Medical Oncology and Hematology Fellowship Program
Fellows train in hem/onc consultation at UofL hospitals, attending 2-4 clinics weekly. Multidisciplinary clinics include hematology, oncology, neuro-oncology, breast cancer and more
Sidebar
The University of Louisville Medical Oncology-Hematology fellowship program has been reorganized to create the best academic environment and expanded to include twelve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited fellowship positions.
Four (4) medical oncology and hematology fellows are accepted each year; there are a total of twelve (12) fellows in the program. Fellowship candidates must have completed an internal medicine residency in the United States. Our program is highly competitive and candidates with a record of excellence and strong letters of recommendation are invited to interview.
Clinical Training
The UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center was opened in 1981, and medical oncology fellows have been training here for more than 30 years. The training program includes an extensive clinical experience; by the end of fellowship, the fellow will have seen virtually every tumor type, oncological problem, and benign and malignant hematological disorder. The UofL-BCC is nationally recognized as a leader in immunotherapy and cellular therapy, and fellows gain experience in all modalities of therapy.
Training at the UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center also focuses on educating fellows with skills in research, patient safety, and quality improvement. A dedicated team of biostatisticians supports our fellows and faculty in conducting impactful research to advance knowledge in medical oncology and hematology. Through this collaborative effort, our researchers have successfully presented their work at prestigious conferences around the world, from Germany to Brazil.
Fellows receive training in inpatient oncology/hematology consultation at University of Louisville Hospital, UofL Health - Jewish Hospital, UofL Health - Rudd Center, and newly built UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center Northeast, with potential future opportunities at the new South location once it is completed.
Fellows attend two to four clinics weekly during fellowship. Some of the Multidisciplinary Clinics at the UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center that fellows train at include:
- Benign Hematology
- Blood Cancers, Cellular Therapeutics and Transplant Program
- Brain and Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Clinic
- Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Genito-Urinary Cancer
- Sarcoma clinic
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Clinic
- Hemophilia Treatment Center
- Thoracic Oncology
- Skin Cancer and Melanoma
Fellows gain hands-on exposure to advanced immunotherapies, including Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapy, learning both the clinical application and underlying science of these cutting-edge treatments. Bone marrow transplant experience is provided and required.
The second 18-month training period of fellowship is very flexible and geared toward the interests of the trainee. Additional clinical rotations at our core hospitals are available, as well as electives in blood banking, pheresis, pathology, radiation therapy, gynecological oncology, outpatient specialty clinics, and pediatric hematology and oncology.
Fellows may and are encouraged to have 1-1/2 years of research time.
Curriculum
For incoming fellows, the year starts with foundational topics (Summer Lecture Series), and fellows' lectures continue after throughout the academic year. Numerous other teaching conferences are held every week, including the UofL-BCC Grand rounds, Solid Tumor Boards, Blood Cancers, Cellular Therapeutics and Transplant Program meetings, Oncology Pharmacy Meetings, Hemophilia Conference, UofL-BCC Basic Research Conference, Journal Club, Fellows' Research and QI meetings and other invited speakers’ lectures.
Fellows' lectures are mandatory twice per week and on other days fellows are expected to present at tumor boards and other conferences. Apart from these, fellows attend board reviews and educational conferences throughout the year. First year fellows are encouraged to attend either American Society of Hematology (ASH) or American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Second- and third-year fellows are accommodated to attend both ASCO and ASH, with an emphasis on updates from these annual meetings. Funding is provided for both conferences through the GME.
Fellows' Research and PSQI
Participation in research, clinical or basic science, as well as patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI) is expected from all the fellows. Opportunities are abundant. The UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center is dedicated to the development of research programs. Fellows are exposed to clinical trials in many areas, and basic science research opportunities are available at the UofL - BCC Clinical and Translational Research Building adjacent to the cancer center.
Fellows routinely perform clinical research studies and epidemiologic and statistical support is available. Fellows also participate in the care of patients under clinical trials. Although fellows focus on ASH and ASCO meetings for presenting their research, other conferences are supported based on interest and fellows have presented abstracts at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congresses, American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, European Society for Medical Oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and others.
Career development and mentorship
Medical oncology and Hematology is an ever-expanding field and developing a career trajectory based on your clinical and research interests is important. Our program prides itself on a collegial environment, and many faculty members serve as mentors. Their various backgrounds offer a rich diversity of research and clinical expertise. Historically, a majority of graduates have gone on to academic positions, followed by private practice and then further training.
Program Details
Application and Interview Process
Four (4) positions are available on a competitive basis each year in the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship at the University of Louisville.
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1Eligibility
- To be eligible for the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship, you must have successfully completed three years of an accredited postgraduate training program in internal medicine in the United States or Canada and be eligible for a medical license in the state of Kentucky.
- Our program accepts J-1 visas.
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2How to Apply
- All applications to the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program must be submitted through ERAS, the Electronic Residency Application Service.
- Applications will be reviewed once they include the following minimum requirements:
- ERAS Application and Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of recommendation from the Residency Program Director
- At least two (2) additional letters of recommendation
- Medical school transcripts
- MSPE
- USMLE transcripts
- Personal statement
- ECFMG Status Report (for International Medical Graduates)
Trainee Benefits
Life Insurance
Term life insurance is provided for all trainees, in the amount of $2000 of life insurance for each $1000 of annual stipend. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included.
Health Insurance
Single and family coverage is available at group rates. Several different plans at varying costs are available to choose from. Trainees may choose Premium Conversion, which permits payment of premiums with pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts also available.
Workers Compensation
All trainees are covered by workers compensation for medical expenses and lost work time due to job-related illness or injury.
Disability Insurance
Long-term disability insurance is provided for trainees, free of charge. Trainees have the option of converting the coverage from group to individual at the end of their training and the option of purchasing additional coverage at very reduced rates.
Malpractice Insurance
Coverage is provided for all trainees by either the University of Louisville or by the hospitals to which trainees are assigned. This coverage applies to all assigned rotations that are part of fellowship training.
Dental Care and Coverage
The Faculty Practice Office in the Outpatient Care Center will provide annual examination, including cleaning and up to four bitewing x-rays, to trainees free of charge. Any additional services are the responsibility of the trainee. Trainees can call 852-5401 for information. Trainees may also purchase, at group rates, dental insurance in both single and family plans.
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Trainees may establish accounts to convert tax-free benefit dollars within the limits established by the IRS. Flexible spending accounts provide pre-tax dollars to be used toward medical, dental, vision, pharmacy and daycare expenses. The monies are reimbursed to the trainee for expenses incurred.
Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to residents and fellows at no charge and provides confidential counseling, assessment and referral services. The program deals with the broad range of issues such as emotional/behavioral, family and marital, alcohol and/or drug, financial, legal and other personal problems. These services are provided by the Human Development Company.
Counseling Services
Professional counseling is available to trainees through the Health Sciences Center Campus Health Services. Counseling services are also available through the University of Louisville Employee Assistance Program.
Kentucky state law requires that all PGY-2 and above trainees be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Kentucky. The fee for the initial training license is paid by the Graduate Medical Education Office for the PGY-1's who continue as PGY-2's in UofL programs.
Hepatitis B immunization and an annual TB skin test are required and furnished free of charge to all trainees. The Campus Health Services Office provides minor urgent medical care and immunizations, including boosters and TB testing. Personal counseling is also available.
The Campus Health Services Office also serves as an on-site treatment facility for workers compensation related injuries and exposures including needle sticks and as the repository of trainee immunization records and exposure data. The office is staffed by board certified faculty physicians and faculty nurse practitioners who have extensive primary care and occupational exposure experience.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
All postgraduate physicians are entitled to 28 calendar days of vacation for each twelve-month period.
Medical and Personal Leave
Paid medical leave up to 90 days is available in cases of extended personal illness. Residents are covered under the Graduate Medical Student Leave Policy, which provides up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for personal or family illness.
Personal leave is available at the discretion of the Program Director.
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Trainees are allowed up to 42 days of paid post-partum leave.
Lab coats are provided by departments for residents at the beginning of their training.
Trainees have library privileges at the medical school library (Kornhauser Health Sciences Library) and at all affiliated hospitals. Available services include electronic literature searches and interlibrary loan service. Audiovisual equipment, as well as computers and computer software, are made available to residents through the library.
Through the Kornhauser Library’s website, trainees have access to thousands of electronic journals via Medline and online e-journal collections. Trainees can search the library’s catalog or view a collection of electronic textbooks and reference materials online.
Free membership to the HSC Fitness Center is available to all HSC residents, students, staff and faculty. The Fitness Center is conveniently located in the Chestnut Street Parking Garage and includes weight machines, free weights and 20 pieces of aerobic equipment. Aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. In addition, a swimming pool and recreational facilities on Belknap Campus are also available to residents, through the Intramural and Recreational Sports Office.
Lactation rooms are at various locations on the Health Sciences Campus.
The University of Louisville House Staff are eligible to participate in the 403(b) retirement plan by electing to contribute to the voluntary Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options. The contributions in the Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options are not matched by the University.
The Graduate Medical Education office greatly encourages residents to contribute to their community and improve the future of their profession through leadership and advocacy. In that spirit, the Graduate Medical Education Office is providing membership to the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS) and the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) at no cost to GME contracted residents and fellows.
Parking
Parking permits are provided to trainees by either their program or the GME office at no cost to the resident.
Uber Transportation Program
An Uber based transportation service is provided free of charge to UofL residents/fellows. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all residents & fellows have a safe transportation option if they are too fatigued to return home safely.