Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program
Specialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3052822006The Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital/St. Louis Children’s Hospital is uniquely designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of transfusion medicine. This fellowship program not only prepares graduates for roles as medical directors in blood banking and transfusion services across diverse clinical settings, but it also ensures fellows are well-versed in both the scientific and administrative aspects of the specialty.
Program Structure
The fellowship program was established in 1979 and has since maintained its accreditation from the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The curriculum is structured to cover all facets of modern transfusion medicine, emphasizing direct patient care. Approximately 80,000 units of blood and components are transfused annually at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, giving fellows access to a high volume and a diverse range of transfusion cases.
Curriculum
The training curriculum is comprehensive, covering serological evaluations, patient blood management, therapeutic apheresis, peripheral blood stem cell collection, cryopreservation, donor infectious disease testing, and coagulation work-ups. The program incorporates daily transfusion medicine rounds, where fellows consult on complex transfusion cases, manage blood collections, and investigate transfusion reactions.
Fellows will also engage extensively in teaching both laboratory technicians and medical students, ensuring they develop mentorship and leadership skills. An important component is the dedicated research time which supports clinical or laboratory research relevant to transfusion medicine, including the review of current literature, preparation of research proposals, and the potential for publication of findings.
Training Facilities
The primary training setting is the blood bank of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Here, fellows gain experience through rotations at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, focusing on pediatric transfusion medicine. The program emphasizes working closely with clinical teams that treat complex conditions necessitating blood transfusions, such as sickle cell disease, trauma patients, and recipients of organ transplants.
The blood bank features advanced diagnostic laboratory equipment ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety, as well as areas for compatibility testing, component processing, and quality control functions.
Application Process
Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology or Clinical Pathology or must hold certification in Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine by the American Board of Pathology. They must also meet the medical licensure requirements to practice in Missouri.
The application for the fellowship is open annually, with prospective candidates encouraged to apply via the designated online portal. A combination of letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's suitability for the practice of transfusion medicine will be essential.
Visa Support
The program provides support for visa applications, including J-1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates. This support ensures that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can participate in this competitive fellowship, which is recognized nationally.
Competitiveness and Selection Criteria
The fellowship is highly competitive, aimed at individuals who demonstrate exceptional capabilities from their residency training. The program is particularly friendly towards applicants with a DO or International Medical Graduate (IMG) background, as it values a diverse cohort of fellows who bring varied perspectives and experiences to the field.
Unique Aspects
One of the unique strengths of the program is its integration with ongoing clinical research initiatives at the Washington University Medical Center, allowing fellows to participate in groundbreaking studies that can significantly impact transfusion practices and patient outcomes. The environment promotes collaboration across various medical specialties, enhancing the learning experience through interdisciplinary engagement.
This fellowship is strenuously designed to equip fellows not only with practical skills but also with insights into the evolving landscape of transfusion medicine and its role in comprehensive patient care.
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Director
Suzanne R Thibodeaux, MD, PhDAssociate Professor, Pathology and Immunology Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
50 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
14 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$76,999First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
2XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
St. Louis, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a diverse city offering a mix of urban and suburban living. Here is an overview of different aspects of living in St. Louis:
- Crime Rate and Safety: St. Louis has areas with varying crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, the city has made improvements in safety but like any big city, precautions are still necessary.
- Fun Activities: St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, diverse food scene, museums, and sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues. There are also many parks and outdoor recreational activities available.
- Climate: St. Louis experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant.
- Races and Population: St. Louis has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural scene.
- Education: St. Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for continuing education and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: St. Louis is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, and a 5-hour drive from Kansas City, MO. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural experiences, plenty of outdoor activities.
Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.