Abstract
Initial voluntary standards for fellowship programs in palliative medicine were developed through a collaborative process involving the directors of fellowship training programs, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), and the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ABHPM). These groups worked with a consultant and representatives from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to create a training structure for the programs that will maximize the likelihood for recognition and accreditation of the subspecialty. An accreditation group modeled after an ACGME residency review committee will be formed to review and adopt the standards, then accredit programs voluntarily.