University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System is a fully accredited, three-year program that provides training leading to dual board certification. Historically, this program has established a strong mission focused on preparing academically-oriented physicians to excel as clinicians, researchers, and educators in the field.

Located within a prominent university medical school and affiliated with one of the largest hospitals in the United States, Jackson Memorial Hospital, along with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, the fellowship allows participants to benefit from a comprehensive clinical and research environment. The program boasts a rich diversity due to its location at the crossroads of the Caribbean and Latin America, enhancing the training experience with a wide array of clinical cases and perspectives.

Program Structure

The fellowship features four distinct tracks, allowing fellows to tailor their educational experience according to their interests and career aspirations:

• Clinical Practice: Aimed at those who are intellectually curious but not pursuing academic medicine.
• Clinical Research: Focused on developing clinical investigators.
• Public Health/Global Health/Health Equities: For fellows interested in epidemiology and health disparities research.
• Laboratory/Translational: Designed for those considering further studies in cancer biology.

Core Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum comprises a variety of mandatory and elective rotations. In the first year, fellows will engage in core rotations within inpatient hematology/oncology, followed by elective experiences designed to meet individual career goals. Structured electives provide opportunities to dive deeply into specific areas of hematology and oncology, while flexible time allocations permit fellows to participate in clinical trials, research projects, or additional learning opportunities tailored to their aspirations.

Throughout their training, fellows will gain experience in critical aspects such as benign hematology and hematopathology, enhancing their proficiency in both clinical care and diagnostic evaluation.

Unique Educational Opportunities

The program integrates several unique educational initiatives, such as:

• A benign hematology curriculum
• Creating Educators program, which emphasizes effective presentation skills and constructive feedback
• Grant writing workshops and journal clubs aimed at enhancing research skills
• Participation in tumor boards and professionalism series that cover a broad spectrum of topics
• Annual research symposium to showcase fellows' work and promote academic collaboration

Fellows receive support for attending significant national conferences, ensuring exposure to the latest advancements in oncology and hematology.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

This fellowship supports applicants on a J1 Visa, suitable for international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to pursue this specialized training. Given its location and the unique training opportunities offered, this program is regarded as highly competitive, welcoming diverse applicants, including both US and international graduates.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to have successfully completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 prior to starting the program. Additionally, candidates must have completed a residency in internal medicine. The program does not accommodate out-of-match positions, ensuring that all positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Curriculum Overview

Year one emphasizes achieving clinical competencies across core rotations, while subsequent years focus on research training and professional development as clinical educators. In the second and third years, fellows will have ample opportunity to work with attending physicians and engage in substantive research, culminating in presentations during divisional grand rounds. Fellows are encouraged to select mentors that align with their interests, facilitating personalized training and guidance.

Alumni Placements

Graduates of this fellowship have successfully obtained positions at renowned institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center, reflecting the program’s commitment to training competent and competitive specialists in the field.