Program Overview

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Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program is designed to train fellows for careers in academic medicine and provide training in state-of-the-art clinical care and cutting-edge clinical and basic science research.

Program Overview

Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and accepts three to four fellows yearly through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Fellows participating in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program receive exceptional instruction in the clinical care of patients and become well-prepared to make substantial contributions to our field through leadership and clinical, basic science, and translational research.

Program Curriculum

The program is a rigorous yet rewarding three-year curriculum that integrates clinical care, research, and scholarly activities. One of the hallmarks of our program is our multi-pronged approach to pediatric cancer care. As part of one of the largest multidisciplinary pediatric cancer care programs in the nation, fellows will work alongside world-renowned experts in various specialties, including oncology, hematology, stem cell transplantation, neuro-oncology, and more.

Clinical Training

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at MD Anderson benefits from exposure to a diverse patient population, including approximately 2,500 children treated at our institution each year. From the diagnosis and management of hematological diseases to the latest advancements in cancer treatment and stem cell transplantation, fellows are actively involved in every aspect of patient care, under the guidance of experienced faculty preceptors.

Research and Scholarly Activities

In addition to clinical training, our program places a strong emphasis on research and scholarly activities. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Whether it's basic science research, translational research, or clinical trials, our fellows are encouraged to explore their interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in pediatric hematology-oncology.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of our program, our fellows will meet the eligibility requirements for the subspecialty certification requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics. Pediatric hematology/oncology fellows from MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital have gone on to varied careers across the globe.

Meet Our Current Fellows

• First-Year Fellows:
  • Batool Al Qanber, M.D.
  • Amanda Balch, M.D.
  • Ana Hernandez Botero, M.D.
  • Emily Ward, M.D., M.S.
• Second-Year Fellows:
  • Adrian Gutierrez, M.D.
  • Alexander Hsu, M.D.
• Third-Year Fellows:
  • Samanta Catueno, M.D.
  • Amr Issam Darwish Hassan Elgehiny, M.B.B.Ch.
  • Aaron Fan, Ph.D., M.D.
  • Maria Frost, M.D.
  • Reeja Raj, D.O.

Our Alumni

• 2025:
  • Elysia Cohen, M.D.
  • Ariel Nash, M.D.
  • Olayinka Okeleji, M.B.B.S., M.D.
  • Ramya Ramakrishnan, M.D.
• 2024:
  • Faraz Afridi, M.D.
  • Shaikha AlQahtani, M.D.
  • Jiasen He, M.D.
  • Faryal Munir, M.D.
• 2023:
  • Jeremy Connors, M.D.
  • Emily Rav, D.O.
  • Sanilla Sarkar, M.D.
  • Irtiza Sheikh, D.O.
• 2022:
  • Brandon Brown, M.D.
  • Amber Gibson, D.O.
  • Adriana Trabal, M.D.
• 2021:
  • Sumit Gupta, M.D.
  • Dristhi Ragoonanan, M.B.B.S.
• 2020:
  • David McCall, M.D.
  • Avis Harden, M.D.
  • Usman Baig, M.D.
  • Sana Mohiuddin, M.B.B.S.
• 2019:
  • Nelda Itzep, M.D.
  • Brianna Murphy, D.O.
  • Grace Nehme, M.D.
  • Sheetal Phadnis, M.D.
• 2018:
  • Branko Cuglievan, M.D.
  • Natalie Sloan, D.O.
  • Miriam Garcia, M.D.
  • April DePombo, D.O.
• 2017:
  • Ryuma Tanaka, M.D.
  • Angela Shaw, M.D., M.S.
  • Pamela Camacho, M.D.

Letter from Our Program Director

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. As program director, it is my privilege to introduce you to our renowned fellowship program, which stands at the forefront of pediatric cancer care, research, and education.

At MD Anderson, we take great pride in our commitment to providing comprehensive training that equips fellows with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become leaders in the field of pediatric hematology-oncology. Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a rigorous yet rewarding three-year curriculum that integrates clinical care, research, and scholarly activities.

One of the hallmarks of our program is our multi-pronged approach to pediatric cancer care. As part of one of the largest multidisciplinary pediatric cancer care programs in the nation, fellows will work alongside world-renowned experts in various specialties, including oncology, hematology, stem cell transplantation, neuro-oncology, and more. This collaborative environment fosters a rich learning experience and ensures that fellows receive comprehensive training across the spectrum of pediatric hematological and oncological disorders.

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at MD Anderson benefits from exposure to a diverse patient population, including approximately 2,500 children treated at our institution each year. From the diagnosis and management of hematological diseases to the latest advancements in cancer treatment and stem cell transplantation, fellows are actively involved in every aspect of patient care, under the guidance of experienced faculty preceptors.

In addition to clinical training, our program places a strong emphasis on research and scholarly activities. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Whether it's basic science research, translational research, or clinical trials, our fellows are encouraged to explore their interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in pediatric hematology-oncology.

As a fellow in our program, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and support services that are unparalleled in the field. From our dedicated pediatric oncology unit to our stem cell transplant and cell therapy program, MD Anderson offers a comprehensive and collaborative environment where fellows can thrive and grow both personally and professionally.

I invite you to examine all that our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program has to offer and to consider joining our dynamic and passionate team of clinicians, researchers, and educators. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in academic medicine, clinical practice, or research, we are committed to providing you with the training and support you need to achieve your aspirations and make a meaningful impact in the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Thank you for considering the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at MD Anderson. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and embarking on this transformative journey together.

Tobacco-Free Hiring Process

MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to our 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 MD Anderson will have instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to achieve these goals. If you are offered an appointment, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws. If you do not pass the urine drug screening which includes testing for tobacco compounds, you CANNOT be appointed at MD Anderson. Should you fail to meet this contingency, MD Anderson will withdraw your offer of appointment for the academic year. You may reapply for the following academic year, but there are no guarantees that you will be offered a position as many of our programs are already filled for several years out.