Duke University Hospital Program

The Duke Hematology-Oncology Fellowship program provides a comprehensive and rigorous training experience aimed at developing future leaders in the fields of hematology and medical oncology. The program emphasizes clinical, translational, and basic laboratory training across various domains such as cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation. The fellowship hosts a substantial cadre of resources, boasting over 100 full-time faculty members across the Divisions of Medical Oncology, Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, and Hematology. The program typically supports around 21 fellows at different stages of their training, creating a collaborative and enriching learning environment.1

The mission of the program is multifaceted: to provide outstanding clinical training across all areas of hematology and oncology while adhering to the highest compliance standards as per ACGME and ABIM; and to instill a lifelong passion for patient care alongside a vigorous pursuit of new knowledge through research. The Duke Cancer Institute, which provides care for over 6,000 new cancer patients annually, is recognized as a leading cancer hospital in the Southeast, thus offering fellows unparalleled opportunities for clinical exposure and mentorship.1

Curriculum Overview

The training curriculum is designed to develop the fellows' skills and experiences in the comprehensive care of cancer patients, alongside the diagnosis and management of hematologic diseases. During the first year, fellows will engage in various rotations lasting three to four weeks each, involving:

• Hematologic Malignancy Inpatient Service & Consults
• Solid Tumor Oncology Consult Service
• Duke Benign Hematology Consult Service
• Durham VA Hematology-Oncology Consult Service
• Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant and Malignant Hematology Clinics
• Outpatient Solid Tumor & Mixed Clinics

These experiences help fellows build a diverse skill set, culminating in a longitudinal clinic at the Durham VA Hematology-Oncology Clinic.7

Conferences and Educational Activities

The fellowship program includes a structured series of weekly conferences essential for fellows' education. Notable conferences entail:

• Hematology/Oncology Core Curriculum Lectures
• Grand Rounds
• Fellow Directed Conferences such as Journal Club and Board Review
• Multidisciplinary Conferences including various tumor boards and case discussions

These integrated educational activities support the fellows in reinforcing advanced concepts in hematology and oncology while allowing for essential peer and faculty interaction.8

Research Opportunities

Duke University Hospital fosters a vibrant research atmosphere where fellows can engage in multidisciplinary bench to bedside research. There are several dedicated research centers and institutes available, including the Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology and the Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute. The collaboration with the Duke Sickle Cell Center and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center further expands the research and training horizons for fellows.1

Application Process and Requirements

The application for the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program participates in the NRMP Fellowship Matching Program and requires specific documents, including:

• A personal statement outlining long-term career goals and research plans
• Four letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation/Dean's letter and medical school transcript
• USMLE scores
• Wallet-sized photo (optional)

Candidates are assessed based on qualifications rather than race, sex, or national origin, although federal funding sources may impose restrictions that affect eligibility of certain international applicants.2

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is competitive, welcoming applications from U.S. students, DO-friendly candidates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who meet certain criteria. The program typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, providing support for eligible international applicants.2

Fellowship Structure and Moonlighting

The fellowship consists of structured clinical experiences leading to comprehensive training. Furthermore, second and third-year fellows have opportunities for moonlighting within Duke, which provides them with practical experience and additional income, contingent upon approval from the Program Director. Note that moonlighting is not permitted for first-year fellows.5

Fellows and Faculty

The fellowship maintains a diverse group of fellows across different years, enhancing collaborative learning and support. The program is led by experienced faculty who are deeply dedicated to education and mentorship.3

Essential Resources

Fellows are provided with extensive resources, including dedicated facilities for training, patient care, and research opportunities within a highly supportive and academically enriched environment. This includes access to advanced technology and innovative treatment modalities as part of their training experience.1