- Joined
- Oct 8, 2018
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 5
Correct, once it says "certified " it's just waiting until match day... After Nov 14 you won't be able to modify your list
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Official 2018-2019 Hematology/Oncology fellowship application season
- Thread starter diku8888
- Start date
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Hello,
I would like to get recommendation on ranking the following programs. I am interested in malignant hematology (don't know if BMT yet) and doing clinical trials. Would like to practice in academic setup. My primary preference is research opportunities, reputation, and well-rounded clinical training. After that, staying in East Coast.
1. Fox Chase
2. U of Virginia
3. U of Minnesota
4. U of Kentucky
5. U of Arizona
6. Montefiore
7. Methodist Houston
8. West Virginia Uni
9. AGH
10. Tulane Uni
11. Uni of Cincinnati
I realize some of these programs will be almost equal and could have minor differences. All I want to make sure is that none of my programs are particularly off as per general opinion. Will highly appreciate comments/advice!
Good luck to all for the match
I would like to get recommendation on ranking the following programs. I am interested in malignant hematology (don't know if BMT yet) and doing clinical trials. Would like to practice in academic setup. My primary preference is research opportunities, reputation, and well-rounded clinical training. After that, staying in East Coast.
1. Fox Chase
2. U of Virginia
3. U of Minnesota
4. U of Kentucky
5. U of Arizona
6. Montefiore
7. Methodist Houston
8. West Virginia Uni
9. AGH
10. Tulane Uni
11. Uni of Cincinnati
I realize some of these programs will be almost equal and could have minor differences. All I want to make sure is that none of my programs are particularly off as per general opinion. Will highly appreciate comments/advice!
Good luck to all for the match
I found it helpful to read other people's thoughts of programs. I'm going to leave my own limited impressions here. For the record, I'm undecided between heme and onc, but am interested in academics. I'm still unsure how I'll rank these programs. I'd welcome any input.
BUMC: Solid benign heme. Diverse disadvantaged patient population. Basic research connections heavily emphasized on interview day. 44 current active clinical trials, including several in AIDS malignancies, Amyloidosis, and Sickle Cell. They actually read my application. PD was very down to earth but seemed a little scattered. Roughly 50/50 academic/PP, but unclear where they ended up. Got along with almost all fellows who were an interesting and diverse mix. Cost of living in Boston is very high.
Tufts: Unique 1st year is all outpatient. Seemed not quite as well off as BUMC, didn't seem to have quite as many resources. Although the day didn't seem as focused on research, fellows have a lot of publications and interesting projects ongoing. though they were responsible for a lot of teaching in their curriculum. PD was warm and supportive, and fellows seemed happy and friendly and were mostly all present during the day. Reportedly great mentoring and career development. Majority go into academics, though again unclear where.
MCW: Really pleasantly surprised by this day. Rapidly growing Heme and Onc programs with beautiful brand-new facilities. Seemingly a lot of research and mentors, plenty of investigator-initiated trials. Associations with Heme databases like CIBMTR. Faculty and fellows had that pleasant, down-to-earth midwestern personality. Some grads went on to academics. Affordable mid-sized midwestern city on the lake.
Rush: Smaller, tight-knit program expanding to 3/yr. Got along well with the fellows. Nice spaces. Some connections for research, although focus seemed more clinical with heavier clinical duties. Abundant food during interview day. Chicago is my favorite of all the cities I visited.
Rutgers: In comparison to the med school, was impressed by the relatively newly renovated space and their current expansion project. Interesting precision medicine and molecular tumor board. Diversity in NJ mirrors US general pop. Only 6 mo total dedicated research time. Several active projects in benign heme with Hemophilia, Thrombosis, and Hemostasis. They actually read my application and took notes! Pharma connections. Global Onc elective. NJ isn’t my dream location but still livable.
UMD: Interviews seemed more businesslike, and PD was more curt than I expected. Didn’t see many fellows during the day, but the ones we saw said program was supportive and responsive to needs. Very front-loaded first year but time 2nd and 3rd year for research. Maybe slightly less GI/GU exposure. Lots of transplant and benign heme as well. Lots of research opportunities including drug development, clinical trials including first in human, cancer vaccines, engineered and CAR T cells. Fellows seemed very engaged with research. Good placement for academics. I actually like the Baltimore area.
Indiana: Large new-looking cancer center, but it was surprisingly empty all day. Phase I/II opportunities, drug development, CAR-T and immunotherapy research. Less early Onc exposure. Strong in testicular, everyone wants to rotate in Einhorn's clinic, but also thymoma and sarcoma. My particular interview day was kind of awkward. Indiana doesn’t have a favorable political climate for people like me.
BUMC: Solid benign heme. Diverse disadvantaged patient population. Basic research connections heavily emphasized on interview day. 44 current active clinical trials, including several in AIDS malignancies, Amyloidosis, and Sickle Cell. They actually read my application. PD was very down to earth but seemed a little scattered. Roughly 50/50 academic/PP, but unclear where they ended up. Got along with almost all fellows who were an interesting and diverse mix. Cost of living in Boston is very high.
Tufts: Unique 1st year is all outpatient. Seemed not quite as well off as BUMC, didn't seem to have quite as many resources. Although the day didn't seem as focused on research, fellows have a lot of publications and interesting projects ongoing. though they were responsible for a lot of teaching in their curriculum. PD was warm and supportive, and fellows seemed happy and friendly and were mostly all present during the day. Reportedly great mentoring and career development. Majority go into academics, though again unclear where.
MCW: Really pleasantly surprised by this day. Rapidly growing Heme and Onc programs with beautiful brand-new facilities. Seemingly a lot of research and mentors, plenty of investigator-initiated trials. Associations with Heme databases like CIBMTR. Faculty and fellows had that pleasant, down-to-earth midwestern personality. Some grads went on to academics. Affordable mid-sized midwestern city on the lake.
Rush: Smaller, tight-knit program expanding to 3/yr. Got along well with the fellows. Nice spaces. Some connections for research, although focus seemed more clinical with heavier clinical duties. Abundant food during interview day. Chicago is my favorite of all the cities I visited.
Rutgers: In comparison to the med school, was impressed by the relatively newly renovated space and their current expansion project. Interesting precision medicine and molecular tumor board. Diversity in NJ mirrors US general pop. Only 6 mo total dedicated research time. Several active projects in benign heme with Hemophilia, Thrombosis, and Hemostasis. They actually read my application and took notes! Pharma connections. Global Onc elective. NJ isn’t my dream location but still livable.
UMD: Interviews seemed more businesslike, and PD was more curt than I expected. Didn’t see many fellows during the day, but the ones we saw said program was supportive and responsive to needs. Very front-loaded first year but time 2nd and 3rd year for research. Maybe slightly less GI/GU exposure. Lots of transplant and benign heme as well. Lots of research opportunities including drug development, clinical trials including first in human, cancer vaccines, engineered and CAR T cells. Fellows seemed very engaged with research. Good placement for academics. I actually like the Baltimore area.
Indiana: Large new-looking cancer center, but it was surprisingly empty all day. Phase I/II opportunities, drug development, CAR-T and immunotherapy research. Less early Onc exposure. Strong in testicular, everyone wants to rotate in Einhorn's clinic, but also thymoma and sarcoma. My particular interview day was kind of awkward. Indiana doesn’t have a favorable political climate for people like me.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2011
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 4
Hello,
I would like to get recommendation on ranking the following programs. I am interested in malignant hematology (don't know if BMT yet) and doing clinical trials. Would like to practice in academic setup. My primary preference is research opportunities, reputation, and well-rounded clinical training. After that, staying in East Coast.
1. Fox Chase
2. U of Virginia
3. U of Minnesota
4. U of Kentucky
5. U of Arizona
6. Montefiore
7. Methodist Houston
8. West Virginia Uni
9. AGH
10. Tulane Uni
11. Uni of Cincinnati
I realize some of these programs will be almost equal and could have minor differences. All I want to make sure is that none of my programs are particularly off as per general opinion. Will highly appreciate comments/advice!
Good luck to all for the match
Is this your potential ranks list or just a list?
What was your opinion of FCCC? I feel like I had a very unique IV day and the 6-7 other interviewees I talked to hated the experience and one even walked out.
Yes, this is my potential rank order list. Driving to Temple indeed did not make any sense. Also, the interviews were short and scattered, which did not give wnough time. But did like the program and it’s structure. What about you? Any idea about the other programs on the list?
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2011
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 4
I have opinions but they are just that. Everyone will have different ones and at the end of the day, the most important thing is what do YOU want. Some people have families or friends, need to be near a certain geographically location and others are just looking for the best program to further their career without boundaries.
None of those programs on your list would hold you back from doing what you wanted or getting the job you wanted (in malignant heme/BMT).
I personally would switch U of Minn to #1 (because I think it's the overall best program on your list), and then would move up Kentucky/Virginia and Tulane (because of how awesome those cities are). The programs are all great. FCCC has a great reputation but the fellows looked exhausted when I met them and that was the only place I IV'd at where that was the case.
Again, I'm an interviewing 3rd year as well so what the hell do I know, maybe a senior member will chime in. Good luck!
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 21,377
- Reaction score
- 17,905
Seems totally reasonable to me.Hello,
I would like to get recommendation on ranking the following programs. I am interested in malignant hematology (don't know if BMT yet) and doing clinical trials. Would like to practice in academic setup. My primary preference is research opportunities, reputation, and well-rounded clinical training. After that, staying in East Coast.
1. Fox Chase
2. U of Virginia
3. U of Minnesota
4. U of Kentucky
5. U of Arizona
6. Montefiore
7. Methodist Houston
8. West Virginia Uni
9. AGH
10. Tulane Uni
11. Uni of Cincinnati
I realize some of these programs will be almost equal and could have minor differences. All I want to make sure is that none of my programs are particularly off as per general opinion. Will highly appreciate comments/advice!
Good luck to all for the match
Likely going into minimally academic position vs community practice, unsure whether mal heme or solid tumor so looking for program with equally good liquid and solid exposure. Prefer BMT in-house but not a total deal-breaker. Cost of living and quality of life important. We're outdoorsy people. Tentative list as follows:
1.) Home institution - meets above criteria without requiring a move. See hesitation below.
2.) Jefferson - loved PD and other faculty, balanced heme/onc, great location. Very tempted to rank as #1 if not for need to relocate.
3.) Penn State Hershey - high BMT volume, also seemed balanced heme/onc, minimal scut, nice area for family
4.) UMass - liked it much more than expected, good leadership, way more affordable than Boston, lots of "ownership" of clinic patients especially
5.) Cooper - I wish they had 3 fellows/year and BMT in-house, but otherwise seems a good time to be joining the system, lots of growth
6.) Fox Chase/Temple - A little too onc-heavy, and was kind of a hectic interview day. Commuting would be a pain no matter what.
7.) Tufts - Loved it, but cost of living may be prohibitive. Heme seems to be on a down-turn but otherwise seems well-rounded.
8.) VCU - Not sure I'm cut out for the South and fellows seem stretched a bit thin. Otherwise liked Richmond itself and the PD.
Likely not ranking RWJ (seemed malignant, disorganized and exhausting, plus I'd have to live in New Brunswick or vicinity).
Main concern is what I might be sacrificing by not going outside my residency institution in terms of diversity of training, networking, etc., but would strongly consider staying in the geographic area long-term.
Appreciate thoughts on what might be an unconventional rank list.
1.) Home institution - meets above criteria without requiring a move. See hesitation below.
2.) Jefferson - loved PD and other faculty, balanced heme/onc, great location. Very tempted to rank as #1 if not for need to relocate.
3.) Penn State Hershey - high BMT volume, also seemed balanced heme/onc, minimal scut, nice area for family
4.) UMass - liked it much more than expected, good leadership, way more affordable than Boston, lots of "ownership" of clinic patients especially
5.) Cooper - I wish they had 3 fellows/year and BMT in-house, but otherwise seems a good time to be joining the system, lots of growth
6.) Fox Chase/Temple - A little too onc-heavy, and was kind of a hectic interview day. Commuting would be a pain no matter what.
7.) Tufts - Loved it, but cost of living may be prohibitive. Heme seems to be on a down-turn but otherwise seems well-rounded.
8.) VCU - Not sure I'm cut out for the South and fellows seem stretched a bit thin. Otherwise liked Richmond itself and the PD.
Likely not ranking RWJ (seemed malignant, disorganized and exhausting, plus I'd have to live in New Brunswick or vicinity).
Main concern is what I might be sacrificing by not going outside my residency institution in terms of diversity of training, networking, etc., but would strongly consider staying in the geographic area long-term.
Appreciate thoughts on what might be an unconventional rank list.
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 198
I can't really comment on your list of programs since I only interviewed at one of your programs above, but if you're considering private practice, I think any program with a good clinical volume will get you there, and the "name" really doesn't matter as much. Do you think your home program has a good volume and good diversity of patients? I personally don't think there's anything wrong with staying at one's home institution as the familiarity to the system and mentors I think helps a lot in the transition to fellowship. However, if you're seeking to leave for better research positions or for certain mentors available at other institutions, that might be a reason to leave (which is personally the case for me). It sounds like you're on the east coast somewhere but not in a major city, so if you're comfortable staying in your current geographic area I don't see any reason why not just staying put, especially since none of your other programs jump out as programs that you must relocate for in terms of prestige or research opportunities (but again, you say you might go into private practice so it matters even less). Your mentors and PD at your program most likely will have connections that gets you linked in somewhere in your area after fellowship, and hey, if you change your mind in fellowship, you already know the faculty and can quickly jump onboard a project that's happening or even try hard to be recruited for a junior faculty position at your institute since you would have been there for so many years already.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2018
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 5
Correct, only need to wait match day :s
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2018
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 7
I'd like to get some thoughts on Kaiser Permanente’s heme onc program. I know it’s a new program so it’s hard to get any good gauge on it but I have a personal interest in moving out west and it was the only program I received from the west coast.
I’m interested in malignant heme although that may change in the future and I would like to work in academics- probably doing clinical trials. Would I be harming myself in ranking Kaiser higher than university affiliated programs (like Maryland, Tufts, Emory) in terms of job marketability after fellowship especially if I want to go into academics?
I’m interested in malignant heme although that may change in the future and I would like to work in academics- probably doing clinical trials. Would I be harming myself in ranking Kaiser higher than university affiliated programs (like Maryland, Tufts, Emory) in terms of job marketability after fellowship especially if I want to go into academics?
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 198
I personally have no idea regarding the new Kaiser heme-onc fellowship program, but I get the sense that they're expanding quickly to train physicians to join their pipeline. When I interviewed at multiple Kaiser programs for residency, a huge chunk of their residents who don't go on to fellowship basically have instant connections to become attendings in their system following residency. Others complete their fellowship and then come back to be specialists in the Kaiser system. I think the Kaiser fellowship would be a good deal for someone who's interested in general practice -- as for academics, I can't say as it's anyone's guess how the Kaiser fellows would be perceived after graduation being brand new, although Kaiser is starting its own med school so the new Kaiser fellows turned attendings might have an opportunity in that regard. That also being said, I don't think Maryland, Tufts, nor Emory are academic powerhouses, so if you like the Kaiser location and want to take a gamble, it's not a bad bet. Besides, Kaiser really takes care of their employee and their families, so there's really nothing to complain about even if you graduate and just end up joining the Evil Empire.
Pelgerhuet
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2018
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
I am. Last year my seniors matched with 3-5 interviews. So i think number doesn't really matter. Let's hope for the best!!!
Thanks for the reply
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2011
- Messages
- 931
- Reaction score
- 333
That was me last year, worked out fine
Thanks for the opinion.
I agree, the most important thing is how one felt on the interview day. I got similar feel from UofMinnesota as you probably did from FCCC, that the fellows at former were busy. As for Tulane, I felt their BMT was very busy and they were limited on faculty. Loved the feel from fellows and attendings including PDs at Virginia and Kentucky.
Well, I hope it ends well for all of us! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 21,377
- Reaction score
- 17,905
If you want to go into academics (which...let's be honest...you probably won't by the time you're applying for post-fellowship jobs), you'll be doing yourself a major disservice by not going to an academic/university program. Kaiser programs, in general, focus on training FT clinicians. Sure, there are clinical research opportunities (and a ton of health services/economics/policy) available at those programs, but not the kind of academic career launching research you'll need to have to move into an academic job.
FTR, I'm not s***ing on the Kaiser program. I'm sure there's plenty of good clinical training available there. But it doesn't sound like it's the kind of program that will help you do what you want for your career.
harrycarry
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2018
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
Last minute question for any takers. Trying to differentiate a few programs before the deed is done. Prefer more of an urban atmosphere, but the program can trump that (interested in malignant heme but would prefer diverse training). Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
USC
MUSC
Wake Forest
Tulane
USC
MUSC
Wake Forest
Tulane
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 21,377
- Reaction score
- 17,905
Is that how you'd rank them? Because that seems legit to me.
harrycarry
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2018
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
Tentatively. USC’s split hematology and oncology years is giving me some pause, though. Thanks for the input.
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2018
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 7
Time to drink until Nov 28th
Kacha-aloo
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2018
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 2
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 198
And obvs all the women, keeping in spirit with the exact wording of the quote, that's all.
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 21,377
- Reaction score
- 17,905
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2014
- Messages
- 177
- Reaction score
- 71
I’m assuming you mean how far do programs typically fall on their rank list to fill all of their positions...this is highly variable and dependent on the program/applicants each year. It’s also something you can’t control so I wouldn’t spend time stressing about this
Congrats
Kacha-aloo
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2018
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 2
Quietly waiting for the match day!
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2018
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 5
Hahaa good music theme choiceOne day more! Good luck everyone
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Kacha-aloo
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2018
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 2
Good luck everyone!
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 198
Congratulations friends!
I matched at my #1. In the interest of providing some anonymity on this account so I can continue to use it for the future, I'm not going to say where it is but I'm providing my overall trajectory and interview impressions for all the programs I interviewed at (11+my home program, which is not included below - no, I didn't match at my home program). I hope the full set of stats and interviews helps someone in the future, good luck!
48 applications, 12 interviews, 14 rejections, never heard from the other 22 programs. First invite was 7/27, last invite 9/5. The bulk of invites happened in the first two weeks of August. I wrote a few emails to the programs that I didn't hear back from asking about interviews but none of them worked, just FYI.
AMG, mid-tier academic residency, really bad board scores (200s in step 1 and 3), took a gap year to bolster research, significant research with 15+ abstracts/presentations/papers.
The following is my UNRANKED interview impressions in no set order (literally used a number random generator on my rank list and wrote them in order of the random generator).
Cornell — strong in liquid malignancies; they have separate subdivisions and dedicated faculty in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Used to require basic lab research for all fellows but they have moved away from it. Similarly, fellows used to be able to go over to MSK for electives or research but they're trying to cut down on it now the program has gotten stronger. Lots of access to clinical trials. Fellows' perception of the clinical training is mixed — seems to be really busy when on service. The fellows who are committed to research do really well coming out of the fellowship. Probably the best in NYC for liquid malignancies.
Sinai — a good mix of solids and liquids. the chief of the department is a GU oncologist from Harvard and he seems really committed to continuing to recruit strong faculty especially in solids to Sinai (traditionally Sinai is stronger in liquids). The hospital is well-off financially and the heme-onc division keeps expanding its footprint. The attached medical school has a school of public health for support in epi/outcomes research. Fellows were chill. Kind of disorganized interview day where you had to go between multiple different buildings to find your interviewers (and there was no guidance between the buildings).
UCSD — the fantastic location aside, overall with a great patient base and access to many different types of research. Fellows can do basic and translational research if needed at Scripps and Salk Institute. Despite the overall established-ness of the cancer center (which appears to be very adequately funded), they're still trying to grow their fellowship (both literally in terms of size and also in terms of supporting fellows to do more research). So far, it seems that most fellows who do research focus on basic/translational, and honestly there isn't much of it. A lot of fellows go into private practice. The PD is very supportive though and even supports fellows going into pharma, which is IMO nice as an applicant to see a PD who is so upfront and supportive of what you do even if it's not academics on the interview day.
Rutgers — solid academic center if you need to be around NYC but don't want to live in the city. Clinically very rigorous. They have minimal time blocked off for research in the 2nd and 3rd years but this year they're increasing the blocked off research time significantly (although still not quite as much as the best academic programs). There seems to be multiple avenues of research although fellow interest or support seems slim. Not a big fan of multiple EMR systems (separate inpatient and outpatient). They used to go to the Jersey shore for their community affiliate but due to reorganization they're going to a different hospital now (but still a 45 minute drive away).
Northwell — similar in many ways to Rutgers, also very clinically rigorous. Very curious program in the sense that there is no dedicated time for research but rather you can use the free time in the ambulatory blocks for research. All the faculty is very nice and supportive of fellows, and the fellows seem to get along with each other well. A side note is that despite the rapid expansion of the Northwell system, the main cancer center doesn't serve as the de facto referral center as they have a decentralized model where they want to build up different satellite cancer centers in the health system. This doesn't really affect the fellows too much but I don't know what this means in terms of gathering data for research, might be a headache if the EMR isn't fully integrated (which it isn't yet). They've recruited faculty from NIH to oversee their Phase I program.
Tufts — very small program where all of the cancer department (outpatient and inpatient) fit on the same floor of the hospital. The PD seems very involved in fellow education and personally oversees the research project of each fellow, as all fellows are required to have some kind of completed project prior to graduation. Interesting hospital model where each inpatient medicine team is led by a subspecialist (including renal, endo, GI, ID...etc.). Workload seems on the lighter side compared to other fellowship programs. Unfortunately, Tufts still seems significantly overshadowed in Boston by the Harvard programs and BMC (for the more public hospital/underserved flavor of care).
UNC — very solid program with a great balance of research and clinical care. The PD is nationally famous in several societies and is very supportive of her fellows — she also personally reviews every single application to the program! Fellows do a broad array of research including basic, clinical, translational, and outcomes. They have fantastic faculty in all areas. On the heme side, they have a stronger hemophilia presence compared to Duke. Outcomes research is stronger than Duke. Duke may be the same or better in terms of clinical and translational. Regardless, they really blaze their own path despite the proximity with another major academic program. Possible collaboration with various pharma in the Triangle.
Columbia — traditionally not considered a top-tier program but with the recruitment of a huge chunk of MSK faculty, they are rising in both research output and funding. Very strange interview day where interviewers didn't really ask any questions. Fellows come from brand-name residencies. Expanding rapidly and building a new cancer outpatient building currently. Possible access to other Columbia schools (like public health, business school, law) for research (but unclear which fellows currently do it). Lots of fellows win YIA awards (they ask all fellows to submit a YIA grant which is reviewed and critiqued by a panel of faculty before submission).
UC Irvine — traditionally significantly overshadowed by UCLA (and at one point their BMT program shut down), but everything is on the upswing now, with BMT reopening and faculty recruited to build the division (chief recruited from Tufts). Very interesting patient base comprised of affluent patients and mix of Hispanic and Asian immigrants in Orange County. Fellows also rotate at the VA (20 minute drive away) where more of the clinical teaching seems to happen. Very committed PD who is trying to recruit great classes of fellows.
Michigan — very well-rounded clinically and in research. Completely protected 2nd and 3rd years for research and fellows with great research output. One of the most impressive morning reports on the interview trail with very smart and engaged fellows. Very supportive leadership, has research faculty in all areas including other schools in the university campus. Fellows seemed happy and come from competitive residencies. If the program was located anywhere else, it would be among the very top tier in my opinion.
BU — program heavily focused on the public hospital/underserved population of Boston, which is great because they define their own niche in a city with 4 different heme-onc programs. Fellows are great but research output seems so-so. There's a tour of a stem cell laboratory on the interview day but apparently no fellows currently do research there? Anyways, the leadership seems very caring of the fellows though and they just recruited a big name from Harvard to be chief of their division, seems to be on the up-and-up!
Good luck to everyone in the future - the heme-onc match has gotten really competitive and I am honored to be training with such a great group of fellows as I saw in the applicants on interview day
I matched at my #1. In the interest of providing some anonymity on this account so I can continue to use it for the future, I'm not going to say where it is but I'm providing my overall trajectory and interview impressions for all the programs I interviewed at (11+my home program, which is not included below - no, I didn't match at my home program). I hope the full set of stats and interviews helps someone in the future, good luck!
48 applications, 12 interviews, 14 rejections, never heard from the other 22 programs. First invite was 7/27, last invite 9/5. The bulk of invites happened in the first two weeks of August. I wrote a few emails to the programs that I didn't hear back from asking about interviews but none of them worked, just FYI.
AMG, mid-tier academic residency, really bad board scores (200s in step 1 and 3), took a gap year to bolster research, significant research with 15+ abstracts/presentations/papers.
The following is my UNRANKED interview impressions in no set order (literally used a number random generator on my rank list and wrote them in order of the random generator).
Cornell — strong in liquid malignancies; they have separate subdivisions and dedicated faculty in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Used to require basic lab research for all fellows but they have moved away from it. Similarly, fellows used to be able to go over to MSK for electives or research but they're trying to cut down on it now the program has gotten stronger. Lots of access to clinical trials. Fellows' perception of the clinical training is mixed — seems to be really busy when on service. The fellows who are committed to research do really well coming out of the fellowship. Probably the best in NYC for liquid malignancies.
Sinai — a good mix of solids and liquids. the chief of the department is a GU oncologist from Harvard and he seems really committed to continuing to recruit strong faculty especially in solids to Sinai (traditionally Sinai is stronger in liquids). The hospital is well-off financially and the heme-onc division keeps expanding its footprint. The attached medical school has a school of public health for support in epi/outcomes research. Fellows were chill. Kind of disorganized interview day where you had to go between multiple different buildings to find your interviewers (and there was no guidance between the buildings).
UCSD — the fantastic location aside, overall with a great patient base and access to many different types of research. Fellows can do basic and translational research if needed at Scripps and Salk Institute. Despite the overall established-ness of the cancer center (which appears to be very adequately funded), they're still trying to grow their fellowship (both literally in terms of size and also in terms of supporting fellows to do more research). So far, it seems that most fellows who do research focus on basic/translational, and honestly there isn't much of it. A lot of fellows go into private practice. The PD is very supportive though and even supports fellows going into pharma, which is IMO nice as an applicant to see a PD who is so upfront and supportive of what you do even if it's not academics on the interview day.
Rutgers — solid academic center if you need to be around NYC but don't want to live in the city. Clinically very rigorous. They have minimal time blocked off for research in the 2nd and 3rd years but this year they're increasing the blocked off research time significantly (although still not quite as much as the best academic programs). There seems to be multiple avenues of research although fellow interest or support seems slim. Not a big fan of multiple EMR systems (separate inpatient and outpatient). They used to go to the Jersey shore for their community affiliate but due to reorganization they're going to a different hospital now (but still a 45 minute drive away).
Northwell — similar in many ways to Rutgers, also very clinically rigorous. Very curious program in the sense that there is no dedicated time for research but rather you can use the free time in the ambulatory blocks for research. All the faculty is very nice and supportive of fellows, and the fellows seem to get along with each other well. A side note is that despite the rapid expansion of the Northwell system, the main cancer center doesn't serve as the de facto referral center as they have a decentralized model where they want to build up different satellite cancer centers in the health system. This doesn't really affect the fellows too much but I don't know what this means in terms of gathering data for research, might be a headache if the EMR isn't fully integrated (which it isn't yet). They've recruited faculty from NIH to oversee their Phase I program.
Tufts — very small program where all of the cancer department (outpatient and inpatient) fit on the same floor of the hospital. The PD seems very involved in fellow education and personally oversees the research project of each fellow, as all fellows are required to have some kind of completed project prior to graduation. Interesting hospital model where each inpatient medicine team is led by a subspecialist (including renal, endo, GI, ID...etc.). Workload seems on the lighter side compared to other fellowship programs. Unfortunately, Tufts still seems significantly overshadowed in Boston by the Harvard programs and BMC (for the more public hospital/underserved flavor of care).
UNC — very solid program with a great balance of research and clinical care. The PD is nationally famous in several societies and is very supportive of her fellows — she also personally reviews every single application to the program! Fellows do a broad array of research including basic, clinical, translational, and outcomes. They have fantastic faculty in all areas. On the heme side, they have a stronger hemophilia presence compared to Duke. Outcomes research is stronger than Duke. Duke may be the same or better in terms of clinical and translational. Regardless, they really blaze their own path despite the proximity with another major academic program. Possible collaboration with various pharma in the Triangle.
Columbia — traditionally not considered a top-tier program but with the recruitment of a huge chunk of MSK faculty, they are rising in both research output and funding. Very strange interview day where interviewers didn't really ask any questions. Fellows come from brand-name residencies. Expanding rapidly and building a new cancer outpatient building currently. Possible access to other Columbia schools (like public health, business school, law) for research (but unclear which fellows currently do it). Lots of fellows win YIA awards (they ask all fellows to submit a YIA grant which is reviewed and critiqued by a panel of faculty before submission).
UC Irvine — traditionally significantly overshadowed by UCLA (and at one point their BMT program shut down), but everything is on the upswing now, with BMT reopening and faculty recruited to build the division (chief recruited from Tufts). Very interesting patient base comprised of affluent patients and mix of Hispanic and Asian immigrants in Orange County. Fellows also rotate at the VA (20 minute drive away) where more of the clinical teaching seems to happen. Very committed PD who is trying to recruit great classes of fellows.
Michigan — very well-rounded clinically and in research. Completely protected 2nd and 3rd years for research and fellows with great research output. One of the most impressive morning reports on the interview trail with very smart and engaged fellows. Very supportive leadership, has research faculty in all areas including other schools in the university campus. Fellows seemed happy and come from competitive residencies. If the program was located anywhere else, it would be among the very top tier in my opinion.
BU — program heavily focused on the public hospital/underserved population of Boston, which is great because they define their own niche in a city with 4 different heme-onc programs. Fellows are great but research output seems so-so. There's a tour of a stem cell laboratory on the interview day but apparently no fellows currently do research there? Anyways, the leadership seems very caring of the fellows though and they just recruited a big name from Harvard to be chief of their division, seems to be on the up-and-up!
Good luck to everyone in the future - the heme-onc match has gotten really competitive and I am honored to be training with such a great group of fellows as I saw in the applicants on interview day
Congrats for those who matched today!!
I ‘m sorry if you didn’t match today and understand how you feel-it stings but eventually you’ll move on to more productive stuff. I owe it to this forum and the veteran contributors such as gutonc, visari, bobsmith and others for their sage advice. I was on your shoes last year despite applying broadly and ranking 13 contiguous places (Ranking 10 /more results <4% chance to go unmatched according to charting outcomes 2018). Seeing such unusual odds made me depressed and unconfident and started to question my credentials and at times blame it on a possible electronic glitch or not updating the NRMP ID on ERAS etc. As the saying goes “when life gives you a lemon…” ,the epic failure infused me with sense of urgency and resourcefulness. I scrambled for hospitalist jobs, reached out to several PDs for application weakness and areas to work on. I reapplied even more with minor tweaks based on the PDs recommendations and received 15 interview invitations and attended 14 including several very strong well-rounded programs.
Today, I matched successfully to a strong program, albeit a bit down the rank list.
Plus, I’m attacking the huge student loan left and right and aiming to halve it before fellowship start date. I’m able to enjoy my ample time off with my two toddlers and strengthen old hobbies and pick new ones.
I ‘m sorry if you didn’t match today and understand how you feel-it stings but eventually you’ll move on to more productive stuff. I owe it to this forum and the veteran contributors such as gutonc, visari, bobsmith and others for their sage advice. I was on your shoes last year despite applying broadly and ranking 13 contiguous places (Ranking 10 /more results <4% chance to go unmatched according to charting outcomes 2018). Seeing such unusual odds made me depressed and unconfident and started to question my credentials and at times blame it on a possible electronic glitch or not updating the NRMP ID on ERAS etc. As the saying goes “when life gives you a lemon…” ,the epic failure infused me with sense of urgency and resourcefulness. I scrambled for hospitalist jobs, reached out to several PDs for application weakness and areas to work on. I reapplied even more with minor tweaks based on the PDs recommendations and received 15 interview invitations and attended 14 including several very strong well-rounded programs.
Today, I matched successfully to a strong program, albeit a bit down the rank list.
Plus, I’m attacking the huge student loan left and right and aiming to halve it before fellowship start date. I’m able to enjoy my ample time off with my two toddlers and strengthen old hobbies and pick new ones.
Congrats to all on the interview trail this year!
Applied to 51 programs, interviewed at 15, matched at number 4 (a nice change to receive the “Congrats you matched” NRMP e-mail after scrambling in the main residency match in 2016). Ready to ring in the holidays!
Applied to 51 programs, interviewed at 15, matched at number 4 (a nice change to receive the “Congrats you matched” NRMP e-mail after scrambling in the main residency match in 2016). Ready to ring in the holidays!
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2018
- Messages
- 41
- Reaction score
- 26
Matched to my #4!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2014
- Messages
- 177
- Reaction score
- 71
Congrats to everyone who matched! To everyone else hang in there and good luck.
Applied to 40 programs, got 14 invites. Went on 13 interviews.
Matched at #6 Ohio State!! I would have been extremely happy at my top 7, so glad I didn’t go down any further!
Applied to 40 programs, got 14 invites. Went on 13 interviews.
Matched at #6 Ohio State!! I would have been extremely happy at my top 7, so glad I didn’t go down any further!
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2018
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 7
Congrats to everyone who matched and thanks for the advice in this thread!
I decided relatively late during residency that I wanted to do heme/onc so I didn't really have any major publications or research coming out of residency. Still managed to interview at 11 places, matched at number 4, a program in Boston. very pleased with the outcome!
I decided relatively late during residency that I wanted to do heme/onc so I didn't really have any major publications or research coming out of residency. Still managed to interview at 11 places, matched at number 4, a program in Boston. very pleased with the outcome!
Kacha-aloo
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2018
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 2
Matched! A can someone share which programs had unfilled spots?
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2018
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 10
IMGs that need a visa, please can you tell us your stories? It's understandable if you didn't match and not feeling good at this time. But please remember that your experience and advice will help someone somewhere. Congrats to all that matched!
Just wanted to say congrats to everyone that matched today! And to those who did not, please keep your head up.
I am a US-IMG at a mid tier university program in the northeast. I applied to 80 programs, had 6 interview invites (went on all 6) and matched at my #4. I didn't get as much invites as I thought I would, despite having a decent application, but I'm extremely happy that I matched.
I am a US-IMG at a mid tier university program in the northeast. I applied to 80 programs, had 6 interview invites (went on all 6) and matched at my #4. I didn't get as much invites as I thought I would, despite having a decent application, but I'm extremely happy that I matched.
