Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Cook County Health is a comprehensive three-year fellowship designed to provide trainees with extensive training in both Hematology and Medical Oncology. The program is tailored to prepare fellows for both board certification in these specialties, comprising a total of six fellowship positions with two entrants each year.

Comprehensive Training: One of the distinctive features of the program is its wide-ranging clinical training. Fellows can expect to engage in various clinical rotations that include inpatient consultation services, radiation therapy, blood banking, bone marrow transplantation, and multiple other specialized areas. This multifaceted training equips fellows with the necessary skills to manage a broad spectrum of complex clinical cases in hematology and oncology 1.

Research Opportunities: The program places a significant emphasis on research, allocating protected research time each year to its fellows. Participants are encouraged to publish their findings and present at conferences. The affiliation with the Stroger Hospital Cook County Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program (SHCC M/U NCORP) grants fellows access to a wide array of national clinical trials. This focus on research is supported by a substantial National Cancer Institute grant, instrumental in advancing cancer treatment and prevention strategies 1.

Clinical Rotations: The fellowship program encompasses substantial clinical rotations. Major rotations include inpatient consultation services in hematology and medical oncology, radiation therapy, blood banking, and additional laboratory services such as immunology and cytogenics. Each fellow is expected to participate in continuity clinics focused on Medical Oncology and Hematology as well as specialized clinics like the Breast Oncology and Hematology Clinics. These rotations also feature collaborative engagements in weekly journal clubs, Grand Rounds, and multidisciplinary tumor conferences 1.

Multidisciplinary Exposure: The program enables fellows to work within a multidisciplinary team through various activities, including tumor conferences and research rounds. These experiences are complemented by hands-on stem cell transplantation training at Rush University Medical Center, thereby enhancing clinical proficiency in this vital aspect of hematology and oncology 1.

Expert Faculty: Fellows benefit from learning under leading professionals in the field of hematology and oncology, which enhances the educational experience. The program prides itself on strong academic and clinical partnerships, ensuring that trainees receive high-quality instruction and mentorship throughout their fellowship 1.

Application Process: The program has specific application requirements. Candidates must be eligible to take the American Board Examination in Internal Medicine by the time they commence their fellowship. Application packets should include three reference letters, copies of USMLE scores, a personal statement, and a CV. Applications are accepted through the MATCH Program via ERAS 1.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness: The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Cook County Health is viewed to be competitive, welcoming both MDs and DOs as well as international medical graduates (IMG). The program advocates for visa sponsorship and generally supports J-1 visas, making it accessible for international applicants who meet the program's rigorous selection criteria 1.

Special Considerations: Prospective applicants should note any specific limitations regarding the year of graduation and failed board examinations. The program typically does not accept candidates who have failed the USMLE Step examinations more than once. This competitive nature underlines the caliber of applicants sought by the fellowship 1.