{"id":5474,"date":"2025-05-20T12:40:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T16:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/geriatrics\/?page_id=5474"},"modified":"2025-05-20T15:04:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T19:04:14","slug":"geripal-fellowship","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/medicine\/geriatrics\/training\/unc-geriatric-fellowship\/geripal-fellowship\/","title":{"rendered":"Geriatric-Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship (GeriPal)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Program Overview<\/h3>\n

In the Summer of 2025, we will begin interviewing applicants for a combined two-year GeriPal fellowship track which will begin in July 2026. This program will provide rigorous training in both Geriatrics and Hospice and Palliative\u00a0\u00a0Medicine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The mission of the combined GeriPal Fellowship Program is to prepare graduates to become physician-leaders who are uniquely equipped to advance care for older adults and those with serious illness. Through rigorous interdisciplinary training, our program prepares fellows to excel at the intersections of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, fostering expertise that spans clinical excellence, compassionate care, and systems innovation.<\/p>\n

We are committed to developing academic clinicians who will lead transformative research, champion evidence-based practices, and mentor future healthcare professionals. Our graduates will emerge as scholars and advocates, ready to shape the future of medicine through thought leadership, academic contributions, and service to diverse communities.<\/p>\n

Curriculum Overview<\/h3>\n

The GeriPal Fellowship Program offers an integrated, two-year curriculum structured to provide immersive clinical experiences, dedicated scholarly time, and robust didactic learning tailored to each year of fellowship.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h4>\n

Year One: Geriatrics-Focused Training<\/h4>\n

The first year of the program emphasizes comprehensive geriatric care, with fellows participating primarily in Geriatrics clinical rotations. During this year, fellows will also complete 1\u20132 months of Hospice and Palliative Medicine rotations to begin developing foundational skills in serious illness care.<\/p>\n

Fellows will take part in weekly Geriatrics didactic sessions and attend a half-day continuity clinic each week, alternating between geriatrics and palliative care settings to maintain longitudinal exposure to both disciplines.<\/p>\n

Year Two: Palliative Care-Focused Training<\/h4>\n

The second year focuses on advanced training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, with 1\u20132 months of Geriatrics rotations to reinforce cross-disciplinary integration. Fellows will join the Hospice and Palliative Medicine didactic series and continue their alternating half-day continuity clinic.<\/p>\n

Scholarly Work and Mentorship<\/h4>\n

Fellows in the GeriPal track will have protected time across the two years to pursue a scholarly project aligned with their interests in geriatrics, palliative care, or the intersection of the two. Each fellow will be matched with experienced research mentors who will guide them through project development, execution, and dissemination.<\/p>\n

For detailed information about the specific clinical rotations, please refer to the individual fellowship websites for the Geriatrics Fellowship Program<\/a>\u00a0and the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Graduating fellows will be board-eligible in both specialties and fellows can sit for the Geriatrics board examination during the second year of the GeriPal Fellowship.<\/p>\n

Program Leadership<\/h3>\n

The program leadership for the GeriPal track will be Drs. Maureen Dale<\/a> and Emily Cetrone<\/a>, PD and APD of the Geriatrics Fellowship Program, during year one and Drs. Paul Zimmerman<\/a> and Alyssa Tilly<\/a>, PD and APD of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, during year two of the fellowship.<\/p>\n

How to Apply<\/h3>\n

Interested candidates can apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)<\/a>. Candidates may choose to rank the GeriPal Fellowship, the Geriatrics Fellowship, and\/or the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship\u00a0in any order through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)<\/a>. Those who do not match into the GeriPal track may still be considered for one of the single-year fellowship positions, depending on availability and fit.<\/p>\n

The combined GeriPal track offers a guaranteed, fully integrated two-year fellowship experience, eliminating the need to reapply to a second match cycle. We are able to accept only one fellow per year into the GeriPal track.<\/p>\n

Application Requirements<\/h3>\n