The John D. Thompson Hospice Institute For Education, Training and Research, Inc.
The John D. Thompson Hospice Institute for Education, Training and Research (JDT Institute) is the educational affiliate of The Connecticut Hospice.
Established in 1979 with its first educational conference, the Institute was created to advance the hospice philosophy through teaching, clinical training, and ongoing research. Its mission is to serve as a leading center for hospice education in the United States, sharing a model of care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and support for patients and the people who love them.
The JDT Institute provides learning opportunities for students, healthcare professionals, administrators, caregivers, and members of the broader community who seek to improve care for individuals living with irreversible illness.
The JDT Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Clinical Site Partnership
The JDT Institute offers more than 35 customized clinical experiences and over 30 clinical rotations across disciplines spanning medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, spiritual care, and art and music therapies.
Each year, the Institute welcomes more than 325 students through partnerships with leading universities and teaching hospitals, including Columbia University School of Nursing, New York University School of Social Work, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Nursing, Yale Summer Bioethics Program, Fairfield University, Albertus Magnus College, Lesley University, Yale Divinity School, Dominican Order Seminary, and Higashi Sapporo Hospital.
Educational offerings include seminars and symposia, publications and audiovisual resources, training programs for healthcare students and professionals, technical assistance, and the identification of research needs in hospice and palliative care.
Learn More
For information about arranging clinical site rotations or customized clinical experiences, please contact Mary Fitzgerald at JDT@hospice.com or call (203) 315-7502.
The JDT Institute is located within The Connecticut Hospice’s inpatient facility in Branford, Connecticut, approximately 15 minutes north of New Haven.
Please note: The Connecticut Hospice requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all employees, volunteers, and students.
More About The Connecticut Hospice
We Are America's First Hospice
In 1974, The Connecticut Hospice became America’s first hospice. Since then we have continued to set the national standard for home and inpatient hospice care and have become a leader in palliative care.
We currently employ over 200 people and collaborate with over 50 Connecticut hospitals, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home care providers.
Our Mission
We honor patients and families affected by advanced or life-limiting illnesses with integrity, support, and compassion.
Joint Commission’s Advanced Palliative Certification
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
Member of the National Alliance for Care at Home
Edward R. Loveland Memorial Award from The American College of Physicians
National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
Patient- and Family-Centered Care
Every Patient at The Connecticut Hospice Receives:
- Customized plans of care prepared by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, art and music therapy specialists, and volunteers
- Flexible care that enables patients to transition from our home care to our inpatient programs
- Pain management and symptom control with fewer emergency room and hospital admissions
- Registered nurse visits and 24/7 on-call support by specially trained physicians
- Social work, pastoral care, arts therapy, and bereavement support for patients and their families at no extra cost
How Can We Help?
Make a Donation
As a local not-for-profit, The Connecticut Hospice relies on donor support to provide individualized services and therapies not fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
Your generosity helps ensure that every patient and family receives the care, comfort, and support they need, regardless of circumstances.