How to Become a Palliative Care Physician: Steps and Tips

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a palliative care physician takes time, with years of education and training, including medical school, residency, and a palliative care fellowship.
• Strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork are essential for success in palliative care, an emotionally demanding yet fulfilling field.
• With an aging population and increasing need for end-of-life care, palliative care physicians are in high demand, offering job stability and meaningful patient interactions.

A palliative care physician specializes in improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses and who may be nearing the later stages of their lives. Rather than focusing on curing diseases, they manage pain, ease symptoms, and provide end-of-life care. They are also known to provide emotional support to patients and their families. 

Choosing a career as a palliative care physician is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. With a growing demand for specialists and the chance to make a real impact, it’s a path worth considering for those who value patient-centered care. 

Steps to Becoming a Palliative Care Physician

To become a palliative care physician, students begin with a bachelor’s degree, followed by medical school. Afterward, they complete a residency program and enroll in a palliative care fellowship.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step to becoming a physician is earning a bachelor’s degree. While there’s no mandatory major, students typically choose pre-med, biology, or chemistry since these cover essential coursework for medical school. Subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy build the foundation for understanding the human body and how medicine works.

A strong science background is important, but medical schools also value well-rounded applicants. Courses related to psychology and ethics can help, especially in a patient-centered field like palliative care.

Beyond academics, hands-on experience also matters. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, or working in healthcare settings can provide valuable insight into patient care. The goal isn’t just to get into medical school but to develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in it. 

Take the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial step for aspiring physicians. This standardized exam is required for admission to most medical schools, assessing whether students have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. A high score can strengthen applications, making it essential to prepare thoroughly.

The MCAT evaluates four key areas:

• The Biological and Biochemical Foundations section tests understanding of living systems and basic biochemistry. 
• The Chemical and Physical Foundations section focuses on general and organic chemistry, physics, and biophysics. 
• The Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations section examines how behavioral and social sciences relate to healthcare. 
• The Critical Analysis and Reasoning section measures reading comprehension and analytical thinking.

This test isn’t just about memorization; it challenges students to apply concepts, analyze data, and think critically. Strong MCAT performance demonstrates readiness for the challenges of medical school and the complex decision-making required in medicine.

Complete medical school

Medical school marks a pivotal step in any doctor’s career. It is a four-year journey divided into two phases. 

The first two years focus on classroom-based learning, covering essential subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Students spend hours in lectures, labs, and simulations, building the foundation needed for patient care.

The final two years shift to clinical rotations, where students gain hands-on experience in different medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Working alongside physicians, they learn to diagnose and treat real patients while refining their clinical skills.

There are two types of medical degrees: MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both lead to becoming a physician, but DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), focusing on a holistic approach.

Finish a residency program

A medical residency program is where medical school graduates gain specialized, practical training in patient care. This intensive training period allows new doctors to apply their knowledge in real clinical settings, working under the supervision of experienced physicians.

For those pursuing palliative care, common residency paths include:

• Internal medicine
• Family medicine
• Geriatrics

These specialties provide a strong foundation in managing chronic illnesses, coordinating care, and improving patients’ quality of life.

Residency typically lasts three to four years, depending on the chosen specialty. During this time, doctors refine their diagnostic skills, learn to manage complex cases, and develop the ability to communicate effectively with patients and families. 

Long hours and demanding schedules make residency challenging, but it’s a crucial step toward becoming an independent physician. 

Enroll in a palliative care fellowship

A palliative care fellowship is the final step in becoming a specialist in this field. After completing residency, physicians enter a one-year fellowship to gain advanced training in managing serious illnesses, alleviating pain, and improving patients’ quality of life.

This specialized program focuses on symptom management, complex decision-making, and providing emotional and psychological support to patients and families. Fellows work in hospitals, hospices, and outpatient clinics, learning from experienced palliative care teams. 

Fellowship program duration can vary by location and institution, but most last one year. Some may offer additional training in areas like research or policy.  

Obtain certification and licensure

For those specializing in palliative care, board certification adds an extra level of credibility. Many physicians earn certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) with a subspecialty in hospice and palliative medicine.

Becoming a licensed and certified palliative care physician requires passing key exams and obtaining state licensure. MDs must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). These exams assess medical knowledge, clinical skills, and the ability to provide safe, effective patient care.

Medical licenses are issued by individual state medical boards and are mandatory to practice legally. Each state has its own requirements, but all physicians must complete their exams, residency, and background checks to qualify.

Skills Required to Become a Successful Palliative Care Physician

Becoming an effective palliative care physician requires a unique combination of medical expertise and interpersonal skills. Beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses, these specialists must navigate complex emotional and ethical situations while ensuring patients receive compassionate and individualized care.

Key skills required include:

• Communication skills – Palliative care physicians must clearly explain diagnoses, treatment options, and care plans to patients and families. They also need to navigate difficult conversations about prognosis and end-of-life decisions with sensitivity and clarity.
• Empathy and compassion – Supporting patients with serious illnesses requires deep emotional understanding. Physicians must provide not just medical care but also emotional support, ensuring patients and families feel heard, respected, and comforted.
• Pain and symptom management – Managing pain, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms is central to palliative care. Physicians must tailor treatments to each patient, balancing medications and therapies to improve quality of life while minimizing side effects.
• Team collaboration – Palliative care is a multidisciplinary field involving nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists. Effective teamwork ensures comprehensive care that meets the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients.
• Problem-solving – Every patient’s situation is unique, requiring thoughtful decision-making. Physicians must assess complex medical conditions, anticipate challenges, and develop personalized care strategies that align with patients’ values and goals.

Benefits of Becoming a Palliative Care Physician

Becoming a palliative care physician offers a fulfilling career with a strong job outlook driven by increasing demand for specialized care. The salaries these physicians earn are also satisfactory, making palliative care a career worth pursuing. 

Job outlook

The demand for palliative care physicians is increasing due to aging populations in the U.S., the prevalence of chronic illnesses, and the increasing need for end-of-life care.

Globally, it’s estimated that only 1 in 10 individuals requiring palliative care currently receive it. By 2060, the need for palliative care is expected to nearly double, highlighting a significant gap in service provision.

Salary

Because palliative care physicians play a crucial role in managing patients with serious illnesses, their compensation reflects the specialized nature of their work.

The average annual salary for a palliative care physician in the United States is approximately $350,000, with most professionals earning between $260,000 and $496,000.

Several factors influence this compensation, such as:

• Experience and training: Physicians with advanced training, such as fellowships in palliative care, and those with extensive experience, often command higher salaries.
• Geographic location: Salaries can vary based on the cost of living and demand for palliative care services in different regions. For example, positions in metropolitan areas like New York may offer higher compensation compared to smaller states like New Jersey.
• Type of employer: Employment in academic institutions, large healthcare systems, or private practices can affect salary levels. Academic positions may offer lower base salaries but compensate with benefits like research opportunities and job stability.

Over time, as palliative care physicians gain experience and possibly take on leadership roles, their earning potential can increase. Moreover, board certification and ongoing professional development can enhance career advancement opportunities and associated compensation.

Is a Career in Palliative Care the Right Choice for You?

Choosing a career in palliative care requires deep compassion, emotional resilience, and a strong commitment to patient-centered medicine. This field focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, often working closely with families during difficult times.

Key considerations include the ability to handle emotionally challenging situations, as palliative care involves end-of-life discussions and symptom management for chronic conditions. Physicians in this specialty must be skilled communicators, capable of delivering difficult news with sensitivity while ensuring patients and their families feel supported.

Challenges in this field include navigating complex medical decisions, managing pain and symptoms effectively, and coordinating care across multiple disciplines. The emotional toll can be significant, making self-care and professional boundaries essential.

This career is well-suited for individuals who find fulfillment in providing comfort, value interdisciplinary teamwork, and can remain composed under emotionally charged circumstances. If you have a passion for holistic patient care and improving lives beyond curative treatment, palliative care may be the right path for you!

The Bottom Line

Palliative care is a deeply rewarding field focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. While the work comes with emotional challenges, it offers meaningful patient interactions and a growing demand for specialists. If you’re compassionate, resilient, and committed to holistic patient care, this could be the perfect career for you.

To pursue this role, start by exploring the medical school program at AUAMED—the first step toward making a difference in patients’ lives!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to become a palliative care physician?

Becoming a palliative care physician takes about 9 to 11 years, including four years of medical school, three to four years of residency, and a one-year fellowship in palliative care.

Can you switch from another specialty to palliative care?

Yes, physicians from other specialties can transition into palliative care by completing a palliative care fellowship and obtaining board certification in hospice and palliative medicine.