Specialty:
Blood banking/transfusion medicineACGME Code:
3050821052Overview of the Blood Bank & Transfusion Medicine Fellowship
The Blood Bank & Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at Yale-New Haven Medical Center is a one-year program that primarily focuses on clinical experience. The fellowship encompasses training at Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), the American Red Cross (ARC) in Connecticut, and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VA CT) in West Haven, CT. This structure allows fellows to gain a comprehensive understanding of blood banking and transfusion practices, donor services, and blood utilization in various healthcare settings.
The fellowship program is designed to be flexible, arranging the rotation between ARC, VA CT, and YNHH based on individual fellows' needs and preferences.
Fellows interested in research opportunities may extend their experience in the laboratories of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and other departments at Yale University, enriching their fellowship experience with scholarly activities and mentorship.
1Program Structure
The fellowship consists of multiple key clinical rotations:
1. Rotation at American Red Cross
This rotation provides a complete "donor services" experience, enabling fellows to learn about blood product collection methods such as donor apheresis, testing, processing, and distribution.” Further, fellows are exposed to various reference lab services, including HLA testing and crossmatching. This experience is vital for preparing fellows to manage complex transfusion cases effectively.
12. Rotation at VA Connecticut Healthcare System
The VA Connecticut Healthcare System provides a community hospital setting where fellows gain insights into blood utilization and management. During this rotation, fellows actively participate in quality improvement projects and are involved in clinical and translational research initiatives.
13. Yale-New Haven Hospital Rotation
At YNHH, fellows engage in all aspects of blood banking and apheresis services. Additionally, they will manage complex cases that may involve transfusion reactions, special product requests, and unexpected antibody findings. The hands-on experience gained during this rotation, alongside participation in teaching, case presentations, and academic discussions, ensures comprehensive training.
1Research and Scholarly Activities
Fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical or applied "bench" research projects that align with the interests of the faculty members. This access to faculty mentorship allows fellows to advance their research objectives while integrating clinical practice into their scholarly activities.
1Stipend and Benefits
The fellowship offers stipends that correspond to the fellow's current year of postgraduate training, similar to the scale provided to YNHH resident staff. Additionally, fellows receive family-plan-level health insurance, individual disability insurance, and funds for educational resources.
1Application Process and Requirements
The program accepts three fellows per academic year and applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now open. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by December 1st, which is approximately seven months before the fellowship commences. The application process allows for the submission of a standard CAP fellowship application, which necessitates a CV, statement of interest in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, and three letters of reference, one of which should be from the residency director of the applicant's previous training program.
1Visa Sponsorship
The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, reinforcing its commitment to a diverse cohort of fellows. Specific types of visas supported may include J-1 or H-1B categories, depending on the applicant's situation and qualifications.
1Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements
The program is noted for being highly competitive. It welcomes applications from both MD and DO graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates must be board eligible in a relevant field, such as Clinical Pathology or Internal Medicine with a focus on hematology. There may also be specific requirements related to graduation year or maximum failed STEP exams that are determined during the application review.
1Website
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Director
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
50 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
24 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$82,522First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Admission
Location
New Haven, CT
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Living in New Haven, CT
- Crime Rate and Safety
New Haven has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with some neighborhoods being safer than others. It's advised to research the safety of specific areas before choosing your residence. - Fun Activities
New Haven is known for cultural attractions like Yale University, museums, galleries, and theaters. It offers diverse dining options, parks, and access to Long Island Sound for outdoor lovers. - Climate
New Haven has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Expect high humidity in summer and significant snowfall in winter. - Races and Population
New Haven has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. - Education
New Haven is home to Yale University, providing opportunities for intellectual growth and cultural experiences. There are also public and private schools for families with children. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Haven is higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing and healthcare. However, transportation costs are relatively lower. - Nearby Cities
Larger cities like New York City and Boston are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car, offering access to a wide range of professional and social opportunities. - Pros
Vibrant cultural scene, diverse community, access to prestigious educational institutions. - Cons
Higher cost of living, some areas with higher crime rates, cold winters.
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