St Luke's University Hospital Program

The St. Luke’s Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program is a newly established, ACGME accredited three-year training program located at the St. Luke’s Anderson Campus in Easton, Pennsylvania. With a mission to cultivate physicians who demonstrate exceptional care and leadership within gynecologic oncology, the program prioritizes evidence-based medicine and high-quality clinical skills in all aspects of gynecologic oncology practice 1.

The program's main location, St. Luke's Cancer Center - Anderson Campus, is equipped to deliver comprehensive oncology services. The integrated healthcare network incorporates 12 hospital campuses and over 300 outpatient sites using a unified Epic electronic medical record system, enhancing the overall training experience for residents and fellows 1.

Fellows are exposed to significant clinical volume, with St. Luke’s handling nearly 5,000 analytical oncology cases annually. The fellowship offers a comprehensive educational experience, including a dedicated year for clinical research, thereby allowing fellows to participate in meaningful investigative projects and contribute to advancements in gynecologic oncology 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to ensure a well-rounded education. The first year of training is entirely dedicated to research activities. In subsequent years (PGY-6 and PGY-7), fellows engage in off-service rotations, spending time in areas such as Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Urology/Colorectal, and Palliative Medicine. The remainder of the training time is allocated to inpatient and outpatient gynecologic oncology care 3.

Educational Activities

The educational framework of the fellowship includes a combination of formal education and practical learning opportunities. Weekly department and institutional conferences, a dedicated didactic lecture series, interdisciplinary tumor boards, and a monthly journal club are fundamental components. Additionally, oral examination-style case conferences and departmental clinical research meetings help fellows assimilate their knowledge in real-world applications. Participation in Clinical Research Education Study Teams (CREST) is also encouraged to enhance research training 4.

Faculty

The fellowship faculty comprises experienced gynecologic oncologists dedicated to fostering education in a supportive, multidisciplinary atmosphere. Key faculty members include fellowship-trained oncologists with extensive backgrounds in patient care and research. This diverse expertise offers fellows exposure to various specialties, including radiation oncology, pathology, and surgical oncology, essential for comprehensive gynecologic cancer treatment 5.

Fellows

Current fellows come from prestigious medical schools and residency programs, highlighting the competitive nature of the program. The fellowship encompasses an intimate cohort, promoting collaborative learning and professional growth among fellows 6.

Application Process

Candidates interested in the fellowship must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Application materials must include a completed online application, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. One letter should be from the residency program director, another from a gynecologic oncologist if available, and a third letter of the applicant's choice. Official transcripts for relevant examinations (USMLE, COMLEX) and CREOG scores are also required. The application cycle aligns with the ERAS common application deadlines, and interviews are scheduled based on timelines outlined by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) under specific visa categories. It is essential for applicants to verify the specific visa types the program can sponsor while ensuring compliance with the relevant immigration laws. Given St. Luke’s comprehensive training opportunities and supportive environment, the fellowship is considered competitive, accommodating a range of candidates, including DO and IMG applicants 2.

Special Application Requirements

While the program encourages diverse applicants, it stipulates certain minimum criteria regarding graduation year and examination performance. Specifics may include a maximum number of failed STEP exams and other qualitative measures to ensure candidate readiness for this rigorous training.