Program Overview

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Introduction to the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program

The Children's Cancer Hospital at the MD Anderson Cancer Center is home to one of the largest multidisciplinary pediatric cancer care programs in the nation, caring for approximately 2,500 children a year. The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of pediatric hematology-oncology.

Program Overview

The fellowship program is a three-year program with an optional additional one-year component for fellows interested in advanced training. The first year is dedicated to an in-depth clinical training experience, while the second and third years are oriented towards gaining basic research skills through clinical, translational, and laboratory-based research.

Eligibility, Prerequisites, and Application Process

Eligibility requirements include:

• Successful completion of USMLE STEP 1, 2, and 3
• Successful completion of an ACGME-accredited General Pediatrics residency
• ECFMG certification, if applicable
• Employment requirements as per MD Anderson Graduate Medical Education policy

Applicants must submit required materials, including:

• A current curriculum vitae
• A personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (one letter being from the director of the residency program)
• A recent photograph

Program Goals and Objectives

The fellowship 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 pediatric hematology-oncology. These competencies include:

• Patient Care
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Systems-Based Practice

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship includes:

• Clinical training experience in the first year
• Research training in the second and third years
• Participation in outpatient clinical rotations
• Inpatient service
• Continuity clinic

Outpatient Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotating in the outpatient clinic are expected to:

• Take an active role in providing outstanding patient care
• See as many new patients as possible during their outpatient rotation
• Dictate the primary medical evaluations on the same day the patient is seen
• Participate in the presentation of weekly Patient Care Conference and multidisciplinary case conferences

Inpatient Service

Fellows rotating on the inpatient service are expected to:

• Coordinate patient care under the supervision of the attending physician
• Supervise and teach house staff
• Participate in patient discharges and provide communication to the primary oncology team

Continuity Clinic

Fellows have protected time for their continuity clinics, which consists of a full day clinic during their first year, followed by a half-day clinic during the second and third years. This experience allows fellows to participate in the long-term care of a selected group of patients throughout their fellowship.

On-Call Duties

Fellows participate in on-call duties as part of their educational experience, with specialized faculty available for clinical discussion, education, and decision-making.

Additional Track: Clinical Research Training and Master's in Clinical Research

An in-depth training course in clinical research is offered by UT Houston, which is an extensive two-year research training program designed specifically for fellows or junior faculty. Fellows must complete the first year of the clinical research curriculum and then apply for the master's program, which will be an additional two years of study.

Trainee Success and Program Outcomes

The program has a strong track record of trainee success, with past graduates enjoying significant success in their careers. The program averages 75 applicants per year, and fellows have won significant grants and awards.

Program Faculty and Leadership

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Priti Tewari, M.D., Associate Professor, Pediatrics Patient Care, and Program Director, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship
• Jeremy Connors, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics Patient Care, and Associate Program Director, Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Fellowship

Post-Fellowship Opportunity: Advanced Training in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

The fellowship includes an optional component for additional advanced clinical research training in pediatric hematology/oncology, specifically designed for outstanding fellows who are pursuing a career in academic medicine. This program will provide advanced clinical research training for pediatric hematology-oncology fellows and prepare them to be highly competitive for faculty positions.

Why This Program

The program offers unparalleled education and training experience, with access to exceptional resources and benefits to help trainees build meaningful careers and lead fulfilling lives. The program is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to its mission to end cancer.