2025 Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Graduation

On Tuesday, June 10, we celebrated the graduation of six Fellows from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship, and two graduates of the Advanced Subspecialty Training program.

This year’s graduates completed rigorous clinical and research training. The ceremony honored their dedication to advancing research and clinical care for children with cancer and blood disorders, and featured personal tributes from faculty and leadership.

“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a rigorous and demanding fellowship, but the emergence of a new generation of physician leaders. You’ve held the hands of anxious parents, delivered difficult news with grace, and celebrated every small victory with joy.” — Dr. Youngna Lee-Kim, Fellowship Program Director

“The fellowship journey is intense, challenging, and deeply meaningful. It’s not just about the clinical milestones—it’s about the relationships formed, the growth experienced, and the shared purpose that connects us all. These moments leave a lasting imprint, and we’re honored to have been part of your journey.” — Dr. D. Will Parsons, Division Chief

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

2025 Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellow graduates:

• Ajibike Lapite, MD, MPHTM
• Bryony Lucas, DO
• Taylor Luckie, MD
• Candelaria O’Farrell, MD
• Andrew Wahba, MD
• Shuo Xu, MBBS

Advanced Training Certifications:

• Joshua Dajac, MD – Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation
• Jay Shah, MD – Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation

Awards presented at the 2025 graduation ceremony:

• Faculty Recognition Award – Presented to Drs. Amy N. Courtney and Erin E. Doherty for excellence in teaching and contributions to the educational mission of the center.
• Dr. Marilyn Hockenberry Advanced Practice Provider Award – Presented to Julie A. Klinger, PA-C, for excellence in clinical practice, education and research.
• Problem Case Conference Excellence Award – Presented to Dr. Swabna Shanmugiavelayutham for her presentation titled, 'Diagnostic Approach to Inherited Thrombocytopenia in the Era of DNA-based Testing.'
• Fellow’s Excellence in Education Award – Presented to Dr. Mehmet Fatih Okcu for dedication and commitment to clinical education.
• Fellows’ Award for Most Outstanding Nurse – Presented to Lissette Artie, BSN, RN, CPHON for her dedication to clinical education.
• Fellows’ Award for Outstanding Service – Presented to Hana Paek, PharmD, in recognition of going above and beyond in supporting fellows and patient care.
• Foundations of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Award for Best Lecture – Presented to Dr. Sarah E. Sartain for her lecture on thrombosis.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the faculty and staff who took the time to present awards during the ceremony. Their thoughtful words and recognition of excellence added meaning to the celebration and reflected the strong mentorship culture within our program. From honoring clinical educators and researchers to spotlighting outstanding nurses and support staff, each presentation underscored the collaborative spirit that defines Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and Baylor College of Medicine.
Award presenters included: Shelby R. Boone, Director, Advanced Practice Providers; Zachary D. Prudowsky, Co-Director of Problem Case Conference; Candelaria O’Farrell, Chief Fellow; and Bryony Lucas, Fellowship Graduate.

Also, a special thanks to the fellowship leadership team who work behind the scenes to make this program a success: YoungNa Lee-Kim, Fellowship Director; Amanda B. Grimes, Associate Program Director; Robin Parihar, Associate Program Director; Deanna Cuello, HemOnc Fellowship Coordinator; and Ariette Lopez, TMB Fellowship Coordinator.

The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, is an ACGME-accredited program that provides six first-year fellowship positions per year. As one of the nation’s largest training programs of its kind, it is designed to prepare trainees for academic careers in the subspecialty.

Situated in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital is within walking distance of many prestigious academic institutions such as Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University and the University of Texas School of Public Health, providing fellows with exceptional opportunities for collaboration and education.

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