Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Washington University in St. Louis is a distinguished three-year program meticulously designed to nurture future leaders in academic hematology and oncology. This ACGME-accredited program accepts eight fellows annually, with an additional position available for those pursuing the Hematology Focused Fellowship Training Program (HFFTP). The program's mission is to attract and develop outstanding clinicians and researchers who will advance the fields of hematology and oncology.

Training Structure

The program provides comprehensive clinical and research training through a collaborative environment leveraging the resources of Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and the Siteman Cancer Center. The training faculty comprises over 130 full-time academic investigators, creating a robust learning atmosphere conducive to the fellows' development into independent clinicians and researchers 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is thoughtfully devised to balance clinical responsibilities with protected research time, enabling fellows to pursue their individual career goals. New fellows can choose among three distinct tracks: the Clinical Investigator Track, the Clinical Provider Track, and the Laboratory Investigator Track.

Clinical Investigator Track

This track is tailored for fellows interested in clinical research and includes dedicated research time in the second and third years. Fellows engage in outpatient clinics while developing research protocols and preparing articles for publication.

Clinical Provider Track

This track is designed for fellows focusing on clinical care and education, allowing for maximal clinical exposure and interaction with patients while still encouraging scholarly activities.

Laboratory Investigator Track

This track primarily emphasizes laboratory-based research, providing fellows with a solid foundation in fundamental research practices while allowing flexibility for clinical experience in their continuity clinics.

Clinical Rotations and Exposure

Fellows receive diverse clinical exposure primarily at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and various Siteman Cancer Center outpatient locations. Rotations cover a broad spectrum of hematologic and oncologic conditions. The program mandates completion of a hematology continuity clinic, alongside specialized clinics for BMT/leukemia/lymphoma patients and a variety of oncology outpatient clinics 1. These experiences enable hands-on learning and familiarity with disease management, treatment protocols, and patient follow-up.

Research Opportunities

Research is a focal point of training. First-year fellows are encouraged to identify mentors to guide their clinical research projects. The faculty supports fellows in their research endeavors, offering resources that facilitate involvement in ongoing clinical trials and required scholarly contributions. The program emphasizes the importance of fellows engaging in research from the onset of their training, thereby integrating academic pursuits with clinical practice 1.

Didactic Education

Fellows participate in extensive educational activities, including the Cancer Biology Pathway, Clinical Trials Boot Camp, and various case conferences. These formal didactics are aimed at enriching fellows' knowledge in cancer biology, management of malignancies, and overarching principles of clinical trials 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. This commitment enhances collaborative learning and teamwork essential for effective healthcare delivery. The program actively engages in initiatives to recruit a diverse group of young physicians who will lead in a global society 2.

Visa and Application Requirements

The program offers support for international candidates by accepting J-1 and H-1B visas for fellows already holding these visa categories. However, the program does not sponsor new visa applications. Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited training program in internal medicine and successfully pass the USMLE Step 3 by the beginning of the fellowship year 3. Meeting these standards alongside strong letters of recommendation enhances competitiveness, noting that the program is highly competitive by nature.

Living in St. Louis

St. Louis provides a vibrant environment for fellows, featuring affordable living options, diverse cultural institutions, and numerous recreational activities 4. This conducive lifestyle complements the rigorous training academics offer, ensuring a holistic experience during the fellowship.