Fellowship Physician Scientist Track
- Residency and Fellowship Programs
- Advanced Airway Management Fellowship
- Advanced Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship
- Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship
- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship
- Body Imaging Fellowship
- Breast Imaging Fellowship
- Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Cancer Anesthesia Residency/Fellowship
- Cancer Rehabilitation Fellowship
- Cardio-oncology Fellowship
- Chemical Pathology Fellowship
- Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Cytopathology Fellowship
- Dermatopathology Fellowship
- Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Fellowship
- General Internal Medicine Fellowship
- Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship
- Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstruction Fellowship
- Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
- Hematopathology Fellowship
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Fellowship
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowships
- Internal Medicine Residency Program
- International Surgical Oncology Fellowship
- Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship
- Interventional Radiology Independent Residency
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Fellowship
- Leukemia Fellowship
- Lymphoma/Myeloma Fellowship
- Melanoma Oncology Fellowship
- Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship
- Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery
- Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship
- Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellowship
- Neuro-Oncology Fellowship
- Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship
- Oncologic Emergency Medicine Fellowship
- Oncologic Endocrinology Fellowship
- Onco-Hospitalist Fellowship
- Onco-nephrology Fellowship
- Oncologic Audiology Fellowship
- Oncological Neuroradiology
- Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship (ASOPRS /ACGME)
- Advanced Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship
- Pain Medicine Fellowship
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Fellowship
- Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Fellowship
- Radiation Oncology Residency
- Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship
- Selective Breast Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Gastrointestinal & Liver Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Genitourinary Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Head & Neck Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Soft Tissue Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Surgical Pathology Fellowship
- Selective Thoracic Pathology Fellowship
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
- Surgical Endocrinology Fellowship
- Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology Fellowship
- Thoracic Radiology Fellowship
- Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
- Urinary Tract and Pelvic Reconstruction Fellowship
- Urologic Oncology Fellowship
Hematology/Oncology Fellowship
The goal of the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship is to train leaders in oncology. We recognize that these leaders may achieve in a diverse range of domains, including cancer prevention, health policy, clinical care, patient-based translational research and basic science.
With world-class laboratory and clinical research faculty, renowned expert clinicians and a patient base that is unmatched anywhere else in the world, we are uniquely positioned to train a new generation of experts in each of these areas.
Our fellows are given the structure and supervision required to ensure that each is a well-trained, competent oncologist, and are given the protected time required to build the beginnings of an academic career. During this protected time, fellows can choose to work in a basic science laboratory, develop skills in clinical and translational research, pursue a master’s degree, train in quality improvement methods, develop teaching skills required to be a physician educator, or a variety of other pursuits.
Two of the most unique components of our program are weekly protected dedicated time to learning during Academic Tuesday, and instruction and support for grant writing, particularly pursuing awards such as the Young Investigator Award.
Ultimately, our success is judged by the ability of each fellow to excel in their own defined professional goals.
Meet Our Fellows
Learn more about our current fellows.
Program Leadership
Nishin Bhadkamkar, M.D.
Program Director Ad Interim
Associate Professor, General Medical Oncology
Kelly Casteel, M.D.
Associate Program Director, Hematology
Assistant Professor, Benign Hematology
Michael A. Davies, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Research, Fellowship Program
Co-PI, T32 Research
Grant
Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology
Michael H. Kroll, M.D.
Special Advisor
Professor, Benign Hematology
Robert A. Wolff, M.D.
Special Advisor
Professor, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
Program Structure
We offer a fully integrated, three-year hematology and medical oncology program. The first 18 months of training incorporates 12 months of clinical rotation, which includes both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies with 6 months of benign hematology. The ACGME core competencies and milestones are achieved through a required set of rotations, a didactic curriculum and elective rotations designed to broaden the base of knowledge.
Our fellows, faculty, and program are continuously evaluated to ensure success in achieving these competencies, goals and objectives. For the remaining 18 months, the fellow is encouraged to pursue clinical research pursuits and to develop skills and projects to compete for national presentations and awards. Our program offers flexibility during this time period in which fellows can pursue a wide range of interests. Some of the opportunities include spending time in a basic science laboratory, developing skills in clinical and translational research, pursuing a master’s degree, training in quality improvement methods, developing teaching skills required to be a clinician educator, to name a few.
The general structure of the rotations is listed below, with each rotation lasting approximately one month. While most fellows double-board in hematology and medical oncology, some single board in medical oncology.
Medical Oncology Rotations:
- Breast Medical Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology
- Melanoma Medical Oncology
- Neuro-Oncology/Gynecological Oncology & Reproductive Medicine
- Palliative Care
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology
- LBJ General Hospital Oncology Consultation Services
Malignant Hematology Rotations:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Stem Cell Transplant
Benign Hematology Rotations:
- MD Anderson Hematology Consults
- LBJ General Hospital Hematology Consults
- Memorial Hermann Hematology Consults
- Houston Methodist Hematology Consults
- Ben Taub Hematology Consults
- Benign Hematology Outpatient Clinics
Education
Fellows have formal education through clinical teaching, lectures, and conferences. Some educational highlights of the hematology and oncology fellowship program include:
Academic Tuesday: This is a half-day dedicated to fellow education. This time is protected from other clinical duties. Fellows attend the Division of Cancer Medicine Grand Rounds, then have 2-3 lectures taught by faulty on a rotating list of topics in hematology and oncology, covering a core curriculum while also highlighting the most recent work in each field. Fellows also give one lecture per year, either on an interesting case, a journal club, or a research presentation.
LBJ Clinic: While participating in the LBJ General Hospital Oncology clinic, fellows participate in a morning report designed to discuss all new patients and provide learning points. Faculty also lead a curriculum designed to build the fellows’ fund of knowledge. Fellows learn from faculty in the clinical setting as well. Finally, fellows participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards with several specialties with the goal of coming to a consensus for a patient’s care. Fellows are expected to be the one primarily responsible for a patient’s care at LBJ, offering a great deal of autonomy and a unique and valuable learning experience.
MD Anderson Board Review Course: MD Anderson hosts a week-long board review course each fall. Fellows are given course materials and are welcome to attend lectures, taught by leading faculty across the country.
Research Opportunities
Intro to Research Series: First-year fellows participate in an Introduction to Research Series, in which leaders at MD Anderson highlight research opportunities that fellows can pursue throughout their time in the program. Fellows hear from each department within the Division of Cancer Medicine about topics that include:
- Support for Grant Writing
- Basic Science
- Clinical Investigation
- Translational Research
- Quality Improvement
- Value Based Health Care
Fellowship Career Tracks
In addition to the common curricular elements required of all fellows, the program has developed educational tracks to hone the clinical and research outcomes of each fellow. All fellows must declare a training track at the beginning of their second year.
Master Clinician Track
- A minimum of six (6) half-day clinics per week for sixteen (16) of the twenty-four (24) months of the fellow’s second and third years of fellowship training. These clinical experiences must include six (6) months of a half-day LBJ Hematology clinic.
2. Must lead a patient safety or quality improvement project or complete the Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Course.
3. Publication: Book Chapter, review article, or case report.
Clinical Investigator Track
- Application for the ASCO/ASH Young Investigator Award or other peer reviewed extramural funding support in the fall of the second or third year of fellowship training.
2. Design and submission of a prospective clinical trial in a format acceptable to the Clinical Research Committee.
OPTIONAL AND ENCOURAGED:
- Application to ASCO/AACR Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop.
- Enrollment in a Master’s program or other formal training that advances the fellow’s aspirations as a Clinical Investigator.
Physician Scientist Track
- One half day oncology continuity clinic throughout the three years.
2. Application for the ASCO/ASH Young Investigator Award or other peer reviewed extramural funding support in the fall of the second or third year of fellowship training.
3. A minimum of one publication as first author of original research in a peer-reviewed journal.
OPTIONAL AND ENCOURAGED:
- Application to AACR Molecular Biology in clinical Oncology Workshop (Aspen/Snowmass).
Clinical Educator Track
- A minimum of six (6) half-day clinics per week for sixteen (16) of the twenty-four (24) months of the fellow’s second and third years of fellowship training. These clinical experiences must include six (6) months of a half-day LBJ Hematology clinic.
2. Publication: Book Chapter, review article, or case report (preferably focused on Education or Curricular Development).
3. Leadership in QI or simulation activities.
OPTIONAL AND ENCOURAGED
- Master’s in Education.
- Completion of the Physician Educator Certificate Program (PECP)
Following fellowship training, fellows may compete for entry into the Division of Cancer Medicine Advanced Scholar Program. This program provides for 100% protected time to concentrate their efforts intensively in an area of investigation and practice started in the fellowship program. Completion of the Advanced Scholar Program positions each scholar for success in a tenure-track position in academic medicine.
How to Apply
ERAS opens for new applications in July. Deadline for submission of applications for the following Academic Year will be Aug. 31. Interviews will tentatively be conducted during the months of September and October.
Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) only.
Required documents for all applicants:
- Curricula vitae
- Personal statement
- USMLE or COMLEX transcript
- (2) Letters of recommendation, plus
- (1) Letter of recommendation from your program director
- Medical school transcript
- Photograph (optional)
The fellowship program does not accept H1-B Visas. At the time of application, applicant must have the appropriate Visa (J1).
Meet Our Fellows
Third Year
Neal Akhave, M.D.
Hometown:
Houston, TX
Residency: Washington University School of Medicine
Jeff
Cherng, M.D.
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Elshad Hasanov, M.D., Ph.D.
Hometown: Baku, Azerbaijan
Residency: McGovern Medical School
Curtis Lachowiez, M.D.
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
Residency: Oregon Health & Science University
Kapil Saxena, M.D.
Hometown: Austin, TX
Residency: University of California, San Francisco
Eric Singhi, M.D.
Hometown: Canton, OH
Residency: Vanderbilt University
Paul Viscuse, M.D.
Hometown: Mineola, NY
Residency: Mayo Clinic
Alisha Bent, M.D.
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern
Andrew Hahn, M.D.
Hometown: Santa Monica, CA
Residency: University of Utah
Robert Hester, M.D.
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Patrick Reville, M.D.
Hometown: Westlake, OH
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Victoria Serpas, M.D.
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Rishi Surana, M.D.
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Residency: Oregon Health and Science University
Second Year
Owhofasa Agbedia, M.B.B.S.
Hometown: Sapele, Nigeria
Residency: Howard University
Amy An, M.D.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Residency: University of Rochester
Madhulika Eluri, M.D.
Homestown: Chapel Hill, NC
Residency: Duke University
Max Gordon, M.D.
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Residency: Oregon Health and Science University
Andrew Jallouk, M.D., Ph.D.
Homestown: Oak Ridge, TN
Residency: Barnes-Jewish
Hospital Washington University
Michael Nakazawa, M.D., Ph.D.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Residency: UCLA
Anmol Singh, M.D.
Hometown: Cary, NC
Residency: Duke University
Ajlan Al Zaki, M.D., Ph.D.
Homestown: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Residency: Stanford University
Igryl Cordero-Hernandez, M.D.
Hometown: Quebradillas, Puerto Rico
Residency:
University of Pennsylvania
Christopher Ferreri, M.D.
Hometwon: Hermitage, PA
Residency: Duke University
Jin Guo, M.D.
Hometown: Stony Brook, NY
Residency: New York
Presbyterian Hospital. Weill Cornell Medicine
Darya Kizub, M.D.
Hometown: Kyiv, Ukraine
Residency: University of Washington
Chijioke Nze, M.D., MPH
Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Residency: Brigham and Women's
Bingnan Zhang, M.D., MBA
Hometown: Ningbo,
China
Residency: UCLA
First Year
Bilal Anouti, M.D.
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Casey Bermack, M.D., Ph.D.
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Kyle Concannon, M.D.
Residency: Universiity of Washington
Merve Hasanov, M.D.
Residency: McGovern Medical School
Andrew Johns, M.D.
Residency: The Ohio State University
Dustin McCurry, M.D.
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Andrew Pellatt, M.D.
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital
Samuel Urrutia, M.D.
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Himachandana Atluri, M.D.
Residency: Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University St. Louis
Deepak Bhamidipati, M.D.
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Benjamin Fangman, M.D.
Residency: University of Texas Southwestern
Nicholas Hornstein, M.D., Ph.D.
Residency: UCLA
Justin Lebenthal, M.D.
Residency: New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Cindy Pabon, M.D.
Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Tin-Yun Tang, M.D.
Residency: Case Western Reserve University
Alumni
Class of 2020
Omar Alhalabi, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Kelly Chien, M.D.- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Eric Fountain, M.D. - St. Luke's Hospital, Boise, ID
Haven Garber, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Joshua Gulvin, M.D. - St. CHarles Health System, Bend, OR
Preetesh Jain, M.D., Ph.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Jade Jones, M.D. - Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Paul Lin, M.D., Ph.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Kaysia Ludford, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Abhishek Maiti, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Amir Mehrvarz Sarshekeh, M.D. - Everett Clinic, Everett, WA
Jonathan Mizrahi, M.D. - Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
Jeremy Ross, M.D. - The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Ft. Worth, TX
Class of 2019
Aydah AlAwadhi, M.B.B.S. - Tawam Hospital, United Arab Emirates
Melody Becnel, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Kelly Casteel, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Jad Chahoud, M.D. - Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
Katherine Clifton, M.D. - Washington University, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Ryan Huey, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Daniel Johnson, M.D. - Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
Amy Jones, M.D. - University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX
Andrew Laccetti - Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York, NY
Oluchi Oke, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Paolo Strati, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Jason Willis, M.D., Ph.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center (Advanced Scholar), Houston, TX
Class of 2018
Roman Groisberg, M.D. - Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Prateek Gulhati, M.D., Ph.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center (Advanced Scholar), Houston, TX
Boyu Hu, M.D. - Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Paul Koller, M.D. - City of Hope, Duarte, CA
James Link, Ph.D., M.D. - Dignity Health/Marian Regional Medical Center, Santa Maria, CA
Hossein Maymani, M.D. - Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Longmont, CO
Meredith McKean, M.D., MPH - Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN
Pavlos Msaouel, M.D., Ph.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Maliha Nusrat, M.D. - Memorial Sloan Kettering, New Yourk, NY
Amanda Parkes, M.D. - University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
Christine Parseghian, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Patrick Pilie, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Shiraj Sen, M.D., Ph.D. - Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Denver, CO
Donate to the Robert A. Wolff Education Endowment
The Robert A. Wolff Education Endowment was established to honor Dr. Wolff's 20 years of service as director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program. To learn more about the endowment, please click here.
To donate online, visit www.mdanderson.org/gift.
Contact Information
Kary Garnica
Program Coordinator
Division of Cancer Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center
1400 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 463
Houston, TX 77030
Related Resources
MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to our mission to end cancer. If you are applying for a GME fellowship or residency program starting on or after July 1, 2016, please be advised that MD Anderson will have instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to achieve these goals. If you are offered an appointment, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws. If you do not pass the urine drug screening which includes testing for tobacco compounds, you CANNOT be appointed at MD Anderson. Should you fail to meet this contingency, MD Anderson will withdraw your offer of appointment for the academic year. You may reapply for the following academic year, but there are no guarantees that you will be offered a position as many of our programs are already filled for several years out.
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