Director: Beth Christian, MD
Associate Director: Edmund Folefac, MBChB
Assistant Director, Hematology: Srinivas Devarakonda, MD
Assistant Director, Medical Oncology: Danielle Zimmerman, MD
The Divisions of Hematology and Medical Oncology have a long history of providing compassionate, personal service to those suffering from cancer and blood disorders. The Divisions are leaders in early drug development, human cancer genetics and biological response modifiers in the treatment of cancer and its complications. Molecular biology, pharmacology, biochemistry and basic immunology are integral parts of the Divisions’ developmental therapeutics and cancer immunology programs.
Together, the Divisions of Hematology and Medical Oncology have 100-plus faculty members who see patients at clinic facilities within The James Cancer Hospital, Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza, the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, the West Campus Ambulatory Center and JamesCare East Hospital. The faculty cares for more than 14,000 inpatients annually. In December 2014, The James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center where patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer are seen and treated, opened a state-of-the-art inpatient facility with 300 acute care cancer beds, 36 bone marrow transplant beds and a cancer-dedicated Immediate Care Center (ICC), in addition to expanded infusion stations, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, outpatient exam rooms and on-site clinical trial support.
Our fellowship program offers three distinct training tracks:
- Three-year hem/onc training program, which offers trainees dual-board eligibility in hematology and oncology in accordance with the American Board of Internal Medicine standards
- Two-year med oncology training program, which offers trainees board eligibility in medical oncology in accordance with the American Board of Internal Medicine standards
- Two-year hematology training program, which offers trainees board eligibility in hematology in accordance with the American Board of Internal Medicine standards
All three tracks offer intensive clinical training (18 months for dual certification and 12 months for oncology and hematology certification) and protected research time. Fellows are encouraged to spend research time participating in clinical, laboratory or translational research.
Goals and Objectives
Trainees will qualify for examination by the American Board of Internal Medicine in medical oncology, hematology or hematology/oncology after successful completion of the two- or three-year program, respectively. The program’s primary objective is to train clinically competent, compassionate, board-eligible physicians with a broad knowledge of medical oncology and hematology through a combination of intensive inpatient service exposure on oncology, hematology, leukemia, stem cell transplant and consult service; rotations including gynecology/oncology, radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, hematopathology, blood banking and hospice and palliative care; and broad outpatient exposure through continuity, ambulatory and elective clinic blocks.
In addition, fellows are required to dedicate a portion of their fellowship to either laboratory-based research or clinical research that provides training in laboratory assays in cancer medicine, conducting and reporting clinical trials and communication with other physician-scientists. Finally, the program offers a wealth of didactic and patient-oriented educational experiences through weekly formal case review conferences, journal club, tumor boards, board review, basic lecture series and teaching attending rounds.
Strengths
The strengths of our program include rigorous clinical training, with exposure to a diverse patient population, a wealth of educational opportunities, experienced mentors and committed time to pursue either laboratory or patient-oriented/translational research. Many of our faculty are world-recognized experts in the fields of hematology and oncology and are committed to clinical and laboratory-based research.
Application Process
Eligibility criteria for application to the program include the following:
- MD or DO
- Hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or current ECFMG certificate
- Completed three years of U.S. internal medicine residency or combined medicine/pediatric residency training that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
We are eager to interview highly qualified applicants for our program. Applications are accepted only through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Paper applications will not be reviewed.
The application will require the following materials:
- Complete CV
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a hematology and/or medical oncology faculty member)
- Proof of citizenship
- Medical school transcripts
- USMLE board score reports, Steps 1 and 2
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
The deadline to apply for 2025-2026 positions is August 5, 2024.
- Interviews will be conducted September-October.
- All positions in our program are filled through the NRMP match.
Applicants are accepted into the program on the basis of merit and an interest in pursuing careers as physician-scientists or basic scientists focused on translational cancer research.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice and Anti-Racism
We are committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice and Anti-Racism. We seek to promote the health of the community and address healthcare disparities and are proud to foster a diverse, inclusive training environment.
For more information on Ohio State's Anti-Racism Action Plan: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/about-us/anti-racism-initiative
For more information on Ohio State’s commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/about-us/diversity
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our program or the application process, please contact:
Divisions of Hematology and Medical Oncology
The Ohio State University Medical Center
1250A Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
614-366-1800
HemOncFellowship@osumc.edu