptional talent to serve the South Florida community.
Acceptance/admission to the program is contingent on the submission of all requested materials and meeting all eligibility requirements determined by the program.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Fellowship Prerequisites
- Prior to appointment to the fellowship, candidates must have completed an internal medicine or family medicine training program that meets the program’s eligibility requirements.
Application Timeline
How do I apply?
To start your application, visit AAMC ERAS.
ERAS Season begins in June.
Virtual open house July 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
When are applications accepted?
Applicants can begin submitting applications in July (Note: Program signal must be assigned at time of application and no later than mid-July.)
The application deadline is July 24, 2026.
When are candidate interviews?
The program interview dates are August 25, 2026, August 26, 2026, September 1, 2026 and September 2, 2026.
When are candidates matched/notified of acceptance?
In December via National Resident Matching Program
When does the program start?
July 1, 2027
A Transformative Education
At the FIU Medicine, your journey is enhanced by research, innovation and community outreach. Our programs empower the next generation of physicians with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to become leaders in the healthcare field.
Life in South Florida
Considered the gateway to the Americas, Miami is a culturally rich city, home to world-class shopping, award-winning restaurants, a vibrant art scene and endless adventure. The beautiful beaches and year-round tropical weather make the city an exceptional place to live and work.
No matter your mood, Miami always has something fun and exciting to do!
Get in Touch with Us
Are you interested in learning more about our residency and fellowship programs? Fill out the form below and get connected with one of our program coordinators.
