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Curriculum

The curriculum for the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program is set up in 36, 1 month blocks in hematology and oncology.

There are 18 months of required rotations.

Rotations: 

2 months – Bone Marrow Transplant Service
3-4 months - Malignant Heme Service
4 months - OU Consult Service
4 months - VA Consult Service
1 month - Hematopathology
2 weeks - Radiation Oncology
2 weeks - Gynecologic Oncology
2 weeks - Blood bank
2 weeks - Benign Heme

Elective and research rotations will make up 18 months of the program. 

Available electives:  

  • Benign Heme
  • Blood Bank
  • Breast
  • Coagulation
  • Cytogenetics
  • GI
  • GU
  • Gyn/Onc
  • Head/Neck
  • Hemopathology
  • Hemophilia
  • Infusion Clinic
  • Lung
  • Lymphoma
  • Malignant Heme
  • Melanoma
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Neuro/Endo
  • Palliative Care
  • Peds Hem/Onc
  • Rad/Onc
  • Rare Tumor
  • Sarcoma
  • Sickle Cell
  • Tumor Board
  • Vascular

Our fellows rotate through a weekly hematology/oncology clinic at the VA Hospital (one half day continuity clinic for first 2 years). The fellows also staff a weekly subspecialty clinic at the Stephenson Cancer Center (one half day continuity clinic for 3 years, required to change module every 6 months, for total of 6 blocks). The 6 blocks will potentially cover: GI, Breast, Lung, Head/Neck, GU, Sarcoma, Neuro-Oncology, Hematologic Malignancies, Rare Tumors and Benign Hematologic Disorders. 

The fellows will be trained to master various procedures, including: bone marrow biopsy and aspirate, bone marrow procurement, lumbar puncture, intrathecal chemotherapy administration, skin punch biopsies, interpretation of peripheral blood smears and bone marrow aspirates/biopsies. 

 

Program Goals

Specific Goals for Year One

Learn the pathophysiologic principles and manifestations and complications of blood diseases and cancer. Assess and manage patients with hematologic and/or oncologic disorders in the ambulatory care setting and in-hospital setting. Learn how to request and deliver effective consultation.  Acquire a group of patients with whom the trainee can develop experience in the longitudinal care of patients with cancer and blood diseases. Develop effective interpersonal and communication skills with patients and health care providers. Understand the need for development of humanistic behaviors in the practice of medicine. Learn the concepts of medical ethics, including an understanding of the psychological and social aspects of cancer and blood diseases. Learn the epidemiology of cancer and blood diseases and the value and role of screening and detection in populations. Develop competence in the performance of and interpretation of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and other procedures required for the practice of hematology and medical oncology. Develop the discipline and habits that will provide for a lifetime of self-education and clinical improvement. Develop presentation and teaching skills. Learn to interpret scientific literature through journal clubs, clinical seminar presentation, and case presentations on attending rounds. Become proficient in procedural skills, to include bone marrows, lumbar punctures, paracenteses, thoracenteses and administration of chemotherapy through all therapeutic routes. Work with the assigned first year advisor to identify a career path, complete a career development training plan, identify an area of research interest, and select a mentor for research activities in years two and three.

Specific Goals for Year Two

Continue to learn the scientific basis of cancer and blood diseases, including pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Have more exposure to a variety of longitudinal care clinics. Identify a research area of interest and begin a research project with a designated mentor. Learn academic writing skills. Define a specific research project, and identify a faculty mentor.

Specific Goals for Year Three

Develop a more mature understanding of cancer and blood diseases and clinical management. Move toward independent clinical decision making in patient care. Further develop research skills. Focus career plans and research goals. Begin to write applications for career development awards. Complete research project and submit it for publication.