Program Overview

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Introduction to the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program

The MUSC Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program, established in 1986, is the only fellowship training program of its kind in the state of South Carolina. The program accepts five fellows per year into its three-year combined hematology and oncology program, offering comprehensive clinical training across a wide spectrum of malignant and benign diseases.

Program Overview

Fellows receive robust hands-on experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including dedicated training in benign hematology, solid tumor oncology, and malignant hematology. The program also offers advanced exposure to bone marrow transplant and cellular therapies, including autologous and allogeneic transplants as well as CAR-T cell therapy.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in research opportunities. Collaborations with the Hollings Cancer Center—South Carolina's only NCI-designated cancer center—provide access to a wide range of clinical and translational research projects.

Program Structure

The program prepares fellows for successful careers in both academic medicine and community practice, equipping them with the skills and experience to become leaders in the field.

Scope of Practice

The MUSC Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program is structured to provide progressive clinical and academic training over three years, balancing inpatient, outpatient, and research experiences tailored to each fellow's career goals.

Years 1–2: Clinical Foundation & Core Competencies

The first two years emphasize fulfilling ACGME requirements while building a strong foundation in classical hematology, malignant hematology, solid tumor oncology, and bone marrow transplant, including CAR-T cell therapy. Fellows rotate through disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics and tumor boards, gaining broad clinical exposure and experience with clinical trials.

Year 3: Personalized Training & Career Development

During the third year, fellows tailor their training based on future career goals. Options include focused tracks in solid oncology, malignant or benign hematology, or community-based oncology rotations at MUSC-affiliated practices. Fellows also manage a dedicated patient panel at the VA, acting as the primary oncologist under faculty supervision.

Research & Scholarly Activities

Fellows are encouraged to initiate research projects aligned with their interests. Each fellow is expected to present a research or quality improvement (QI) project at the Hematology and Oncology Grand Rounds in their third year to fulfill graduation requirements.

Multidisciplinary Training & Systems-Based Practice

Fellows actively participate in disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics and tumor boards. They collaborate closely with pharmacists, APPs, palliative care specialists, pathologists, nurse navigators, and social workers. Fellows receive training in systems-based care and quality improvement, including opportunities to participate in national initiatives like ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI).

Didactic Curriculum & Peer Learning

The program offers weekly didactics covering board review, journal clubs, faculty-led teaching sessions, and multidisciplinary conferences. Fellows participate in structured Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences to analyze complex cases, evaluate clinical decisions, and identify opportunities for systems-level improvement. A focused introductory curriculum helps incoming fellows transition into clinical training during their first month.

Admission Requirements

The program only accepts July 1 matriculates. Applications for matriculation are accepted only through the AAMC's ERAS system, and all applications for matriculation should be completed no later than July 31 in the year prior to be considered. Interview dates are typically in the fall. Applicants must be considered actively board-certified or board-eligible in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine or presently be in an internal medicine training program leading to such certification.

• 3 Letters of Recommendations: 1 from the program director
  • USMLE or COMLEX transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • ECFMG Certificate, if applicable

Conclusion

The MUSC Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program provides a comprehensive and well-structured training experience for fellows, preparing them for successful careers in both academic medicine and community practice. With its strong clinical foundation, research opportunities, and multidisciplinary training, the program equips fellows with the skills and experience to become leaders in the field of hematology and oncology.