St. Jude is a pioneer in the emerging sub-field of pediatric onco-critical care. Disease processes and interventions of critical illness in the hematology/oncology/transplant population are distinctive and require specialized care. As a fellow in our program, you will have the unique opportunity to train with clinicians who have formal dual expertise in pediatric hematology/oncology/transplant and critical care.
You will be part of a cohort of clinical fellows across numerous pediatric sub-specialties, including:
- Hematology/oncology
- Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
- Solid Tumor
- Pharmaceutical Services
- Psychology and Psychosocial Services
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Surgical Oncology
You will also work with other Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellows at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Our Clinical Program
The Division of Critical Care Medicine has received national recognition for clinical excellence in the treatment of critically ill children. Our 12-bed Intensive Care Unit is the only one of its kind in the United States that is fully dedicated to acute care of pediatric oncologic and post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Nationally, there are only a handful of clinicians with formal dual fellowship training in pediatric hematology/oncology and pediatric critical care medicine. Our division consists of two of these physicians, as well as other faculty members who have dedicated their clinical and research career to advancing this niche nationally and internationally.
We collaborate closely with sub-specialists from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, including four cardiomyopathy physicians with a focused interest in cardio-oncology, as well as pulmonologists and nephrologists.
St. Jude also has a dedicated surgical oncology division. You will have the opportunity to co-manage and collaborate with onco-surgical cases.
Our Research Program
Our research focuses on the impact of critical care on the survival of our patients. A recent review of patient outcomes indicates that mortality is decreasing in our ICU, particularly for children with respiratory failure and sepsis.
St. Jude hosts the annual Pediatric Onco-Critical Care Symposium, which highlights clinical and research advancements through modeling a distinct care system for critically ill pediatric oncology patients.
Fellowship Program
Fellowships are for one year. A fellowship can begin at any time, but a July 1-June 30 schedule is preferred.
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Fellows in our program will be exposed to a wide range of critical care pathology cases and will provide direct patient care through the diagnosis and management of life-threatening conditions and morbidities in pediatric hematology/oncology and hematopoietic cell transplant patients.
You will enhance your ability to identify and manage critical care conditions common in our patients, including those with newly diagnosed leukemia, brain tumors, and mediastinal masses. You will also treat hematopoietic cell transplant patients and those with disease states unique to the immunocompromised host. Additionally, you will gain exposure to hematologic emergencies.
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Our fellowship consists of a two-week orientation and two-week elective, followed by 12 four-week blocks:
- Four blocks of ICU days
- One block of ICU nights
- One block of St. Jude cardiology/pulmonology
- One block St. Jude Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy
- Five blocks of electives
Fellowship curriculum may be adapted to fit your individual areas of interest, including:
- Clinical Research or Quality Improvement
- Quality of Life
- Blood Bank
- Nephrology
- Solid Tumor
- Neuro-Oncology
- Leukemia
- Infectious Diseases
- Histiocytic Disorders
- Global Pediatric Medicine
- Pain Service/anesthesia
- High-risk pre-transplant evaluations and consults
Onco-Critical Care fellows can also participate in the Hematology/Oncology educational opportunities and are expected to participate in St. Jude’s annual Clinical Fellows Research Symposium. Fellows in our program will also attend the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigator (PALISI) semiannual meetings, including the fellow course.
Applying for Fellowship
Eligibility
Eligible applicants will have completed an ACGME-accredited Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship. International applicants must be ECFMG certified.
Application Process
To learn more about current openings and the application process, please email Caitlin Hurley, MD, Fellowship Program Director. A complete application will consist of: a curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement, and three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants may apply at any time. Our interview season typically occurs in the fall for a July 1 start date.