Kettering Health Network/Kettering Medical Center Program

The Hematology and Oncology Fellowship program at Kettering Health offers an extensive, individualized training experience for fellows who aspire to become expert practitioners in the field of cancer care. The program is ACGME accredited and aims to provide fellows the confidence and skills required to navigate an evolving healthcare landscape.

This fellowship program is based at the Kettering Cancer Center, integrated within the Kettering Medical Center campus in Dayton, Ohio. The program encompasses a multidisciplinary approach and provides a diverse range of patient cases from multiple affiliated hospitals—including Soin Medical Center, Sycamore Medical Center, Troy Medical Center, Grandview, and Southview Hospitals—ensuring a rich clinical exposure and experience for fellows 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the fellowship is designed to cultivate comprehensive clinical skills through a structured training model. Fellows split their clinical time between inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining extensive experience throughout their three years of training. Each fellow is assigned a full day in a Continuity Fellow Clinic, where they manage a panel of patients, facilitating long-term relationships and trust. The training includes 4-week rotations and involves responsibilities such as on-call duties, outpatient procedures—including bone marrow biopsies and intrathecal chemotherapy—and regular educational conferences 5.

Notably, fellows participate in various educational conferences, including core curriculum lectures, subspecialty lectures, journal clubs, and tumor board meetings. Such structured learning opportunities are essential for enhancing the fellows’ knowledge and integration within the oncology field 6.

Research and Mentorship Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, aiming to mold fellows into leaders who can excel in patient care, research, and education. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in clinical research, geared towards strengthening their understanding of both clinical and basic research techniques 7. This facet of the curriculum is designed not just to educate fellows in cancer care, but also to foster lifelong learning and innovation in the field.

Mission and Aims

The mission of the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at Kettering Health underscores a commitment to inclusivity and community-oriented service. The program encourages acceptance and recognition of diverse backgrounds, focuses on developing proficient specialists in hematologic and oncological diseases, and instills the importance of lifelong learning. The overarching goals include preparing fellows for successful careers in patient care, teaching, and research 8.

Benefits and Salary

Fellows at the Kettering Health hematology/oncology fellowship enjoy a robust benefits package. This includes 20 days of vacation, educational funding of $2,200 annually, health insurance coverage, and various leave options such as parental leave. Additional perks include professional liability insurance, a book allowance, and access to health club memberships. The program is dedicated to promoting a smoke-free environment and prioritizes the well-being of staff and patients 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, accepting only two fellows each year. Applicants must have graduated from a LCME accredited medical school or possess ECFMG Certification. They should have also completed a three-year Internal Medicine residency. Beyond these requirements, the program necessitates that applicants submit materials via the ERAS platform and enroll in the Medical Specialties Matching Program 1.

Visa Support

Kettering Health is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor visas, specifically J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible candidates. This ensures that qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in the fellowship and enrich the collaborative learning environment.

Rotations and Training Sites

The training incorporates multiple rotations across various specialized centers, enabling fellows to gain exposure not only to medical oncology and hematology but also to specialized fields, including bone marrow transplantation and palliative care. This diversity in rotations helps fellows develop a well-rounded skill set that is crucial for their future practices 1.

Away Electives

Away elective opportunities are offered to applicants, albeit in limited capacities due to internal agreements and residents from affiliated medical schools. This flexibility allows for a broader horizon of learning experiences while securing the necessary clinical exposure within the program’s framework 3.