Overview
The fellowship program of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplant at the University of Minnesota is aimed at the trainee whose goal is a career in academic medicine.
Fellows receive training in an accredited program focused on developing medical knowledge, clinical skills and judgment, self-assessment, proficiency in communication, professional attitudes and behavior, competence performing medical procedures, research skills, teaching proficiency, humanistic qualities, and a commitment to scholarship.
Clinical Experience
During the three-year training program, time is distributed to ensure that fellows develop both clinical and research expertise. The program provides approximately 12 months in the first year and 1-2 months in the 2nd and 3rd yr exclusively for clinical work, complimented by 20 months of protected time for hypothesis-driven research during years 2 and 3.
Year 1 of the fellowship is designed to develop clinical skills through direct inpatient and outpatient care. In addition, fellows supervise and teach pediatric residents and medical students in the care of hospitalized pediatric hematology/oncology and blood and marrow transplant patients. During the first year, fellows will be assigned as the primary physician of 10-20 newly diagnosed patients whom they will follow for the three years of the fellowship.
In addition, trainees provide consultations to the emergency department and other pediatric and surgical specialties, thereby gaining familiarity with the hematologic and oncologic manifestations of a broad spectrum of pediatric illnesses. First-year fellows will complete rotations in Hematopathology, Blood Banking, Neuro-Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Coagulation.
The University of Minnesota Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation has several clinical programs which our fellows gain experience from. The Bone Marrow Transplant, Fanconi Anemia and Leukemia Programs each offer unique opportunities for our fellows to gain expertise in these areas. Each of these programs are listed below in more detail.
Research Training
Years 2-3 of the fellowship are devoted primarily to hypothesis-driven research projects. The program offers two distinct research tracks, focusing on either (1) laboratory research or (2) clinical research. Fellows interested in academic careers in clinical research may obtain Master’s of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degrees from the University of Minnesota. Based on the fellows long-term academic career objectives and interests, selection of the research track and specific research projects are made by the fellow in conjunction with their faculty advisors and future research mentors, prior to the end of the first year of fellowship.
Year 4 - Under specific circumstances, the option of a fourth year of fellowship is possible. In those situations where a fourth year is approved, the full effort of the fellow is devoted to research.
Fellow Education and Scientific Committees
Fellows participate in a wide range of conferences throughout their training. The weekly fellow’s conference covers the general topics in the fields of pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation. In addition, a series of core lectures are presented to the fellows early in their first year of training, covering acute and emergent problems in hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant along with how to give a “New Diagnosis” talk to the patient and their families.
Throughout the three-year training program, fellows participate in weekly Tumor Conferences which include presentations of new cases, discussions of plans for patient management and follow up, and reviews of the literature. They also take part in a twice monthly Hematopathology Conference where peripheral smears, bone marrow aspirates/biopsies and flow cytometry are reviewed on both malignant and benign hematology patients. Other weekly conferences include Neuro-Oncology Conference, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Conference, Bone Marrow Transplant Research Conference, Hematology/Oncology/BMT Journal Club (monthly), Pediatric Morbidity & Mortality Conference and the Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds. Fellows may also attend ongoing seminar series through the University of Minnesota Cancer Center.
Conference Schedules
Monday
7:30 to 8:30am Hematopathology (2nd and 4th Monday)
1 to 2pm Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board
1:15 to 2:15pm BMT Research Conference
Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30am Journal Club (monthly)
Noon to 1pm Cancer Center Seminar
Wednesday
12:15 to 1:15pm Pediatric Grand Rounds
3 to 4pm Fellow’s Core Lecture
4 to 5pm Hem/Onc Tumor Conference
Thursday
7 to 8am Bone & Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumor Board
Friday
Noon to 1pm Pediatric Morbidity/Mortality/Management
1 to 2pm Hem/Onc/BMT Patient Rounds
All fellows complete a core departmental fellowship curriculum that includes statistical analysis and study design, bioethics, and the development of skills in scientific writing and presentation.
Fellows are encouraged to attend one scientific meeting each year with funding provided. Funding for travel to additional meetings may be available for fellows who are invited to present their research.
In summary, fellows who complete their training at the University of Minnesota in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplant will attain a high level of competence in both the clinical and research aspects of the field. They will not only have developed a strong foundation in the management of the common Hematologic and Oncologic diagnoses but will have gained particular proficiency in Hematopathology/ Flow Cytometry along with Bone Marrow Transplantation, where the University of Minnesota is a world leader in the field.
As evidence of the success and productivity of our fellows, follow this link for a collection of recent paper publications, poster abstracts and oral presentations and both internal/external grant funding that our fellows have received.
Vacation
Fellows receive a total of 4 weeks of vacation each year which are typically taken in one week blocks.
Eligibility
Applicants must have completed at least two years of Pediatric training (preferably 3 years). U.S. citizenship is not required for fellowship; however, a J-1 visa is required for the training period. At least one year of training in the US is desirable.
Length of Fellowship
The fellowship program requires a three-year commitment. In some situations a fourth year of fellowship is possible.
Application, Interview, Selection Process
Interested applicants should submit a universal application, current curriculum vitae, personal statement, USMLE Score Reports (Step I and II) and three letters of recommendation (MD/PhD applicants must include a letter from their thesis advisor). Letters should be addressed to Dr. K. Scott Baker at the University of Minnesota and mailed by the letter writer directly to:
Ms. Linda DeVoe
Division of Hematology/Oncology
University of Minnesota
MMC 484, D-557 Mayo Building
420 Delaware Street, SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Letters may also be faxed to Ms. Linda DeVoe at 612-626-2815 or emailed.
Applicants are reviewed on an ongoing basis, once all application materials are received. If you have any questions regarding the application procedure, please contact Linda DeVoe at (612) 626-2778.
Note: A nationwide subspecialty match for Hematology/Oncology was enacted in 2001. Therefore, applicants for the Hematology/Oncology fellowship program will need to register with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and complete their interviews before April of the match year. Rank order lists for residents and programs will be submitted and the results announced per the schedule of the NRMP. Applicants with exceptional circumstances who are seeking positions outside of the match should contact Dr. Scott Baker at the earliest possible date.
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