The science and art of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) has evolved as a complex and distinct sub-specialty within Hematology/Oncology. A variety of medical and scientific disciplines are encompassed by the field of BMT, including: stem cell biology, transplantation immunology, oncology, hematology, genetics, and infectious diseases.
Learn More About the Training Program
In recognition of the unique knowledge base required to competently perform BMT, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), defines adequate clinical training for Attending Physicians in BMT as “a minimum of one year experience in the management of transplant patients, in both the in-patient and out-patient settings.” FACT details 24 specific cognitive skills and 5 specific procedural skills to be mastered for accreditation of competency in BMT.
- Knowledge of indications for BMT
- Clinical recognition and management of the complications of BMT
- Evaluation of potential stem cell sources (autologous, sibling, haplo-identical, unrelated, bone marrow, PBSC, cord blood)
- Selection of regimens for preparative cyto-reduction, immuno-suppression and anti-neoplastic therapy
- Prophylaxis and recognition and treatment of infectious complications in BMT
- Appropriate use of immune suppressants for prophylaxis and treatment of graft versus host disease and graft rejection
- Stem cell procurement, processing and evaluation
- Regulatory compliance standards and documentation methods
The fellowship training requirements of the American Board of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology do not include sufficient experience with BMT to provide competency. Thus, there is a need for training programs that can provide this expertise, both for fellows trained at CHLA and elsewhere.
The goals of the BMT fellowship at CHLA are:
- Provide an opportunity for trainees in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology to obtain in-depth training in BMT to produce new pediatric BMT Transplant physicians.
- Provide and document clinical training that will meet the guidelines for accreditation by FACT as an Attending Physician in a BMT program.
This clinical Fellowship will serve the needs of the field of pediatric BMT by training new Pediatric BMT physicians to provide patient care and will serve the needs of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellows for further training in BMT.
The fellow is expected to produce at least one first-author manuscript from a focused clinical research project selected at the beginning of the year.
The program include the option of a second year of fellowship with main focus on research (laboratory or clinical) that is individualized based on fellow specific future education.
The fellows’ curriculum consists of multiple formal and informal didactic sessions, core clinical and educational conferences (see below), independent guided reading, and mentored clinical care of a diverse array of patients in the outpatient and inpatient setting, as well as consults and second opinions from outside institutions. The clinical training include all aspects of BMT (e.g. Radiation Oncology, transfusion medicine, pheresis, HLA/stem cell processing training/education, knowledge about all regulatory requirements for the transplant program and clinical transplantation immunology). The fellow benefits from additional educational opportunities offered through Saban Research Institute, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Core Conferences
Outpatient, new referral and inpatient weekly conferences
This is a weekly multidisciplinary meeting to discuss inpatients, outpatients, new referrals and upcoming admission to BMT service. During this meeting, fellow learns about choosing the suitable donor and conditioning regimen for each new upcoming admission.
Hematology Oncology/BMT Tumor Board
This is a weekly multidisciplinary conference to review and discuss a unique patient. Participants include BMT, Hematology, Oncology, and Neuro-oncology, Pathology, Radiology and translation research staff.
Lymphoma Leukemia Weekly Conference
This is a weekly multidisciplinary meeting to discuss Leukemia-Lymphoma patients with subsequent BMT. Participants include BMT, Oncology, Social services and Pharmacology team.
Hematology/Oncology-BMT Grand Rounds
Held once a week to discuss the new and important topics in the field of hematology and oncology.
Hematology/Oncology-BMT Journal Club
Monthly meeting to discuss relevant journals in the field of oncology. Very interactive and educational discussions where the hematology and BMT fellow meet.
How to apply
Application eligibility:
- Applicants should have completed training in an ACGME-accredited Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellowship.
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain a California medical license.
Application requirements:
- Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Copy of medical school diploma
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
- Email your completed application to Maria Landeros at MLanderos@chla.usc.edu
Program Fast Facts
ACGME Accredited: non-ACGME accredited, conform to The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) requirements for BMT specific training.
Fellows per year: 1-2
Applicants are welcome from the following primary specialties: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or Allergy/Immunology
Application Timeline: Applications are accepted directly to the program by email to: Dr. Paibel Aguyao-Hiraldo (paguayohiraldo@chla.usc.edu)
Duration: 1-2 years
Postgraduate Training Required: 2-3 years of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or Allergy/Immunology fellowships training
U.S. Citizenship Required: No
Salary Minimums:
Post Graduate Year 4: $78,531 minimum
Post Graduate Year 5: $81,677 minimum
Post Graduate Year 6: $84,712 minimum
Post Graduate Year 7: $87,652 minimum
Post Graduate Year 8: $90,952 minimum
Post Graduate Year 9+: Please contact gme@chla.usc.edu
Benefits Include: Health and dental insurance, 14 days paid vacation + 6 personal days, and yearly educational stipend