UIC Department of Hematology and Oncology

Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program:

The UIC Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program Is an ACGME accredited program leading to board eligibility in both hematology and oncology. During the first year of the fellowship, the majority of time (up to 10-11 months) is spent on the clinical inpatient rotations. During the second and third years, fellows have more time to tailor the curriculum to their individual requirements. During those years, fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in either laboratory or clinical based research. We strongly encourage the development of academically oriented careers, and therefore are very encouraging of individuals who want to focus their attention on either method of research.

General Overview of Program Content...

·        The UIC Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to gain competence or expertise in the performance and (where applicable ) interpretation of the following:

q       Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, including preparation, staining, examination, and interpretation of blood smears, bone marrow aspirates, and touch preparations and interpretation of bone marrow biopsies.

q       Measurement of the complete blood count, including platelets and white cell differential, using automated or manual techniques with appropriate quality control.

q       Administration of chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers through all therapeutic routes.

q       Management and care of indwelling venous access catheters.

q       Therapeutic phlebotomy

q       Therapeutic thoracentesis and paracentesis

q       Pelvic examination

q       Serial measurement of palpable tumor masses

q       Correlation of clinical information with cytology, histology, and imaging techniques

The program provides experience in or observation of the following:

q       Apheresis procedures

q       Performance and interpretation of partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, platelet aggregation, and bleeding time

q       Bone marrow and peripheral stem cell harvest for transplantation

q       Fine needle aspiration and biopsy

Specific Program Content...
The Fellows receive formal instruction, clinical experience, and opportunities to acquire knowledge in the following:

Morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of blood, marrow, lymphatic tissue, and                          the spleen
Basic molecular and pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases of the blood, including anemias, diseases of white cells, and disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis
Etiology, epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, pathology, staging, and management of neoplastic disorders
Immune markers, immunophenotyping, cytochemical studies, and cytogenetic and DNA analysis of neoplastic disorders
Molecular mechanisms of neoplasia, including the nature of oncogenes and their products
Chemotherapeutic drugs, biologic products, and growth factors and their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, and limitations, including their effects, toxicity, and interactions
Multi-agent chemotherapy protocols and combined modality therapy in the treatment of neoplastic disorders
Principles and application of surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of neoplastic disorders
Management of the neutropenic and/or immunocompromised patient
Effects of systemic disorders, infections, solid tumors, and drugs on the blood, blood-forming organs, and lymphatic tissues
Allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation and the nature and management of post-transplant complications
Indications and application of imaging techniques in patients with blood and neoplastic disorders
Pathophysiology and patterns of solid tumor metastases
Principles of gynecologic oncology
Pain management in the cancer patient
Rehabilitation and psychosocial management of patients with hematologic and neoplastic disorders
Hospice and home care for the cancer patient
Recognition and management of paraneoplastic disorders
The etiology of cancer, including predisposing causal factors leading to neoplasia
Cancer prevention and screening
Participation in a tumor board
Tests of hemostasis and thrombosis for both congenital and acquired disorders and regulation of antithrombotic therapy
Treatment of patients with disorders of hemostasis and the biochemistry and pharmacology of coagulation factor replacement
Transfusion medicine, including the evaluation of antibodies, blood compatibility, and the use of blood component therapy and apheresis procedures
Personal development, attitudes, and coping skills of physicians and other health-care professionals who care for critically ill patients
Human immunodeficiency virus-related malignancies

As the section's budget permits, each fellow is provided with the funds to attend one national oncology or hematology meeting such as ASCO or ASH each year. However, should a fellow be selected to present an abstract or paper at one of these meetings, we provide fellows with additional funds.

As stated previously, the inpatient experience is varied and intensive. The curriculum here at UIC has changed somewhat during the recent years. We will now also be including a Blood Bank and coagulation experience as well as a hematology consultation experience at both the Veterans Affair Chicago Health Care System-West Side (VACHCS-WS) and University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) uring the first year. On all of the inpatient rotations, fellows are expected to take a leadership role in the management of these services.

The outpatient experience is varied and evolving. We are currently formulating new roles for the fellows particularly within the UIC clinic experience. For first year fellows, all are expected to attend at least one half-day clinic at the VACHCS-WS each week. In addition, first year fellows are assigned to another half-day clinic. At the VACHCS-WS, fellows are expected to be the primary physician for patients.

Introduction...

Research experience obtained during fellowship often provides an important springboard to a fellow's future academic career and research trajectory. The program strongly encourages fellows to give serious consideration to the selection of a research project. All fellows are required to develop and pursue a research project with the guidance of a faculty mentor during their training period. Fellows in their second year of training are allotted at least six contiguous months of time to pursue their project. During this period, fellows must maintain their continuity of care experience in the ambulatory setting, but are not required to cover in‑patient services, except for the purpose of intermittent cross coverage needs. Fellows are assessed by their mentor on a continuing basis, and evaluations are submitted to the Program Director and Fellowship Review Committee every six months. Fellows who are in good standing and show appropriate progress on their projects may extend their research experience with the approval of both the mentor and the Fellowship Review Committee. Continued research beyond six months is contingent on satisfactory progress in meeting all other training requirements and upon the level of Departmental and Investigator support for the fellows' time and commitment to research training activities.

Research Experience...

Fellows may pursue training in either clinical or basic type research that pertains to the discipline of Hematology or Medical Oncology. All research must be pursued with the supervision of a specified faculty mentor who agrees to the fellow's participation and accepts responsibility for the fellow's research training. In general, fellows are encouraged to primarily establish relationships with clinical or basic researchers within the Section of Hematology/Oncology. However, requests to pursue work with other investigators at the University of Illinois or outside institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fellows should seek to define a research interest early in their training and identify an appropriate mentor before the end of their first year of training.

Special Educational Requirements...

All fellows within the section of Hematology/Oncology are required to obtain certification on the Ethical conduct of Research with Human Subjects. The Office for the Protection of Research Subjects Training conducts seminars on a periodic basis. Copies of certificates provided to the fellow must be submitted to the Fellowship Review Committee.

All fellows are required to attend the Fall Symposium on Research Methodology and Ethics, which is sponsored by the Department of Gastroenterology (3 Saturday sessions late October and early November). These sessions provide an important foundation in basic methodologies of clinical research and include important seminars that meet the General Competency Requirements of the ACGME. Fellows are encouraged to obtain ancillary training in fields and areas that will further their research pursuit.

Biostatistics are instrumental to the conduct of research and to the critical assessment of the medical literature. Fellows will need to obtain and document formal didactic experience in this area. There are several venues available within the University for this purpose. In addition to the Fall Symposium, the School of Nursing and Public Health have specific short courses in this area that may be audited. Self-training tapes are also an effective way to cover this topic.

Evaluation...

Evaluation of the fellow’s progress is the direct responsibility of the mentor. Formal progress reports will be required on a semi-annual basis.





	*Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program: The UIC Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program Is an ACGME accredited program leading to board eligibility in both hematology and oncology. During the first year of the fellowship, the majority of time (up to 10-11 months) is spent on the clinical inpatient rotations. During the second and third years, fellows have more time to tailor the curriculum to their individual requirements. During those years, fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in either laboratory or clinical based research. We strongly encourage the development of academically oriented careers, and therefore are very encouraging of individuals who want to focus their attention on either method of research. General Overview of Program Content...* · The UIC Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program provides the opportunity to gain competence or expertise in the performance and (where applicable ) interpretation of the following: q Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, including preparation, staining, examination, and interpretation of blood smears, bone marrow aspirates, and touch preparations and interpretation of bone marrow biopsies. q Measurement of the complete blood count, including platelets and white cell differential, using automated or manual techniques with appropriate quality control. q Administration of chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers through all therapeutic routes. q Management and care of indwelling venous access catheters. q Therapeutic phlebotomy q Therapeutic thoracentesis and paracentesis q Pelvic examination q Serial measurement of palpable tumor masses q Correlation of clinical information with cytology, histology, and imaging techniques The program provides experience in or observation of the following: q Apheresis procedures q Performance and interpretation of partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, platelet aggregation, and bleeding time q Bone marrow and peripheral stem cell harvest for transplantation q Fine needle aspiration and biopsy Specific Program Content... The Fellows receive formal instruction, clinical experience, and opportunities to acquire knowledge in the following: Morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of blood, marrow, lymphatic tissue, and the spleen Basic molecular and pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases of the blood, including anemias, diseases of white cells, and disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis Etiology, epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, pathology, staging, and management of neoplastic disorders Immune markers, immunophenotyping, cytochemical studies, and cytogenetic and DNA analysis of neoplastic disorders Molecular mechanisms of neoplasia, including the nature of oncogenes and their products Chemotherapeutic drugs, biologic products, and growth factors and their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, and limitations, including their effects, toxicity, and interactions Multi-agent chemotherapy protocols and combined modality therapy in the treatment of neoplastic disorders Principles and application of surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of neoplastic disorders Management of the neutropenic and/or immunocompromised patient Effects of systemic disorders, infections, solid tumors, and drugs on the blood, blood-forming organs, and lymphatic tissues Allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation and the nature and management of post-transplant complications Indications and application of imaging techniques in patients with blood and neoplastic disorders Pathophysiology and patterns of solid tumor metastases Principles of gynecologic oncology Pain management in the cancer patient Rehabilitation and psychosocial management of patients with hematologic and neoplastic disorders Hospice and home care for the cancer patient Recognition and management of paraneoplastic disorders The etiology of cancer, including predisposing causal factors leading to neoplasia Cancer prevention and screening Participation in a tumor board Tests of hemostasis and thrombosis for both congenital and acquired disorders and regulation of antithrombotic therapy Treatment of patients with disorders of hemostasis and the biochemistry and pharmacology of coagulation factor replacement Transfusion medicine, including the evaluation of antibodies, blood compatibility, and the use of blood component therapy and apheresis procedures Personal development, attitudes, and coping skills of physicians and other health-care professionals who care for critically ill patients Human immunodeficiency virus-related malignancies As the section's budget permits, each fellow is provided with the funds to attend one national oncology or hematology meeting such as ASCO or ASH each year. However, should a fellow be selected to present an abstract or paper at one of these meetings, we provide fellows with additional funds. As stated previously, the inpatient experience is varied and intensive. The curriculum here at UIC has changed somewhat during the recent years. We will now also be including a Blood Bank and coagulation experience as well as a hematology consultation experience at both the Veterans Affair Chicago Health Care System-West Side (VACHCS-WS) and University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) uring the first year. On all of the inpatient rotations, fellows are expected to take a leadership role in the management of these services. The outpatient experience is varied and evolving. We are currently formulating new roles for the fellows particularly within the UIC clinic experience. For first year fellows, all are expected to attend at least one half-day clinic at the VACHCS-WS each week. In addition, first year fellows are assigned to another half-day clinic. At the VACHCS-WS, fellows are expected to be the primary physician for patients. Introduction... Research experience obtained during fellowship often provides an important springboard to a fellow's future academic career and research trajectory. The program strongly encourages fellows to give serious consideration to the selection of a research project. All fellows are required to develop and pursue a research project with the guidance of a faculty mentor during their training period. Fellows in their second year of training are allotted at least six contiguous months of time to pursue their project. During this period, fellows must maintain their continuity of care experience in the ambulatory setting, but are not required to cover in‑patient services, except for the purpose of intermittent cross coverage needs. Fellows are assessed by their mentor on a continuing basis, and evaluations are submitted to the Program Director and Fellowship Review Committee every six months. Fellows who are in good standing and show appropriate progress on their projects may extend their research experience with the approval of both the mentor and the Fellowship Review Committee. Continued research beyond six months is contingent on satisfactory progress in meeting all other training requirements and upon the level of Departmental and Investigator support for the fellows' time and commitment to research training activities. Research Experience... Fellows may pursue training in either clinical or basic type research that pertains to the discipline of Hematology or Medical Oncology. All research must be pursued with the supervision of a specified faculty mentor who agrees to the fellow's participation and accepts responsibility for the fellow's research training. In general, fellows are encouraged to primarily establish relationships with clinical or basic researchers within the Section of Hematology/Oncology. However, requests to pursue work with other investigators at the University of Illinois or outside institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fellows should seek to define a research interest early in their training and identify an appropriate mentor before the end of their first year of training. Special Educational Requirements... All fellows within the section of Hematology/Oncology are required to obtain certification on the Ethical conduct of Research with Human Subjects. The Office for the Protection of Research Subjects Training conducts seminars on a periodic basis. Copies of certificates provided to the fellow must be submitted to the Fellowship Review Committee. All fellows are required to attend the Fall Symposium on Research Methodology and Ethics, which is sponsored by the Department of Gastroenterology (3 Saturday sessions late October and early November). These sessions provide an important foundation in basic methodologies of clinical research and include important seminars that meet the General Competency Requirements of the ACGME. Fellows are encouraged to obtain ancillary training in fields and areas that will further their research pursuit. Biostatistics are instrumental to the conduct of research and to the critical assessment of the medical literature. Fellows will need to obtain and document formal didactic experience in this area. There are several venues available within the University for this purpose. In addition to the Fall Symposium, the School of Nursing and Public Health have specific short courses in this area that may be audited. Self-training tapes are also an effective way to cover this topic. Evaluation... Evaluation of the fellow’s progress is the direct responsibility of the mentor. Formal progress reports will be required on a semi-annual basis.