University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program is a fully accredited three-year program designed to provide fellows with extensive clinical and research opportunities in the realms of benign hematology, malignant hematology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric bone marrow transplantation, with a significant focus on academic medicine. The program is uniquely positioned within the rich clinical environment of the Miami area, granting fellows exposure to a diverse patient population.

One of the core elements of the fellowship is robust clinical training, distributed across all three years, allowing fellows to progressively gain responsibility as their experience and skills mature. The training sites include the Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holtz Children’s Hospital, and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, all located conveniently in Miami. This geographic placement not only offers exceptional clinical training but also allows fellows to engage with an extensive and varied demographic, with catchment areas that extend to the Caribbean and Central and South America.1

Program Structure

The fellowship comprises a comprehensive curriculum, with the first year largely dedicated to clinical rotations focused on hematology-oncology. In fact, first-year fellows spend approximately 97% of their time on clinical training, while research exposure takes up 3%. By the end of the first six months, fellows are encouraged to identify a primary research project and mentor. Importantly, a dedicated two-week “research block” allows fellows to concentrate on their research efforts in the latter part of the first year.

During the second and third years, clinical experience continues but shifts to approximately 35% of their time, with a corresponding increase in research activities to about 65%. This dual approach fosters not only clinical competency but also significant scholarly activity, with second-year fellows presenting their research projects to a oversight committee for additional support and approval.1

Research Opportunities

Research plays a substantial role in the fellowship experience, with approximately 70% of the fellows' time dedicated to research activities. Each fellow is expected to bring forth a primary research project under faculty mentorship, ensuring they engage in both bench and clinical research methodologies. By the end of the fellowship, fellows are also expected to submit a manuscript for publication, alongside preparing abstracts and posters for national presentations. This focus on research is complemented by diverse educational offerings that include lectures, tumor boards, and journal clubs aimed at enhancing fellows' analytical and presentation skills.1

Clinical Experience and Calls

Fellows are involved in various clinical rotations, which occur throughout their training. First-year fellows have weekend calls twice a month, while those in the second and third years are assigned weekend calls once per month. Importantly, there are no in-house calls, providing fellows with a balanced schedule to manage their training commitments.1

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is known for its competitiveness, requiring applicants to have successfully completed all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination prior to acceptance. Applicants should have completed a pediatric residency training program accredited by the ACGME. This program specifically welcomes applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). However, there are no out-of-match positions available, and the application must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) during the specified application period from July to November.1

Visa Sponsorship

For international applicants, the program sponsors the J1-Visa under the Alien Physician Program. This visa is typically the standard option for fellowships in the United States for applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should ensure they meet all specific eligibility requirements for the program prior to application.1

Unique Aspects

One of the program's unique features includes its affiliation with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida, and the federally supported Hemophilia Treatment Center. This affiliation provides fellows access to specialized training and invaluable resources in pediatric hematology and oncology.1

The fellowship aims not only to cultivate clinical expertise but also to foster leaders in academic medicine, equipping fellows with both practical and scholarly skills necessary to excel in the medical field. Furthermore, the philanthropic support received, such as that from The Allen Family Foundation, enhances the fellowship's ability to provide high standards of training and care for pediatric patients affected by hematological and oncological disorders.1