Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport's Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program is based at the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is a three-year, fully accredited program by the ACGME. The program's atmosphere is characterized by a diverse and friendly group of fellows who collaborate closely, delivering compassionate care to a varied patient population. The fellows and alumni maintain strong connections beyond their training, highlighting the camaraderie integral to the fellowship's culture.

The fellowship offers an integrated curriculum that emphasizes clinical learning and is supplemented with interactive case-based discussions and didactic conferences. Clinical training is diversified across various settings, including outpatient hematology/oncology clinics, inpatient consult services at both Ochsner LSUHS and the VA hospital, and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. The rigorous didactics curriculum includes a case-based management conference, morbidity and mortality conferences, journal clubs, and research conferences to foster scholarly activities.

Weekly core curriculum sessions feature daily lectures delivered by faculty and senior fellows, which is a unique aspect of the program. Furthermore, fellows play an active role in multidisciplinary tumor boards along with other specialties to enhance patient care quality.

Engagement in clinical research is a significant component of the training, with fellows expected to present their findings at departmental research conferences as well as institutional and national meetings. Attendance and participation in national conferences such as ASCO and ASH are strongly encouraged, with each fellow supported to attend at least one national conference of their choice annually.

The program places a high priority on creating a supportive environment that fosters quality patient care and the learning experience. The Fellow Wellness Program ensures that participants maintain a positive outlook and focus on personal wellbeing alongside professional development. Fellows frequently engage in monthly departmental social events that promote bond-building among peers, including visits to local restaurants and fun activities like axe throwing and painting.

In terms of living conditions, Shreveport is characterized as the third-largest city in Louisiana, offering a pleasant lifestyle with beautiful parks, affordable living costs, minimal traffic, and vibrant arts scenes complemented by numerous dining options. Its geographical location provides residents with easy access to larger cities such as Dallas/Ft. Worth and Hot Springs, enhancing the living experience.

Training Structure

The fellowship is comprehensively structured to equip fellows for careers in various domains, whether academics, private practice, or research. The training involves extensive faculty involvement, where they are noted for their approachability and commitment to teaching fellows alongside residents and medical students.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship to international medical graduates, typically providing support for J-1 and H-1B visas, which facilitates the inclusion of a diverse cohort of fellows.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at LSU Health Shreveport must typically possess completion of a residency in internal medicine and may need to meet specific requirements concerning their graduation year and examination history. The program is known to be competitive and is friendly towards DOs and IMGs, welcoming applicants from broad backgrounds.