Tower Health Program

The Tower Health Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program at Reading Hospital and McGlinn Cancer Institute is a three-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide robust training in both hematology and oncology. With an aim to develop competent clinicians and clinical investigators, the program actively engages fellows in both direct patient care and research activities throughout their training. The fellowship typically accommodates two fellows per year, culminating in a total of six fellows within the program.

The program's mission emphasizes a supervised training experience that equips fellows with the necessary professional, cognitive, and technical skills. This empowers graduates to deliver compassionate and competent care to patients facing hematological and oncological challenges. Training components include patient communication, shared decision-making, and a foundation in evidence-based practice, all of which are critical in modern medical environments 1.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The structured curriculum combines clinical experience with didactic sessions, aiming for a balance that fosters both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The program includes a variety of training experiences, such as a bone marrow clinic, board review sessions, and pathology reviews of bone marrow and peripheral smear samples. Generally, fellows can expect a minimum of two didactic sessions each week, enhancing their learning through diverse educational formats 1.

In the first year, fellows are typically assigned to both inpatient and outpatient rotations, dedicating approximately 40% of their time to inpatient settings. The inpatient teams consist of attending physicians, fellows, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and medical residents. Furthermore, first-year fellows complete two rotations at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, focusing on stem cell transplantation and acute leukemia, with housing provided during these rotations 1.

As fellows move to their second year, they transition to a more independent role in managing the inpatient primary consultation service, while also participating in mentored outpatient clinics. The mentorship structure promotes individualized learning by allowing fellows to work with various faculty members, fostering professional growth aligned with their specific interests 1.

Research Opportunities

Engagement in clinical research is a notable aspect of the fellowship, supported by an active research department located at McGlinn Cancer Center. Throughout the first two years, time is allocated for research endeavors, while the third year is largely dedicated to the completion of research projects. Fellows are encouraged to present their findings at regional meetings and submit abstracts for national conferences, fostering an environment of scholarly activity 1.

Training Sites

The primary training institutions for this fellowship include Reading Hospital, an acute care hospital with extensive resources and a high volume of patients, and the McGlinn Cancer Institute, recognized for multidisciplinary cancer care and clinical trials. Reading Hospital is known for its comprehensive oncology program that handles over 1,500 new cancer diagnoses each year, providing trainees with a breadth of exposure to both common and rare oncological conditions 1.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by offering J1 and H1-B visa sponsorships, broadening access to qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those seeking to pursue advanced training in hematology and oncology 1.

Application Details

Applicants are required to apply via ERAS, as the fellowship also participates in the NRMP match. Specific application criteria include requirements surrounding year of graduation and previous examination attempts, although detailed particulars should be confirmed within the application process 1.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Tower Health Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program ranks as a competitive training option for prospective fellows. It remains open to a diversity of candidates, including those who have completed their medical education internationally. The selection process emphasizes not only academic excellence but also experience and commitment to the field of hematology and oncology 1.

The program’s supportive environment, paired with its comprehensive training regimen, fosters a deeply enriching educational experience that prepares fellows for future challenges in their medical careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for board certification in both hematology and medical oncology.