Hematology-Oncology/Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training Program

Creating Leaders at the Intersection of Hematology-Oncology and Palliative Medicine

A Unique Opportunity

Each year, one fellow will train alongside six hematology/oncology fellows and one hospice/palliative medicine fellow in a fellowship that combines all three fields. Usually, this training would require 3 years of hem-onc and 1 year of palliative medicine for a total of 4 years, however, this unique opportunity allows us to combine these fellowships into a combined 3-year program. The combined hematology/oncology and hospice palliative medicine fellowship delivers exceptional training in both fields by offering an integrated model across all three years. A primary palliative care skill set is critical for a career in hematology/oncology. Benefiting from both robust training in hematology/oncology and hospice and palliative medicine, fellows will be experts in supportive oncology and values-based oncologic care.

An Integrated Model, Individualized Program

The combined fellowship offers clinical training in both specialties throughout each of the three years with an increased focus on palliative medicine in the third year. We provide a schedule for each year of the program. Training in both fields simultaneously enhances each. Hematology/oncology care is improved with additional training in symptom management and the practice of palliative medicine. Palliative medicine is enhanced by a greater understanding of disease mechanism and treatment options. The fellow will have an opportunity to customize their own training within both fields by determining a focus for their training in clinical care and clinical research, and by selecting electives within each field.

World-Class Training

Both hematology/oncology and palliative medicine at Fox Chase Cancer Center focus primarily on outpatient training. In both specialties, the fellow will take primary ownership of their patients with disease-specific continuity clinics in hematology-oncology and clinics within the Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Program. This apprenticeship model allows fellows to collaborate with experts in both fields to better support patients.

Research and Leadership Opportunities

The fellow within the combined program will be ideally positioned to participate in research in both hematology-oncology and supportive care. Within the hematology-oncology department, there are a myriad of clinical or translational research opportunities as well as other opportunities in supportive care work or quality improvement projects. Within the Supportive Oncology and Palliative Care Program, current research foci include introducing palliative care earlier into the care of patients with advanced cancer, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, and the use of buprenorphine for safer and more effective pain management. In addition to research, the fellow has an opportunity to be involved with the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Center’s Improving Goal Concordant Care initiative, which prioritizes building care environments where patient values and goals are reliably elicited and honored.