National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Program
Location:
Bethesda, MDSpecialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3052321001The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center offers a specialized fellowship program in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine through its Department of Transfusion Medicine. This program is dedicated to providing comprehensive clinical services in transfusion medicine while supporting a robust training environment for future specialists in the field.
Program Overview
The Department of Transfusion Medicine (DTM) serves NIH patients requiring blood component therapy and related services, ensuring high-quality donor and patient transfusion services. It is responsible for the collection and preparation of blood components and cellular therapy products used in patient care at the NIH. The program is committed to excellence in patient care, advancing knowledge and practice in transfusion medicine through research, and providing advanced training for fellows.
1Clinical Services and Support
DTM provides a variety of clinical services including:
- Blood component therapy: The DTM is responsible for collecting, manufacturing, storing, and distributing blood products for transfusion.
- Transfusion support services: This includes laboratory and medical consult services to ensure safe transfusion practices.
- Cellular therapy: The department manufactures, stores, and distributes cellular therapy products for infusion and provides supportive services.
- Patient therapeutics: DTM offers therapeutic phlebotomy, therapeutic apheresis (including extracorporeal photopheresis), and various exchange procedures. 6
Research Opportunities
The research conducted in DTM covers multiple areas aimed at improving blood safety and advancing the practice of transfusion medicine. The program emphasizes translational research projects, particularly in areas such as:
- Molecular immunohematology and immunogenetics.
- Blood safety technologies and improving compatibility testing.
- Innovative cellular therapies.
- Therapeutic apheresis and management of transfusion-associated infections. 5
Educational Opportunities
The Department offers various educational programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of fellows and other healthcare professionals. Key components include:
- A fellowship in Transfusion Medicine accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
- Training for Specialists in Blood Banking (SBB).
- Annual symposiums focusing on advancements in immunohematology and blood transfusion. 4
Accreditations
The DTM is fully accredited and complies with numerous regulatory standards, including licensing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for manufacturing blood products, and certifications from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for laboratory testing services. It also maintains accreditation from professional organizations such as the AABB and the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI).
3Fellowship Program Admission Requirements
Applicants interested in the Transfusion Medicine fellowship must meet specific requirements. The program is geared toward highly competitive candidates, including those with DO and IMG backgrounds. Special considerations include:
- A strong academic background with relevant clinical experience.
- No more than one failed attempt on the Step 1 and Step 2 exams.
- Possibility of visa sponsorship for international medical graduates on J-1 visas. 2
Visa and International Graduate Support
The program is supportive of international applicants, offering sponsorship for visas such as the J-1 visa, allowing qualified international graduates to pursue training in the United States.
Conclusion
Joining the DTM's fellowship program offers fellows a unique opportunity to engage in advanced training in transfusion medicine while contributing to high-quality clinical care and innovative research. Through a combination of rigorous clinical practice, dedicated research, and accredited training, the program equips future leaders in the field of transfusion medicine.
Website
Director
Leonard N Chen, MD, PhDBlood Services Staff Physician Appointed Since December 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$85,338First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Bethesda, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Bethesda, MD
- Safety: Bethesda is considered a safe area with a lower crime rate compared to other parts of Maryland.
- Fun Activities: Bethesda offers a vibrant arts and culture scene with theaters, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. It also has beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for recreational activities.
- Climate: Bethesda experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant.
- Population: Bethesda is a diverse community with a mix of residents from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Education: Bethesda is known for its excellent public and private schools, making it a family-friendly area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Bethesda is higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing.
- Nearby Cities: Washington, D.C. is approximately 30 minutes away by car, offering a wide range of cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment options.
Pros: Safe environment, diverse community, excellent schools, proximity to Washington, D.C.
Cons: High cost of living, especially housing prices.