Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship designed for those seeking advanced training in the field. This program, in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine, is recognized as one of the largest pediatric hematology/oncology training programs in the United States and stands out as the premiere program in the Southeast.

Key elements of the program include specialized fellowship opportunities such as:

• Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Cell Therapy Fellowship Program
• Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program
• T32 Hematology Training Program
• Combined Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship and PhD track
• Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Fellowship Program

The primary objective of the fellowship is to cultivate academically oriented specialists in hematology and oncology, equipping them for a career marked by excellence in pediatric patient care, teaching, and research.

Clinical Training

Fellows receive comprehensive clinical training across various domains of pediatric hematology and oncology. This includes hands-on experience in pediatric oncology addressing conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors, and neuro-oncology, as well as in hematology dealing with general hematology, sickle cell disease, hemostasis/thrombosis, and immunohematology. Moreover, training extends to bone marrow transplant procedures.

During their second and third years, fellows can engage in a variety of reputable clinical, translational, and basic research projects. Collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, and even broader partnerships with the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amplify the research experience.

Research Opportunities

The program offers unique pathways to engage in research, including the opportunity for fellows interested in clinical research to earn a Masters of Clinical Research (MSCR). The robust research infrastructure supports a diverse range of academic pursuits, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and scholarly work.

T32 Hematology Training Program

The T32 Hematology Training Program specifically addresses the necessity for training physician-scientists in pediatric nonmalignant hematology. This program benefits from affiliation with the largest pediatric hematology program in the nation, providing ample patient volumes for both clinical and translational research. The T32 program is integrated with the pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship, supporting two trainees annually for extensive training under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors possessing significant extramural funding.

Combined Fellowship and PhD Program

For fellows with a strong interest in expanding their research capabilities, there is an option to pursue a PhD during their training in collaboration with the Emory University Laney Graduate School. This opportunity encompasses research within various distinguished programs such as Cancer Biology or the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, thereby allowing fellows to acquire in-depth scientific knowledge culminating in a doctoral degree.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is committed to supporting international trainees, providing assistance with various visa types, including H-1B and J-1 visas, which cater to both fellows and faculty from abroad. The fellowship is recognized for its competitiveness, welcoming applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness within the medical training community.

Application Requirements

Particular application requirements may include considerations for the year of graduation, limits on failed STEP examinations, and other academic benchmarks to ensure a cohort of applicants that aligns with the program's high standards.