Clinical Experiences
The first year of the Hematology/Oncology training program develops fellows’ skills and experience in the comprehensive care of cancer patients and in the diagnosis and management of hematologic diseases. Fellows rotate on seven different rotations in three-to-four week blocks at a time throughout the first year:
- Hematologic Malignancy Inpatient Service & Consults (7-8 weeks)
- Solid Tumor Oncology Consult Service (7-8 weeks)
- Duke Benign Hematology Consult Service (7-8 weeks)
- Durham VA Hematology-Oncology Consult Service (7-8 weeks)
- Outpatient BMT and Malignant Hematology Clinics (7-8 weeks)
- Outpatient Solid Tumor & Mixed Clinics (14-16 weeks)
- Including solid tumor, benign hematology, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and laboratory based experiences
| Rotation 1 | Rotation 2 | Rotation 3 | Rotation 4 | Rotation 5 | Rotation 6 | Rotation 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benign Heme Consult | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 |
| OP Clinic | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 |
| Malignant Heme Service | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 |
| OP BMT/Malig Heme | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 |
| Solid Tumor Consult Service | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 |
| OP Clinic | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 | Fellow 7 |
| VA Consults | Fellow 7 | Fellow 6 | Fellow 5 | Fellow 4 | Fellow 3 | Fellow 2 | Fellow 1 |
OP=Outpatient
* Rotations 1-7 run from July-Dec for any academic year and are repeated in the 2nd half of the year (Jan-June)
In the first year, each fellow will participate in a weekly half-day longitudinal clinic at the Durham VA Hematology-Oncology clinic. Patient panels include a diverse mix of patients across a spectrum of benign and malignant disease states. A core and dedicated group of faculty will serve as clinic preceptors.
Career Development Teams (CDTs)
Each first year fellow is assigned a CDT to assist them in navigating the first year of fellowship, identifying long-term career goals, and identifying a research pathway for years 2 & 3 of their fellowship program. The composition of the CDT is individualized to the fellow based on surveys of clinical and/or research interests. The CDTs, composed of a senior faculty member, a junior faculty member, and a fellow, meet with the first year fellow at designated times during their first year as shown in the infographic below. At the end of the first year, the CDT hands off mentorship to the fellow’s chosen primary mentor and academic oversight committee.
