Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a distinguished program aimed at training the next generation of pediatric hematologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists through a robust combination of clinical training and research opportunities. The program encompasses three years of intensive training, designed to equip fellows with comprehensive skills in patient care, research methodologies, and advanced treatments for children with blood disorders and cancer.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship program thoroughly integrates clinical experiences with extensive research opportunities. In the first year, fellows engage in approximately 11 months of clinical rotations alongside dedicated research periods in the subsequent years. The fellowship prides itself on offering individualized training tailored to fellows' career aspirations, whether in hematology, oncology, or blood and marrow transplant.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations span multiple disciplines within the hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant fields, taking place in renowned facilities like the MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Wisconsin. Each fellow will engage in hands-on patient care, working as integral members of multidisciplinary teams that include physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers.

During their first year, fellows will rotate through various substantive rotations such as:

• Hematology Service (12 weeks)
• Oncology Service (12 weeks inpatient, 4 weeks outpatient)
• Blood and Marrow Transplant Service (10 weeks)
• Additional exposures to specialties including Sickle Cell and Thalassemia programs among others.

This comprehensive structure ensures fellows gain clinical proficiency in managing hematologic disorders, oncology patients, and the specific nuances involved in transplant procedures.

Research Opportunities

Years two and three of the fellowship primarily focus on hypothesis-driven research. Fellows are required to pursue research projects, with guidance from a well-established Scholarship Oversight Committee that helps match fellows with appropriate mentors. Research pathways include both laboratory-based and clinical research opportunities.

Key areas of research within the program focus on:

• Advanced cancer immunotherapy
• Translational hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
• Diabetes and outcomes research related to pediatric hematological disorders

Unique Aspects of the Program

Several distinctive features set this fellowship apart from others:

• Joint educational curriculum with fellows from other pediatric specialties.
• Robust mentoring opportunities aimed at fostering research and clinical teaching skills.
• Multi-disciplinary conferences and didactic teaching sessions to enhance learning and professional development.

Training Sites

The fellowship operates primarily out of the Children's Wisconsin hospital, which is a prestigious institution recognized for its outstanding pediatric care. It is uniquely integrated with the Medical College of Wisconsin, promoting collaborative studies and research endeavors.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant Fellowship is highly competitive and requires candidates to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program prior to application. Applicants must submit their ERAS application along with:

• Three letters of reference (including one from the program director).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal statement.
• USMLE scores or COMLEX scores for DO applicants.
• ECFMG certification for international graduates.

The program is friendly towards DO and international medical graduates, and visa sponsorship is available, including for J-1 and H-1B visa holders.

Support and Well-Being

The fellowship emphasizes the importance of well-being among its fellows, offering various wellness events such as community activities and social gatherings. The collegial environment coupled with structured support helps fellows manage both clinical obligations and personal wellness effectively.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Medical College of Wisconsin actively fosters a diverse and inclusive environment through dedicated councils and training programs aimed at increasing awareness and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion.