The overall mission statement of the Fellowship Program is to provide a well-rounded education to the future pediatric hematologist and oncologist physicians which will start them on the path to a successful career that is best suited for them, whether it is academic, research, or clinical.
Mission Statement:
The objective of the program is to train candidates for careers in academic pediatric hematology and oncology. Specifically, our program is designed to develop the skills necessary to provide state-of-the-art patient care, and to develop skills in research that will allow the subspecialty resident to contribute to the progress of the field of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
Program Aims:
Our program aims to prepare all graduating fellows to successfully complete their board certification exam. The program’s goal is to achieve an 80% pass rate of first time test takers. Additionally, our program’s graduates will be prepared with additional expertise in leadership, global health, research, advocacy, and medical education to meet their ultimate career goals, and encourages graduates continue in academic medicine.
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program has been training physicians since 1986. It is a three (3) year training program that features a busy clinical service providing strong exposure to pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation, including unrelated donor transplantation. We have well-developed clinical programs in sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, orthopedic oncology, leukemia treatment, stem cell transplantation, neuro-oncology and palliative care. Fellows focus on clinical activities for the first 12-14 months of training, followed by 22-24 months of intensive research training involving an independent research project that can be laboratory-based, translational, or involves clinical trials research in conjunction with the Children’s Oncology Group Data Center located in Gainesville. Fellow’s have the opportunity to pursue research projects under the direction of faculty members from the pediatric hematology/oncology division or other faculty members at the University of Florida.
Highlights of the Program Include:
- Fully ACGME accredited fellowship program
- Participates in the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) and Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
- Ability to accept two applicants per academic year.
- Member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG)
- Active Transplant Program
- Pediatric Palliative Care Program
- Fellows have well-established continuity clinics, including:
- Solid Tumor
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Neuro-Oncology
- Sickle Cell
- Hemophilia/Benign Hematology
- Leukemia/Lymphoma
- Ample opportunity for performing procedures, including:
- Bone Marrow Aspirates
- Lumbar Puncture
- Bone Marrow Harvests
- Collaboration with other departments for procedures, including:
- State of the art, recently remodeled and constructed facilities, including:
- Professional Development Allowance
Education in Clinical Care
Clinical training is concentrated in the first year of the fellowship. During this year a continuity clinic is established one 1/2 day a week and is continued all throughout fellowship training. The fellow will do rotations managing patients on the dedicated pediatric hematology/oncology unit, bone marrow transplantation, outpatient clinic, and neuro-oncology service. Fellows are exposed to a diverse mix of diagnoses including all the major malignancies, sickle cell disease, bleeding and clotting disorders, and routine consults. In addition to these rotations, a fellow will also have dedicated time to explore laboratory services including coagulation, hematopathology, surgical pathology, and blood banking. Additional elective time is utilized to learn about radiation oncology, which features the UF Proton Institute as well as standard radiation therapy. Finally, fellow’s are given dedicated time to explore the pediatric hematology/oncology subspecialties of their choice and to interview with research mentors as they complete this first year. The clinical training is maintained through the continuity clinic in the second third year as well as an additional month on the inpatient unit in each of the 2nd and 3rd years.
Education in Research
A major scholarly activity culminating in a peer-reviewed work product is required to be completed in order to complete training as a pediatric hematology/oncology fellow. This is the focus of the 2nd and 3rd year of training. The project may be traditional basic science research, translational project, or a clinical research project. The fellow will have a scholarly oversight committee to oversee their work and assure timely completion of the project.
Faculty
The University of Florida Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division is made up of Attending Faculty members, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Nurse Practitioners. All members of the division are enthusiastically committed to the education of our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology fellows and provide the support and resources you will need to excel and make the most out of your fellowship training.
About Gainesville
Gainesville is a university community located in North Central Florida midway between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The area is known for its natural beauty with its stately live oaks and many springs, lakes, and rivers.
Contact Us
For questions about the Fellowship Program, please contact: