Indiana University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Indianapolis, INSpecialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3051731091The Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is a one-year training program accredited by the ACGME. This specialized fellowship is designed to equip fellows with comprehensive knowledge and skills in blood banking, apheresis, and cellular therapy. The program emphasizes education within these core areas, alongside opportunities to delve into coagulation, hematology, laboratory management, and cutting-edge technologies in transfusion medicine.
Centrally located in a significant academic health center surrounded by five hospitals, fellows have access to diverse clinical experiences. The Indiana University Health's Department of Transfusion Medicine manages three blood banks: IU Health University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Riley Children's Hospital, which collectively transfuse around 50,000 blood component units annually. This high volume allows fellows to encounter a diverse array of clinical cases and practical applications of their training.
Clinical Rotations and Experience
The fellowship includes a variety of educational experiences across multiple training sites. Besides the primary blood banks within IU Health, additional educational opportunities exist at Eskenazi Health Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and the Richard L. Roudebush Indianapolis Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.
Fellows will engage with a dedicated team of faculty, nurses, and physician assistants, providing 24/7 coverage to an eight-bed outpatient apheresis clinic. In the past year, this department has handled over 2,700 procedures, including approximately 250 hematopoietic stem cell collections processed in the cellular therapy laboratory.
Additional Training Opportunities
Fellows can also benefit from specialized training in coagulation at Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. Here, they will cover a wide array of transfusion medicine aspects, including blood collection and processing, advanced immunohematology, and apheresis.
As a crucial part of the program, fellows will also partake in educational activities such as teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaborations, all designed to enhance their understanding and skills in transfusion medicine. These activities foster a well-rounded experience, helping fellows become well-prepared for varied roles in their future careers.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the fellowship must be either board-eligible or board-certified in clinical pathology, hematology, or internal medicine. They must also fulfill eligibility criteria set by the ACGME for blood banking/transfusion medicine fellowship programs. Admission materials include the CAP standard fellowship application, a cover letter expressing interest, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation.
Benefits and Program Support
The fellowship offers a competitive stipend aligned with postgraduate training levels, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development funds. Each fellow is allocated $2,250 yearly for educational expenses and invites to participate in research presentations at national meetings, with additional funding for subsequent presentations.
Visa Support
The program offers sponsorship for various visa types to international medical graduates, providing an opportunity for diverse candidates interested in pursuing specialized training in blood banking and transfusion medicine.
Competitiveness and Application Dynamics
As a highly competitive fellowship, the Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine attracts a diverse pool of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, making it a favorable option for a wide range of candidates.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$73,160First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Indianapolis, IN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Indianapolis, IN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Indianapolis has some high-crime areas, but overall, it has a moderate crime rate. It's always advisable to use common sense and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: Indianapolis offers a wide range of activities such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, museums, parks, and cultural events. The city is famous for its sports events.
- Climate: Indianapolis has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for all four seasons.
- Races and Population: Indianapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. The population is around 900,000 people.
- Education: Indianapolis has good educational institutions including universities and colleges.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Indianapolis is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Indianapolis is around 3-4 hours' drive from Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both cities offer a wider range of entertainment options.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse activities, and good educational opportunities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
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