Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program
Location:
Hershey, PASpecialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3054131087The Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide extensive training in transfusion medicine and related fields. This program accepts one fellow each academic year and is fully funded.
The curriculum of the fellowship offers comprehensive exposure to various aspects of blood banking and transfusion medicine, including:
Program Overview
The fellowship includes clinical training in:
- Transfusion medicine for both adults and pediatric patients
- Immunohematology
- Blood collection and donor center operations
- Therapeutic apheresis
- Hematopoietic stem cell collection and processing
- Coagulation
- HLA/histocompatibility
Moreover, fellows will engage in managing day-to-day challenges in immunohematology, participate in therapeutic apheresis, and lead various consultations. This includes significant experiences with hemolytic diseases, transfusion-associated reactions, and more. The clinical exposure ensures a thorough understanding of both adult and pediatric transfusion practices.
1Research and Quality Improvement
Research is a critical component of the fellowship, and each fellow is required to oversee a quality improvement or research project during the fellowship year. The fellowship offers numerous opportunities for academic teaching and mentorship, providing formal and informal learning experiences with pathology residents and fellows from various specialties.
Application Requirements
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific application requirements:
- MD, DO, or foreign equivalent degree with ECFMG certification
- Board certification or eligibility in anatomic and/or clinical pathology from the ABP, or primary certificate plus a subspecialty certificate in hematology
- Eligibility for a Pennsylvania medical license
- U.S. citizenship, green card holder, or J-1 visa holder
Applicants should submit a complete application, which includes a CAP Standardized Pathology Fellowship Application, a cover letter with a personal statement, curriculum vitae, copies of USMLE test scores (or equivalent), and letters of recommendation as outlined in the program details.
1Visa Sponsorship
The program is open to international medical graduates who hold a J-1 visa, which is sponsored for the duration of the fellowship. This welcoming policy ensures that a diverse range of candidates can apply and contribute to the fellowship's learning environment.
Competitiveness and Inclusivity
The Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Penn State is known to be competitive. The program is considered friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, promoting an inclusive environment that encourages diverse applicants.
1Institutional Overview
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a significant facility in Pennsylvania, accredited as both an adult and pediatric Level I trauma center. It serves as a teaching hospital with over 29,000 admissions, 73,000 emergency department visits, and 1.1 million outpatient visits yearly.
Overall, the fellowship provides not only extensive clinical and research training but also emphasizes wellness and professionalism. Resources are available to support the wellness of fellows and ensure a balanced residency experience.
1Website
Director
Evelyn M Potochny, DOProgram Director BB/TM Fellowship Appointed Since July 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,552First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
10Location
Hershey, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Hershey, PA
Hershey, PA is a charming town known for its chocolate production. Here are some aspects of living in Hershey:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Hershey is generally considered a safe town with a lower crime rate compared to larger cities.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy attractions like Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and various events hosted by the Hershey Entertainment Complex.
- Climate: Hershey experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
- Races and Population: The population of Hershey is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Hershey is home to the Milton Hershey School and several public schools known for their quality education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hershey is generally higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is about 15 miles away from Hershey and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car. Harrisburg offers more city amenities and cultural attractions.
Pros: Charming town with a strong sense of community, abundance of family-friendly activities, and proximity to larger cities.
Cons: Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options compared to big cities.
Interview Questions
