University of Alabama Medical Center Program

Overview of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program

The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Training Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a comprehensive three-year fellowship approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. It is designed to cultivate a thorough understanding of pediatric hematologic and oncologic disorders, providing fellows with extensive clinical and research training in a supportive and educational environment.

The program is housed in the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, which is an integral part of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. It treats about 90% of the pediatric hematology-oncology patients in the state, making it a vital resource for children diagnosed with cancer and complex blood disorders.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to ensure comprehensive education in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology, comprising clinical and research elements. During the first year, fellows engage in intensive clinical rotations, including inpatient hematology/oncology, outpatient clinics, and stem cell transplantation.

Fellows in their second and third years have the opportunity to pursue research projects tailored to their interests, potentially culminating in a Master of Science in Public Health. The program ensures flexibility, allowing fellows to develop personalized training pathways guided by experienced faculty members.

Research and Academic Environment

The research component of the fellowship is robust, with access to interdisciplinary collaborations across the UAB campus. Fellows are encouraged to select research mentors and engage in hypothesis-driven projects while being supported by a comprehensive scholarship oversight committee. The program boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the subspecialty board exam, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and training.

Fellows have opportunities to participate in significant clinical trials and translational research initiatives, contributing to advancements in treatment for pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

Clinical Training Sites

The fellowship is based at Children’s of Alabama, the only freestanding children’s hospital in Alabama, which features a 24-bed pediatric hematology/oncology unit. The facility also includes the state’s only dedicated pediatric bone marrow transplant unit and houses a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). These facilities provide a comprehensive training environment for fellows.

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders serves as a referral center for pediatric cancer cases across the Southeastern United States, further enriching the educational exposure of fellows.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program encourages the professional growth and development of fellows through multifaceted educational opportunities, including core conferences, journal clubs, and regular tumor boards where fellows present and discuss complex cases.

Furthermore, there are unique outreach initiatives such as Smile-A-Mile, which provides support for families navigating childhood cancer. This engagement fosters a sense of community and advocacy among fellows, enhancing their roles as future leaders in pediatric hematology/oncology.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at UAB is highly competitive, welcoming applications from various backgrounds, including Domestic and International Medical Graduates. Preference is given to candidates who have completed residency training in pediatrics or have equivalent qualifications.

Special application requirements include the submission of a curriculum vitae, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of medical credentials (such as an ECFMG certificate for international applicants). There are no strict limitations on years of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams, making the program relatively accessible while still rigorous.

Visa Sponsorship

The UAB Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program offers visa support for eligible candidates. Specifically, the program can sponsor J-1 or H-1B visas, accommodating both international medical graduates and those in need of work authorization.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at UAB provides a unique opportunity for fellows to advance their medical practice in a supportive and mission-driven environment focused on improving the lives of children dealing with cancer and blood disorders.