Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program
Location:
Milwaukee, WISpecialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3055621023The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a comprehensive Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine fellowship program within its Hematology and Oncology department. This program is structured to provide advanced training in the field of Transfusion Medicine with a focus on clinical expertise, research, and patient care.
Program Structure
The fellowship is designed as a 3-year program which includes in-depth rotations through various clinical services. These services encompass inpatient Hematology/Oncology wards, consultative roles, Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT), Palliative Care, and Transfusion Medicine. Additionally, fellows engage in outpatient care through a continuity clinic at two key training sites: Froedtert Hospital and Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Each fellow is assigned specific patients under the supervision of attending faculty members, ensuring personalized learning experiences.1Clinical Rotations
During the fellowship, fellows will rotate through a variety of key services, including:- Inpatient Hematology/Oncology Service
- Leukemia Service
- Consult Service
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
- Palliative Care
- Outpatient Clinics (two half-day clinics per week)
- Key Electives such as Gynecological-Oncology, Hematopathology, and Transfusion Medicine
This blend of rotations allows fellows to manage a diverse patient population, providing exposure to hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and non-malignant hematology cases.1
Educational Component
The program includes various educational conferences that play a significant role in fellows’ training, including:- Formal core curriculum didactic sessions occurring weekly
- Hematopathology case conferences for case presentations
- Research conferences focusing on clinical research methodologies
- Tumor Boards discussing cases across various tumor types
- Journal clubs reviewing significant hematology and oncology studies
Attending national conferences is encouraged to facilitate learning and networking opportunities.1
Research Opportunities
Research forms an integral part of the fellowship, with approximately one year dedicated to research activities. Fellows have the option to pursue clinical or laboratory research, often starting in their second year. Collaborations with mentors engaged in ongoing research projects within the Cancer Center and other affiliated programs provide substantial opportunities for scholarly activities.1Visa Support
The Medical College of Wisconsin is committed to supporting international fellows through their training. The program provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, which allows international medical graduates to participate fully in the fellowship.1Competitiveness and Application Requirements
Admission to the fellowship program is competitive, with particular attention given to the candidate's previous training, clinical experience, and academic performance. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO candidates are both welcomed and encouraged to apply. Specific application requirements may include a maximum of two failed Step exams, among other academic criteria.1Overall, the fellowship provides a robust training environment in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, promoting both professional development and comprehensive clinical training in a supportive and dynamic academic setting.
Website
Director
Rowena C Punzalan, MDProgram Director; Professor of Pediatrics Appointed Since April 2013Coordinator
Program
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Quality of Life
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Admission
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-Location
Milwaukee, WI
Housing - Rental Prices
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Living in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI, offers a unique living experience with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Milwaukee has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's important to research neighborhoods before choosing a place to live.
- Fun Activities: Milwaukee is known for its vibrant arts scene, breweries, cultural events, and beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Climate: Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowy winters.
- Races and Population: Milwaukee is a diverse city with a significant African American population. The city also has a growing Hispanic community.
- Education: Milwaukee has several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Milwaukee is relatively affordable compared to other major cities, making it attractive for residents.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Chicago is about 90 miles away from Milwaukee, which can be reached by a 1.5-2 hour drive. Chicago offers big city amenities and diverse opportunities.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural scene, proximity to Lake Michigan.
Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, harsh winters.
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