Program Overview

Hematology Rotation

The overall goal of the hematology rotation for the pediatric hematology-oncology fellows is to provide a fund of knowledge and appropriate skills for evaluation, diagnosis, and management of pediatric patients with hematologic disorders. This includes hemostasis and thrombosis disorders, anemia, platelet disorders, neutropenia, bone marrow failure syndromes, hemoglobinopathies, and other hematologic disorders. In addition, fellows learn hematology-related skills such as the examination of histopathologic slides, interpretation of bone marrow aspiration and biopsies, and the appropriate use of blood products.

Training Plan

Training in hematology occurs primarily during the first year of fellowship. First year fellows rotate in Pediatric Hematology for a total of 12 weeks. During the first year, fellows also receive hands-on training at the coagulation laboratory. Second and third year fellows attend hematology clinics and rotate for 2 weeks in the inpatient consultation service. Towards the end of the fellowship training, third year fellows have the opportunity to rotate in hematology for an additional 2-4 weeks. The goal of the third year rotation is to refresh hematology concepts and skills.

Scholarly Work and Clinical Practice

Based on their particular interests, fellows are encouraged to work on hematology projects starting from their first year of training. This approach typically leads to publications prior to completion of their fellowship. Fellows interested in pursuing a future career in hematology may also receive more intense training in hemostasis.

Clinical Experience

The first year fellow rotating in pediatric hematology works in a typical team consisting of one hematology attending, one or two pediatric residents, occasionally a medical student, and nursing staff. Fellows are exposed to both outpatient and inpatient pediatric hematology patients. Adherence to the 80-hour work week is mandated. Inpatient hematology is primarily provided at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, however, some inpatient hematology may also be provided at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital. The outpatient experience is provided at the UTHealth Houston Professional Building and Robin Bush Child and Adolescent Center Clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Program Details

• The program provides a comprehensive education in pediatric hematology.
  • Fellows learn to evaluate, diagnose, and manage pediatric patients with hematologic disorders.
  • Fellows participate in inpatient and outpatient care, as well as conferences and research projects.
• The program aims to develop increasing independence and responsibility throughout the years of training.
• The ultimate goal is to allow senior fellows to have a supervisory role, leading patient care.
• Participation in conferences, teaching activities, journal club, and research projects fosters an academic approach to hematology.
• Fellows have the opportunity to participate in a biannual satellite hemophilia clinic in El Paso, Texas, and attend Camp Ailihpomeh, the annual summer camp for pediatric hemophilia patients.