2024 Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Graduates

On Monday, June 10, Texas Children’s Hospital held its graduation ceremony for our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology fellows. During the event, six fellows received their diplomas, three Faculty received advanced training certificates, and eight distinctions were awarded.

Over the course of their four-year Fellowship, these individuals displayed exceptional resilience in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, all while navigating clinical rotations in a new environment. Not only did they meet these challenges, but they excelled, and each went on to successfully led their own independent research project.

Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, kicked off the event with an overview of the program and the accomplishments made by fellows.

“Your achievements reflect the incredible dedication and professionalism that you’ve displayed during this challenging time. We are incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished and eager to see the lasting impacts that you will make towards improving the lives of children here in Texas and across the globe,” said Dr. Blaney.

See below for a list of graduates, advanced training certificate awardees and fellow recognitions.

2024 Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellow graduates:

• Mohammad Abu-Arja, MD, MSc
• Arianexys Aquino López, MD, PhD
• Joshua Dajac, MD
• Jay Shah, MD
• Russel Wolters, MD
• Kevin Tien, MD

Advanced Training Certifications:

• Megha Thakkar, MD - Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Track
• Josaura Fernandez Sanchez, MD - Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Track
• Leander Timothy, MD, MPH - Pediatric Immunotherapy

Awards presented at the faculty graduation event:

• Clay Cohen, MD - Faculty Recognition Award
• Laura Sealy, DNP, CPHON, CPNP-AC - Advanced Practice Provider Award in Clinical Practice, Education, and Research
• Ajibike Lapite, MD, MDHTM – Problem Case Conference Excellence Award
• Sarah Sartain, MD – Fellow’s Excellence in Education Award
• Claudia Perez, RN – Fellows Award for Most Outstanding Nurse
• Aaron Weitz, RN – Fellows Award for Outstanding Service
• Tim Virene, RPh – Fellows Award for Outstanding Service
• Nader El-Mallawany, MD – Foundations of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Award for Best Lecture

Congratulations to the class of 2024!

For more information about fellowship opportunities, please visit our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship page.