SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program at SUNY Upstate Medical University is designed to provide a comprehensive training experience for individuals seeking to become proficient and compassionate specialists in hematology and oncology. The program’s mission emphasizes the dual focus on education and research, aiming to cultivate highly competent clinicians who are skilled not only in medical practice but also in scientific inquiry, thereby ensuring effective patient care backed by robust evidence.1

Fellowship Program Structure

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at SUNY Upstate spans a total of three years, with a total of four positions available for the 2025-2026 academic year. The program combines clinical training with opportunities for research and mandates participation in core curriculum conferences and various training rotations.3

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured around essential rotations that expose fellows to a wide range of hematology and oncology experiences across various clinical settings. Key rotations include:

• Inpatient Service: Fellows work with an attending, internal medicine residents, and interns to oversee and coordinate patient care while performing essential procedures such as bone marrow biopsies and writing chemotherapy orders.
• Consult Service: Responsible for initial patient evaluations, fellows collaborate on patient care plans and coordinate with oncology nurse practitioners.
• Leukemia/Stem Cell Transplant: Participating in both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants, fellows gain robust exposure to this critical area.5
• Syracuse Veteran's Administration Medical Center: Fellows also rotate through this facility, managing a diverse patient population and collaborating with palliative care services.
• Community Campus Services: The fellowship includes experiences at community hospitals to broaden the fellows' consultative skills.

Conferences and Research Opportunities

The fellowship includes numerous conferences such as the Hematology Pathology Conference, the Hematology Oncology Lecture Series, and various multidisciplinary conferences focused on specific cancer types.4 This dynamic environment fosters collaboration and enhances the learning experience. In addition, there are abundant research opportunities available, with a strong emphasis on both clinical and basic science projects.6

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive; candidates who are U.S. citizens or hold valid J-1 or H-1 visas are eligible to apply. It is important for applicants to have adequate time to complete the fellowship prior to losing immigrant status, and the program has specific requirements for transcripts, exam scores, and letters of recommendation.7

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must submit official medical school transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and a personal statement. Additionally, a valid ECFMG certificate is required for international medical graduates, alongside proof of graduation from medical school. Interviews are primarily conducted virtually, considering a narrowed list of candidates based on comprehensive application reviews.3

Visa Support

The program supports candidates requiring visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 and H-1B visas. It is crucial for potential fellows on these visas to complete their training within the visa duration, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.3

Wellness Support

Recognizing the demands of the training process, SUNY Upstate emphasizes wellness and fitness for duty for its fellows. An open-door policy allows fellows to seek support for any difficulties related to fatigue or mental well-being, affirming the program's commitment to fostering a healthy training environment.8

Time-Off Policy

The fellowship aligns with ACGME guidelines, allowing a total of 20 days off per academic year that encompasses sick leave, vacation, and interview time. This policy underscores the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being during the demanding years of fellowship training.9