University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Fellowship

The fellowship in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a comprehensive, one-year ACGME-accredited training program designed to equip fellows with extensive knowledge and expertise across various aspects of transfusion medicine, with a strong emphasis on cellular therapy and apheresis.

The program provides dedicated training in blood banking operations, and fellows gain hands-on experience in both therapeutic and donor apheresis for adult and pediatric patients. The Nebraska Medicine Blood Bank supports a range of healthcare needs, supplying over 30,000 blood products annually, integral to a Level 1 trauma center and extensive transplant programs.

Curriculum

The educational structure includes multiple core rotations, encompassing:

• Seven four-week core rotations focused on blood banking and apheresis.
• A dedicated four-week coagulation rotation.
• Up to eight weeks of specialized training in cellular therapy.
• A two-week human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratory rotation.
• An offsite two-week rotation at Innovative Blood Resources, which allows for experience in donor collection.
• Additionally, fellows are allotted up to eight weeks for elective rotations.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows also engage in various conferences such as Transfusion Service didactics, Grand Rounds, and Clinical Laboratory Leadership Meetings, fostering supportive educational environments.

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Completion of at least two years in an ACGME-accredited clinical pathology residency OR
• Certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Pathology in either anatomic or clinical pathology.

International medical graduates must provide a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The application process for this fellowship is competitive, with a focus on candidates demonstrating excellent clinical skills and a profound interest in transfusion medicine. A complete application package includes a standardized application form, curriculum vitae, personal statement detailing future career goals, USMLE results, and three letters of recommendation.

Compensation & Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary alongside a robust benefits package. The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology goes further to support professional growth by providing a $1,000 allowance for academic resources as well as funding travel costs for presenting at professional meetings, capped at $2,500.

Facilities & Resources

UNMC and Nebraska Medicine boast advanced facilities, including the Nebraska Medicine Biologic Production Facility, specifically designed for expertise in cellular therapy processing. The campus hosts numerous primary research laboratories, enhancing fellows' training through access to extensive resources.

Community Insight

Omaha is a vibrant metropolitan area that offers a rich living environment with various cultural and recreational opportunities. The city is recognized for its high livability ranking, quality education systems, and a community fostering professional and personal growth.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, typically through a J-1 visa, facilitating their participation in the fellowship training.

Additional Special Features

The fellowship promotes a collegial environment encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities, including research opportunities aimed at producing publishable work and presentations at national conferences.