Global Hematology Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE)  Goals and Strength

The primary goal of the program is to ensure that graduates obtain the necessary technical and leadership skills to:

Provide medical care for children with cancer and blood disorders. Fellows learn to provide compassionate, appropriate and effective care for the diagnosis, treatment and health of children with cancer and blood disorders in Africa.

Perform procedures and technical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Fellows must be proficient at performing invasive bedside procedures including bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, lumbar puncture and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placement. They must be able to prepare samples and perform preliminary interpretation of blood cell morphology using light microscopy to formulate an accurate differential diagnosis. Fellows must be conversant with best practices for handling and administering blood products.

Teach communication, professionalism and interpersonal skills. Fellows must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and a supportive respectful relationship with patients, families, and other health professionals particularly in situations that provoke extreme anxiety and stress. Fellows must demonstrate a commitment to carry out professional responsibilities and adhere to ethical principles in patient care.

Convey theoretical knowledge of pediatric oncology and hematology. Fellows must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and socio-behavioral sciences relevant to childhood cancer and blood disorders, and the application of this knowledge to patient care.

Encourage research, leadership and quality improvement in pediatric hematology-oncology. Fellows must demonstrate an awareness of, and responsiveness to, the larger context and systems of health care in Africa, as well as the ability to advocate for and mobilize resources to provide optimal care for families affected by pediatric cancer and chronic blood disorders. They must demonstrate the ability to investigate and improve the quality of care delivered at an institutional level.