Heme/Onc Fellowship Application Thread

[slyfoxlillian]

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Dec thru april

 

[APBSCT]

Hello everybody,
I am applying for heme onc fellowship this year. Just finished working on my application. I encourage others to post comments on this forum on application related questions and interview experiences.
Thanks.👍

 

[cardioboy]

from what i have read so far in this forum..looks like it is totally impossible to get a fellowship in hemeonc if
you have hi visa,grad from a community prog,and no research experience...am i right

 

[gutonc]

This is a question more for any fast-trackers out there but I appreciate info from anybody else as well. As someone applying during my PGY1 year for a research pathway position, I'm kind of at a loss as to who to get LoRs from. I have a PhD so I have a couple of research letters nailed down, no problem. Who else should I be looking to get letters from?

I've already done a month of H/O consults and another of H/O Ambulatory but I've worked w/ about 14 different attendings during that time so I'm not sure how useful those letters would be if I could get them. As for inpatient medicine, I've done 1 month of MICU, 1 of Geri and one of general wards, again with 8 different attendings (they change every 2 weeks here on a schedule different from ours). I feel that I could easily get a good letter from 2 or 3 of those people but how useful would that be?

How important is a PD letter at this point? Does it function as a virtual MSPE? I know different programs require it and getting one will hopefully not be a problem but, aside from one day in clinic I haven't actually gotten to work w/ my PD.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

[clueless1]

Can I send out an early feeler post to those that interviewed/matched last year - for personal/family reasons, I may need to narrow my search to the left coast, which will make things a bit harder. Can I get a sense from anyone how competitive the programs are in California/Washington, how receptive they are to outsiders (non-Californians) and what the strengths of the programs out there are?

Thanks, as always, for your opinions!

 

[mgobovic]

Haven't posted since I was a very stressed out MSIV applying for residency so now here I am a very stressed out PGY2 applying for fellowship. I know it's going to be a long shot, am an IMG without research experience but I thought what the hey. I'm at a university program, managed to get my PD LOR, a LOR from the chief of medicine who was my attending, and 2 hem/onc LOR one of them from the director so hopefully that will help a little. Plus I'm not choosy location wise so will be applying everywhere. NJMS was supposed to have their own hem/onc program by now but unfortunately it fell through and now all we have is a very pretty looking unfinished cancer center. Sigh. 🙁 Anyway have to finish my personal statement. Good luck to everybody.

 

[signomi]

I'm debating whether to follow through on my application. I am due to start a palliative medicine fellowship 7/2007. I started the med onc app before I was accepted and now I am not sure if I will want to do med onc after a palliative medicine year. At this point I think I will apply to 10-15 programs and see what happens.

 

[Jiminy Cricket]

How much do heme/oncs make after their reimbursements were cut? Do any of you think that there will be a day when heme/oncs are starting at 400k, similiar to radiologists.

i looked at one salary site that said heme/oncs make anywhere from 200-800k. I've heard of heme/oncs making 300k but nothing above that. how realistic is it to break 300k? is it possible to hit 1 mill?

 

[BMT]

Go this site below and check it out. 1 million very unlikely unfortunately. I guess you need to truly enjoy what you are doing and you WILL FEEL a MILLION BUCKS!!! maybe thats what you heard. BMT

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_HC07000054.html

its states " The median expected salary for a typical Physician - Hematology/Oncology in the United States is $237,025. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals' analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies. "

 

[napoleondynamite]

How much do heme/oncs make after their reimbursements were cut? Do any of you think that there will be a day when heme/oncs are starting at 400k, similiar to radiologists.

i looked at one salary site that said heme/oncs make anywhere from 200-800k. I've heard of heme/oncs making 300k but nothing above that. how realistic is it to break 300k? is it possible to hit 1 mill?

One concerning trend in heme/onc is the transition from infusional chemo (which is money in the bank) to oral chemo (which is a kick to the jimmies). This trend is a good thing for patients..but a bad thing for medonc salaries. Can anyone tell me how significant of an impact that will have?

 

[clueless1]

Let's get it started (hah), let's get it started in here...

Sorry, that song always comes to mind now that the NBA used it to kick off its playoff season a few years back...

A bunch of programs downloaded info right off the bat...kinda weird, actually. Any input from prior applicants how many places you should apply to to be in a decent median range? I can't tell how competitive it's going to be. Also, anyone know anything about the non-big-name California programs? What's the deal w/ Harbor-UCLA Prgram 1 and 2??? or Davis? or Irvine?

I know next to nothing about the NYC programs either, other than MSKCC and Columbia. What's the story w/ Sinai? or NYU?

Hah - I know that was a loaded post, with way too many questions to get answered, but just burning off some early nervous energy about the whole process...Good luck, all!

 

[signomi]

The only thing I am missing is my program director's letter (damn him! they promised to send it 2 months ago!) and my personal statement. I just finished revising the PS and I am so sick of myself right now. Anyone else feel like that after writing it?

I don't know anything about CA programs, since I am not applying out there.

Are people willing to post whether they have received interviews or rejections from various programs in the coming weeks? It seemed to work well last year.

 

[spyrogyra1]

know u from the last time
bunch of my friends are applying for hem onc this time-whats up with that? suddenly more people want to to do that?
home you score a home run.
take care

 

[signomi]

Thanks. I learned a valuable lesson the last time around. My hometown may be in desperate need of docs (heme-onc among many specialties), but that doesn't mean the local [unranked!] program will take locals who want to stay here. 🙄 They prefer to take people who get their training and blow this one horse town. I foolishly only applied to that one program because I really wanted to stay here and thought that would give me an edge.

Well, now I applied across the country and this one horse town is going to lose another doctor. I applied to 20 programs this time around. Maybe some other city has some love for this girl!

As for rising popularity...I think today's grads are looking at an ever worsening primary care picture and choosing to avoid it upfront by going directly to fellowship. Just a theory, since I work at a small community hospital that doesn't have medical students, residents or fellows. This hospital has one heme-onc doc and he is looking to retire, but there is no one to hand the hospital-based practice over to. That's just one of several local examples of places needing heme-onc docs. The need is high right now, so that helps draw residents as well. For family reasons I had to put off fellowship for a few years, so now I get to compete against you crazy kids!

 

[APBSCT]

Applied to just over 50 programs in total except the ones in west coast. I wasn't sure of the kind of competition out there. Nearly 20 programs downloaded the application on day 1. My application is nearly complete except one more LOR. I am sure there are lot more dedicated applicants out there and encourage them to post their experience on this forum. I rememeber, it was a great experience watching people like German IMG from last year on this forum.👍

 

[signomi]

Fifty! Wow! You could end up rolling in interviews and then we will have to beg you to share. 😀
I am complete except one LOR as well. There always has to be one...Anyone else send in the certified copy of your med school diploma and write "designate as LOR" like they tell you to? I did that and it has never been uploaded. Several programs demand it. Also, my pic is uploaded but for a few programs it says it's not available to upload yet!? Is ERAS having hiccups?
Anyone care to confess how much detail they went into on research interests and career goals? I thought I kept it relatively broad so it would apply to all programs. I thought if I put something insanely detailed then a lot of programs with no faculty doing research in that area would be turned off.

 

[clueless1]

...Anyone else send in the certified copy of your med school diploma and write "designate as LOR" like they tell you to? I did that and it has never been uploaded. Several programs demand it. Also, my pic is uploaded but for a few programs it says it's not available to upload yet!? Is ERAS having hiccups?

Which programs said to send in a med school diploma????

I applied to 25....is that too few? I don't have a good feel for how competitive it's going to be, and/or how many programs I should be applying to.

 

[IMG 2005]

Hi,
I am new to the forum.Applying this year for heme onc.I wanted to ask about how many programs should we apply to inorder to have a decent chance of matching.I am on H1b and well from last posts I see people on H1 have a hard time matching.Thanks and goodluck.

 

[JASMAN]

Hey, guys, this is my first message!
Yes, I'm also apllying for hem/onc. Let's use this forum to keep each other updated about programs. I applied to 25, IMG on J1, some research, good letters, as most you guys. Most of the programs downloaded my application but i believe it is gonna take some time for the invitations. Good luck to everybody and I believe there are enough spots for most of us! 🙂

 

[JASMAN]

From NIH, asking my visa status. It was a mass e-mail I suppose. They're surely not used to the ERAS system because this info is very clear in my application. 🙂

 

[signomi]

Anyone know specific programs that absolutely require the med school Dean's letter?

 

[clueless1]

Anyone know specific programs that absolutely require the med school Dean's letter?

Most, if I'm not mistaken, want to see the Dean's letter...anyway, everywhere I've applied to that has DL'd my app has DL'd my Dean's letter...

 

[signomi]

I went to the program websites and only some list Dean's letter under requirement. I am trying to steer clear of programs that require it. Last year I applied to one program and they didn't ask for it.
I guess I will wait and see. Having been out of residency and in practice for years now, my crappy Dean's letter seems irrelevant. One would think the residency director's letter and LORs from colleagues would be more important.

 

[somdave2005]

I went to the program websites and only some list Dean's letter under requirement. I am trying to steer clear of programs that require it. Last year I applied to one program and they didn't ask for it.
I guess I will wait and see. Having been out of residency and in practice for years now, my crappy Dean's letter seems irrelevant. One would think the residency director's letter and LORs from colleagues would be more important.

I also have a crappy dean's letter, and mostly applied to places that didn't ask for them. One would think that your program director letter would be much more important.

 

[MuDPhuDShane]

I still have quite some time before I enter residency, but I was told by another MD/PhD student at my university that there are a handful of programs that have a fast-track program where the onc fellowship is combined into the IM residency. My PhD will be in tumor biology and I know that I want to pursue onc, but the thought of 6 years of post-doctoral training after a 7 year MD/PhD is depressing (though I'll do it if necessary)

Anyone heard of this, or is he crazy?

Also, if this is the case, anyone know of a combined dual heme/onc fast-track program?

 

[JASMAN]

As far as I know you can pursue the research track. But you actully have the same 5-6 years as other people do. Instead of your 3rd internal medicine year, you start in your fellowship so that you have more time to do research. I think you gain one more year of hem/onc instead of one year of IM. But you have to apply for IM and then for hem/onc. This is what I know. Any inputs? Try googling "research track" "oncology fellowship".

 

[naturalkiller]

Also, if this is the case, anyone know of a combined dual heme/onc fast-track program?

Fast tracking is quite common for md/ph.d students. when you apply to IM residencies you interview with the program director and let them know you want to fast track. many programs have this option, you'll even notice on ERAS that you can apply to research, categorical, or primary medicine track. fast track is the research track.

as for tallying up years, don't worry about it as it all works out in the end. what i mean is if you're goal is to become an independent researcher with your own lab, you'll need to publish and get as much grant help as you can before any institution will hire you. in order to publish and get grants, you have to spend time in the lab. if you're looking to get out of academic medicine, then don't apply to the fast track, because that is what that track is designed for.

 

[signomi]

Well, it's monday...here's to a week full of early interview invites!

 

[clueless1]

Anyone heard anything yet? Or is it way too early to start wondering...?

 

[hemegirl]

Hi

A number of programs have not downloaded my application yet. Are they just lazy or are they done downloading and not looking at any more applications. well, just my luck, hope I get at least one interview not expecting to hear anything before holidays though.

 

[JASMAN]

Nothing yet... no rejections, no invitations...

 

[signomi]

Same here. Is your picture available on ERAS? I sent mine in with a slew of other things and everything is up except the darn picture.
I'm trying to decide if ERAS is providing critical commentary on my looks. 😎

 

[JASMAN]

Yes, they've got my picture already! I hope it doesn't have any impact! I may not be that cute! 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 And yes, some big universities programs haven't downloaded my application yet. Let's see the positive side...no rejections yet! 🙂🙂🙂

 

[docindi1]

Hi, I am on the same track as you all. Applied to 30+programs and have decided to wait until after the holidays to start worrying about the interviews.
What is about sending the medical diploma? I've received a receipt email from ERAS which says " document received , not necessary to be scanned." Maybe send it to the programs which need it, individually?

 

[JASMAN]

Rejection from Beth Israel by regular mail!

 

[signomi]

I'll keep an eye out for mine in the next couple days. 😉

I have heard nothing so far. I called about the darn pic and they said it wasn't in the envelope...translation: they lost it or they put it up on some applicant picture wall of shame! 😱

 

[clueless1]

Rejection from Beth Israel by regular mail!

Jeez, it's like they're not even looking at the applications! How could they have evaluated so quickly and then sent something by REGULAR mail already????

No worries, JASMAN - I'm pretty sure only Harvard MD-PhD's will be interviewed there...

 

[HAM2]

Rejection from Dana-Farber by email, invitation from AE montefiore by email too...

 

[JASMAN]

From Dana Farber. 🙁

 

[clueless1]

I'll join the DFCI rejection party! Man, that was fast...

 

[docindi1]

Same here. Rejection day from DF.

 

[signomi]

I have heard not a word yet. I applied to BID and DF too.

 

[hemegirl]

Expected outcome

 

[NEMC]

Expected outcome

I haven;t received email/rejection from BI or Danafaber,.. good thing? or just expecting rejection soon..They downloaded already.

 

[onc-guy]

Hey, guys! I am also applying for hem-onc. IMG resident in NYC, some reasearch in med school and during residency, some decent letters. I applied to 44 programs all over the country last week. Have not heard anything. Expecting rejection from BID and DFCI. One third of programs have not yet downloaded my app. will see how it goes.
anyone already getting interviews at this point (besides AECOM)?
Good luck!!!!

 

[cyberdoc2]

Hi everyone, I am appying for Heme/Onc too this year. No news at all so far. Anyone applied for MSKCC or columbi? They have not downloaded anything yet. Anybody like me with green card pending (I-485 pending) here?

 

[signomi]

I applied to MSK but not Columbia and they downloaded my app last week. In fact, all the programs have downloaded it at this point. It appears they are using mine to line the manger in their creche.
Ho ho ho.

 

[APBSCT]

Most programs have downloaded my application. Not heard from anybody so far. Expecting to hear after holidays. Good luck to all applicants.👍

 

[MNOnc]

Most all applications downloaded. No word from programs yet.

 

[cyberdoc2]

Sigmoni, when did you submit your application to MSKCC? I called them and was told that I have to wait. I sent my application 12/11. Thanks.