Program Overview

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Introduction to the Lymphoma/Myeloma Fellowship Program

The Lymphoma/Myeloma Fellowship Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of lymphomas and plasma cell malignancies. Fellows benefit from exposure to a diverse patient population and are actively involved in every aspect of patient care under the guidance of experienced faculty preceptors.

Eligibility, Prerequisites, and Application Process

To be eligible for the program, individuals must hold an M.D. or D.O. degree and have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine or a foreign equivalent. Applicants must submit required materials, including a current curriculum vitae, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a recent photograph.

• The application deadline is October 1 of each year.
• Incomplete applications and late inquiries will not be accepted.
• All application contingencies must be finalized prior to the deadline.

Program Goals and Objectives

The fellowship program aligns its goals and objectives with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's (ACGME) six core competencies to ensure comprehensive training and development of fellows in the field of Lymphoma-Myeloma.

• Patient Care: Providing comprehensive training in state-of-the-art clinical care for adult patients with lymphomas and plasma cell malignancies.
• Medical Knowledge: Acquiring a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of lymphomas and plasma cell malignancies in adult patients.
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through active participation in patient care, research projects, and scholarly activities.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Refining communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Professionalism: Instilling values of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in fellows, preparing them to uphold the highest standards of patient care, research integrity, and professional responsibility.
• Systems-Based Practice: Gaining insight into the healthcare system's structure and function, learning to navigate complex healthcare environments and advocate for optimal patient outcomes.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The program includes intense training in the care of patients with lymphoma or myeloma through working directly with faculty members. Fellows will have 6 weeks of inpatient service completed on a 1-week rotation service; the remainder of the time is spent in outpatient clinic (2 days each week).

• Clinical Research: A 3-day course on Clinical Research Methodology, including small group sessions with expert faculty, and monthly follow-up meetings.
• Clinical Practice: Intense training in the care of patients with lymphoma or myeloma, with an option for fellows to receive intense training in the care of patients enrolled in clinical trials.
• Mentoring: Each fellow will be assigned a research mentor and a career development mentor who are clinical faculty members.

Trainee Success and Program Outcomes

The program averages 10 applicants per year, and fellows have enjoyed significant success. Past graduates include faculty at prestigious academic institutions, such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the University of Michigan Health.

Fellow Publications

Fellows have published numerous papers in reputable journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Blood, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Program Faculty and Leadership

The program is led by experienced faculty members, including Maria Alma Rodriguez, M.D., Professor and Program Director, and Christopher Flowers, M.D., M.S., F.A.S.C.O., Chair of the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma.

Tobacco-Free Hiring Process

MD Anderson Cancer Center has instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to encourage good health and stay true to its mission to end cancer. If you are applying for a GME fellowship or residency program starting on or after July 1, 2016, please be advised that you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws.