This career guide was developed to help you understand more about pediatric hospice and palliative medicine (PHPM) to answer questions such as— What is the field of PHPM? What do PHPM doctors do on a day-to-day basis? What characteristics lend themselves to a fulfilling career in PHPM? How does one go about becoming a PHPM doctor?—so that you can make a more informed choice about whether PHPM would be the “right career path” for you. A PDF version of the career guide is also available.

What is Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine?

Learn more about the characteristics of palliative and hospice care and how they apply to the pediatric population.

A Typical Day in the Life of a PHPM Physician

PHPM physicians share what it's like to work in the field on a day to day basis.

Training to Become a PHPM Physician

Learn how PHPM fellowships are structured and how to find them before applying.

What Character Traits Align with PHPM?

Learn about some of the ideal characteristics of someone pursuing PHPM.

The PHPM community is growing but remains well-connected and supportive of one another. Many PHPM physicians are willing to provide mentorship and guidance to trainees considering a career in this field. Please feel free to contact the AAP SOHPM with any questions you may have during this process.

Authors of this Career Guide

Lisa Humphrey, MD, FAAP, FAAHPM
Associate Professor, The Ohio State University School of Medicine
Medical Director, Palliative Care
Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Hemangini Bhakta, MD, FAAP
Assistant Professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine/ Case Western Reserve University
Staff Physician, Pediatric Palliative Care
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital

Erin Rholl, MD, MA, FAAP
Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin
Neonatology and Pediatric Palliative Care
Children’s Wisconsin