Mar 31, 2000
Overview
Overview of the Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship
The Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at the University of Chicago is a one-year ACGME-accredited program that offers a comprehensive blend of clinical and laboratory experiences. The fellowship is situated within a state-of-the-art medical facility that integrates cutting-edge technology in the heart of Chicago. This program specializes particularly in laboratory coagulation training, making it a unique offering in the domain of pathology.
1The UCM Blood Bank is a high-volume operation, issuing more than 55,000 blood components annually. It supports a variety of programs including solid organ and stem cell transplantation, pediatric care, and trauma surgery. The comprehensive breadth of clinical experiences available to fellows also includes pediatric peripheral blood stem cell collection, coagulation management, and histocompatibility testing.
1Clinical Experience and Rotations
During the fellowship, trainees will engage in multiple clinical experiences. This includes immunohematology, transfusion service management, consulting on transfusion reactions, and management of blood donor recruitment. Furthermore, fellows gain practical skills in therapeutic apheresis and gain exposure to the UCM Coagulation Laboratory, which performs both routine and esoteric testing for bleeding disorders.
1Additionally, there are dedicated rotations at an immunohematology reference laboratory, providing fellows with ample opportunities for hands-on learning and test interpretation.
1Research and Teaching Opportunities
The fellowship offers numerous opportunities for research and teaching, allowing fellows to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to advancements in blood banking and transfusion medicine. Completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the Transfusion Medicine boards, an important step for those pursuing a career in this specialized area.
1Eligibility and Application Process
The fellowship is open to physicians who possess current licensure and have training in either clinical pathology (CP), anatomic pathology/clinical pathology (AP/CP), or other relevant postgraduate medical training. An Illinois medical license is required.
1Applicants must submit an application form alongside detailed materials as specified in the application guidelines. The fellowship is particularly competitive, attracting candidates from both domestic and international backgrounds, including graduates of osteopathic (DO) and international medical schools (IMG).
1Visa Sponsorship
The University of Chicago program provides visa support for international applicants. They can sponsor both J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating the process for international medical graduates who seek to pursue their training in the United States.
1Program Competitiveness and Selection Criteria
This fellowship attracts a high level of competition, partly due to the esteemed nature of the University of Chicago medical programs and the innovative training environment it offers. Candidates aiming for this fellowship should ensure they meet all application requirements, including successful completion of the USMLE examinations, with particular emphasis on obtaining necessary ECFMG certification for international graduates.
1Unique Aspects of the Program
One distinguishing feature of the Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at the University of Chicago is its focus on laboratory coagulation training, which is not commonly emphasized in other fellowships. This is particularly important given the evolving landscape of transfusion medicine and the increasing complexity of patient care scenarios in this area.
1Web sources
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Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 28, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $79,898 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Location
Chicago, IL [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3051621054
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US1714000
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr