Division of Palliative Medicine

The mission of the Division of Palliative Medicine is to improve the lives of patients living with serious illness through high value clinical care, clinical innovation, cutting edge research, and training the next generation of clinicians in person-centered skills.
patient and care provider holding hands

Clinical Services

Our Palliative Care programs offer comprehensive services with a trained team of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists, and volunteers to support patients and families dealing with serious illness.

UVM Medical Center Porter Medical Center Home, Health, and Hospice Central Vermont Medical Center Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Education

Medical Students

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We conduct a 1-week course for 3rd-year medical students (HPM Palliative Medicine Bridge Week) focused on clinical and communication skills in generalist palliative care.

We offer a 2-week rotation in Palliative Medicine during the 4th year of medical school, available for nursing and APP students as well. Interested candidates should contact Rhonda Hanley at Rhonda.Hanley@med.uvm.edu.

Residents and Fellows

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We offer workshops on pain management and communication skills in several residency programs at UVMMC. Residents and fellows from other specialties can join our inpatient consult service for two- or four-week electives, as well as electives at UVM Home Health and Hospice. For more information, contact Rosanne Murat-Moore at rosanne.murat-moore@uvmhealth.org in the GME office.

UVM Health Network Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

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We offer a 1-year fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine for physicians who are interested in specializing in palliative care. Please visit the Palliative Care website for more details and who is eligible to apply. Applications for the 2026 cycle are due by August 15, 2025 at 5pm EST.

Continuing Medical Education

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We offer communication skills courses through TalkVermont monthly to help practicing clinicians improve their skills in serious illness conversations. Please visit our website at TalkVermont for info on the courses we offer, or you may reach out to talkvermont@uvmhealth.org.

We also hold monthly Great Rounds on various palliative care topics on the first Thursday of the month. If you are part of the UVMHN and are interested in attending, please reach out to Lyndsey Hobart at lyndsey.hobart@uvmhealth.org. 

Flower bush in bloom outside medical library

Research

Explore the Vermont Conversation Lab for research on serious illness communication and quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing palliative care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Contact Dr. Robert Gramling for research opportunities in Palliative Care.

Vermont Conversation Lab Email Dr. Gramling