UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program

Preparing physicians to provide hospice and palliative care

Fellows and program directors of the UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program.

Preparing physicians to provide hospice and palliative care

The UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program prepares physicians to care for people who have serious or life-threatening illnesses. Graduates are well versed in caring for patients in both the hospice and palliative medicine settings, as well as all levels and locations of care.


Our one-year ACGME-accredited program is designed for physicians who wish to become sub-specialists and have a long-term career in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM). The program prepares trainees to work in a variety of roles, including leadership within the field. 

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • During fellowship, trainees receive exposure to diverse patient populations across care settings. Upon completion of the one-year training program, fellows will be well prepared for American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) certification in HPM, as well as Hospice Medical Director Certification (HMDC).
  • We offer diverse training sites — university and community hospital cultures, inpatient and outpatient palliative care, and a robust home hospice experience with UCSD, Scripps Health and The Elizabeth Hospice.
  • Graduates have successfully become hospice medical directors and palliative medicine consultants in community and inpatient settings across the United States.
  • Our expert interdisciplinary faculty care for patients and provide leadership locally, regionally and nationally.
  • The strong camaraderie between fellows and faculty creates numerous mentorship opportunities and a network of support after graduation.

Message from our directors

Message from our directors

Hear directly from the fellowship program directors — Toluwalasé “Lasé” Ajayi, MD, and Holly Yang, MD — about what to expect from this one-year program in Southern California.

Toluwalasé “Lasé” Ajayi, MD, fellowship director

Toluwalasé Ajayi, MD

Holly Yang, MD, fellowship director

Holly Yang, MD

Training sites, rotations and curriculum

Fellows will have the opportunity to train in multiple settings, including UCSD hospitals in La Jolla and Hillcrest, Scripps Health hospitals, Rady Children’s Hospital, UCSD and Scripps outpatient palliative care clinics, and in long-term care facilities and in the community through Elizabeth Hospice.

Faculty and fellows

During your fellowship, you’ll work under the mentorship of leading hospice and palliative medicine experts and alongside talented trainees. With compassionate care at the core of the program, our team is dedicated to delivering superior medical education and guidance to meet each fellow’s interests and career goals.

Fellows of the UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program.

Fellows of the UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program.

Salary and benefits

The terms and conditions of the UCSD/Scripps Health Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program training and employment are specified in the UCSD employment agreement (resident contract), including training obligations, stipend and benefits.

How to apply

Each year, we welcome applications for the UCSD/Scripps Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program, which will lead to board-eligibility in hospice and palliative medicine.

Virtual interviews

We will be conducting virtual interviews this year per AAHPM guidance. As we are unable to welcome you to “America's Finest City” in person, we hope you will enjoy the videos from the Graduate Medical Education departments of both UC San Diego and Scripps Mercy Hospital to get a sense of our medical community.