St Jude Children's Research Hospital Program

Memphis, Tennessee, is home to the University of Tennessee's Hematology and Oncology fellowship program, which is recognized for its dedicated educational mission, comprehensive training, and commitment to improving patient care within the community. The program is embedded within a vibrant city known for its rich history in medicine and community service, making it an ideal setting for trainees to develop their clinical skills while engaging with a diverse patient population.

The fellowship program is designed to cultivate skilled clinicians and clinician-scientists in the fields of hematology and oncology. Emphasizing a collaborative environment, the program offers a supportive learning atmosphere backed by a team of experienced faculty and mentorship resources. Applicants are encouraged to embrace a career focused on underserved populations and to participate actively in the evolution of oncology management and research efforts in the field.

Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a structured, 18-month training regimen that covers essential topics in hematology and oncology. Educational experiences include:

• Monday and Tuesday morning conferences to enhance knowledge base and clinical skills.
• A written curriculum provided for each rotation, ensuring comprehensive education on relevant topics.
• An annual exam review course to prepare fellows for in-service exams.
• A weekly board review tailored for second and third-year fellows.
• A monthly journal club to critically assess recent scientific literature.
• A foundational conference held weekly for first-year fellows to prepare them for future clinical challenges.
• A symposium focused on benign hematology that meets weekly for in-depth discussions on bleeding disorders.
• A monthly Heme Path meeting to review blood smears and disease recognition.
• A quarterly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meeting to analyze systemic issues affecting patient care.

Rotations

The fellowship features a diverse array of rotations designed to provide fellows with extensive clinical exposure. Key rotations include:

• First Year: Radiation/Oncology, Coagulation, Hematopathology, Research
• Second Year: Blood Bank, Hematopathology, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Research Months (2), Hemophilia, Pharmacy
• Third Year: Palliative Care, Breast Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Research

Fellows have the opportunity to engage in elective rotations, including a focus on bone marrow transplant, depending on personal interests. Additionally, fellows are granted dedicated research months to foster the development of academic skills and interests. Up to 18 months can be made available for protected research time throughout the fellowship duration.6

Training Sites

The program collaborates with several prominent training facilities to enrich fellows' clinical experiences:

• Memphis VA Medical Center: Offers a continuity care clinic and insights into managed care for veteran patients, enhancing fellows' clinical acumen.
• Regional One Health: The only level-1 trauma center in the region provides services to underserved populations, where fellows gain exposure to complex oncological cases.
• Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis: This tertiary care center facilitates diverse learning opportunities in various subspecialties and is known for its bone marrow transplant team.
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Focuses on pediatric oncology and provides fellows with invaluable clinical and research experiences in treating aggressive cancers in children.8

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program emphasizes research engagement and collaboration, particularly through partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the UT Cancer Program. Trainees are encouraged to participate in groundbreaking research endeavors within classical hematology, malignant hematology, and oncology, thus fostering a robust academic environment and paving the way for future contributions to the field.1

Application Process

The fellowship program typically considers applicants who have graduated from an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency within the last five years. The program only sponsors J1 visas for internationally trained physicians, and applicants must hold a valid ECFMG certificate.10

Due to the competitiveness of the program, especially for international medical graduates, submission of applications must be done through ERAS to be considered for interviews. Certain stipulations regarding graduation timelines and prior experience may also apply to ensure only the most qualified candidates are selected.9

Fellow Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary along with benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, educational stipends for attending conferences, and generous leave policies. These benefits ultimately enhance fellow morale and allow for a balanced work-life dynamic during training.7

Fellow Life

Fellowship involves not only rigorous clinical training but also active participation in social and professional events, enhancing camaraderie among peers. Graduates of the program have continued to work in various specialties, contributing significantly to the healthcare field.5