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On June 5th, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and Baylor College of Medicine hosted the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2026 Fellows Graduation. The event also highlighted faculty and staff whose dedication to teaching, mentorship and patient care helps train the next generation of specialists.
2026 Graduates
Throughout their fellowship, these physicians developed expertise in complex clinical care, research and medical education. The graduation ceremony marked both the culmination of years of intensive training and the beginning of their continued impact as leaders in medicine.
The 2026 graduating class (pictured L-R, by row):
• Marimar Bonilla, MD, PhD
• Joshua Gorlick, MD
• Alicia Herbison, MD
• Swabna Shanmugiavelayutham, MD
• Matthew Willis, MD
Advanced Training Certification Recipient:
• Candelaria O'Farrell, MD | Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Track
Honoring Excellence in Education, Mentorship and Patient Care
In addition to recognizing graduating fellows, the ceremony honored faculty and staff whose dedication to teaching, mentorship and patient care helps prepare the next generation of pediatric hematology-oncology specialists. Awards were presented in recognition of their contributions to fellow education and professional development.
Award recipients:
• Gladstone Airewele, MD, MPH | Fellow’s Excellence in Education Award
- For demonstrating remarkable devotion to teaching and a sustained commitment to advancing clinical education.
• Alaundra Y. Carmouche, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CPON | Dr. Marilyn Hockenberry Advanced Practice Provider Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice
- For demonstrating outstanding dedication and superior skills in patient care, education, and research.
• Nader K. El-Mallawany,MD | Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching
- For significant contributions to the education objectives of the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.
• Jenn Fether, RN | Fellows’ Award for Most Outstanding Nurse
- For outstanding nursing support and a strong commitment to educating and mentoring fellows in the clinical setting.
• Amanda B. Grimes, MD | Foundations of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Award for Best Lecture
- For delivering the highest-rated educational lecture to fellows during their specialized training program.
• Kristen Michael, PharmD | Fellows’ Award for Outstanding Service
- For going above and beyond in helping fellows to provide excellent patient care.
• Rosie Spiegl, MD | Problem Case Conference Excellence Award
- For delivering the most exceptional and educational presentation during the "Problem Case Conference" series.
Looking ahead, Fellowship Program Director YoungNa Lee-Kim, MD, reflected on the significance of the occasion and the impact these physicians will have on the future of pediatric hematology-oncology.
“We're here to mark a beginning. We'll pause to look back at how far these incredible physicians have come, and then we'll send them forward into careers that will change countless lives and change the field itself.”
-YoungNa Lee-Kim, MD
The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is an ACGME-accredited program that offers six first-year fellowship positions annually. As one of the largest programs of its kind in the country, it is structured to equip trainees with the clinical, research, and academic foundation needed for careers in pediatric hematology-oncology.
For more information about fellowship opportunities, please visit our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship page.
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