Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Washington University School of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited program that spans three years with an annual intake of eight new fellows. Additionally, there is a single position available for the Hematology Focused Fellowship Training Program (HFFTP) in the Hematology Track. The program's primary aim is to cultivate future leaders in both hematology and oncology, leveraging the extensive resources available at Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and the Siteman Cancer Center to foster an environment conducive to academic growth and clinical excellence.

This comprehensive fellowship is structured to develop outstanding clinicians, accomplished researchers, and independent investigators. Regular mentorship from program leaders and experienced faculty ensures that each fellow receives individualized guidance tailored to achieving their career aspirations.

Program Features

Curriculum

The curriculum offers fellows opportunities to select from three tracks:

• Clinical Investigator Track: Designed for those interested in clinical research, this track allocates more non-clinical time for research activities while also including necessary clinical rotations.
• Clinical Provider Track: This is tailored for fellows focused on clinical practice and education, ensuring they gain essential experience for independent practice while also engaging in scholarly activities.
• Laboratory Investigator Track: Intended for fellows aspiring for a career in laboratory-based research, allowing significant protected research time.

All tracks include a combination of clinical rotations at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Siteman Cancer Center, among other affiliations within the St. Louis area. The latter allows for experiences with diverse patient populations and exposure to a variety of medical cases, all critical for developing expertise in hematological and oncological conditions.

Clinical Training

Clinical training within the fellowship primarily takes place at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a tertiary and quaternary referral center, and Siteman Cancer Center. Key components include:

• Outpatient Clinics, focusing on a range of hematology and oncology cases, facilitating direct patient interaction and comprehensive care management.
• Inpatient Rotations, where fellows manage complex cases and lead multidisciplinary teams providing specialized care.
• Elective Rotations, which allow fellows to tailor their experience according to personal interests in specific areas such as transfusion medicine, gynecologic oncology, and pediatric hematology.

Research Opportunities

Research is a paramount focus within the fellowship program. Each fellow participates in clinical research, with expectations to identify mentors and develop clinical protocols during the first year. A unique requirement is the Letter of Intent (LOI) project, guiding fellows to draft clinical trial concepts and promote engagement with the research community. Fellows are encouraged to publish findings and present at conferences, enhancing their academic credentials.

Education

Fellows engage in a variety of formal educational activities designed to deepen their understanding of hematology and oncology. Regular lecture series, journal clubs, and conferences, such as Hematology Grand Rounds and Oncology Grand Rounds, offer platforms for learning contemporary topics from faculty experts and guest lecturers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Washington University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community essential for collaborative learning and teamwork. The program encourages applicants from varied backgrounds to strengthen this environment, which is considered vital for creative and comprehensive healthcare delivery.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program accepts H-1B and J-1 visas for fellows already holding these visas. However, it does not sponsor new visa applications, so prospective candidates must ensure they have valid visa statuses to participate in the fellowship.

To apply, candidates must have completed a minimum of three years in an accredited internal medicine residency and need to have passed the USMLE Step 3 before the fellowship begins. An application via ERAS that includes specific supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and personal statements is required.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is known to be competitive, with a focus on attracting highly qualified physicians from diverse educational backgrounds, including international medical graduates. Special consideration is made to create a welcoming atmosphere for candidates possessing unique experiences in healthcare delivery.

Benefits

Fellows receive stipends commensurate with those at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, along with various benefits such as paid time off, sick leave, allowances for professional travel, and access to resources for clinical research. This robust compensation package is designed to support fellows throughout their training.