Fellowships and Residencies Hematology/Oncology Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program
Hematology-Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Training and Fellowship
Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center offers a post-Master's advanced practice provider fellowship and training program for physician assistants and nurse practitioners (pediatric nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner) interested in the care of children and adolescents with cancer, hematologic disorders, and/or stem cell transplantation.
The three-month clinical fellowship provides a comprehensive educational pediatric-focused advanced practice provider program coupled with clinical opportunities designed to provide the fellow with a comprehensive overview and focused training in an area of special interest. The fellow will develop skills related to the diagnosis and management of pediatric hematologic and oncologic disorders and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Two (2) fellows are accepted into the advanced practice provider program which is held July-September of each year. Nurse practitioner and physician assistant fellows will receive compensation to cover expenses during their training.
This full-time program includes two weeks of didactic lectures (incoming MD Fellows’ lecture series) and then clinical rotations (outpatient and inpatient) throughout the subspecialty teams within the Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation service. The fellows work closely with APP and MD preceptors to learn about various disease processes, therapies and supportive care practices.
The fellowship is open to primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners and physician assistants as an educational opportunity.
Educational Objectives
- Acquire knowledge of the treatment and management of pediatric oncology and hematology diagnoses
- Strengthen physical assessment skills essential for the care of pediatric and adolescent oncology, hematology and stem cell transplant patients
- Develop baseline understanding of potential complications related to the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers, blood disorders, or stem cell transplantation
- Develop skills in performing invasive procedures
- Provide opportunities to explore the advanced practice provider professional role
- Experience the collaborative role among MDs, PAs and NPs in the Cancer and Hematology Center
- Integrate a knowledge base necessary to educate patients and families
Educational Experiences
Clinical experiences for the nurse practitioner or physician assistant fellow include rotations on the leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumor, neuro-oncology, late effects, hematology, the inpatient general hematology/oncology unit and hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit. Fellows also obtain hematology laboratory experiences. Fellows will be actively involved in patient assessment, teaching, management and follow-up.
In addition, fellows will attend tumor board, grand rounds, nursing rounds, advanced practice provider meetings and clinical pathology conferences and will participate in a weekly seminar/lecture series. Psychosocial issues are addressed throughout the fellowship rotations. Advanced practice provider fellows will begin in July in order to attend the summer MD Fellow Lecture Series.
Faculty supervision and education
Fellows will be precepted by certified pediatric nurse practitioners, family medicine nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians and other clinical faculty of Baylor College of Medicine.
Projects and Presentations
Each fellow will create and present three patient case studies to the division’s APP group during the fellowship. Also, each fellow will either complete or contribute to an ongoing educational project.
Our Facilities in the Texas Medical Center
Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center is ranked among the top pediatric cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We are one of the largest pediatric cancer and hematology research and treatment centers in the country.
Facts & Figures
Hours and Compensation
Outpatient fellowship hours are typically Monday-Friday 8-5pm. The fellow’s inpatient schedule will reflect the schedule of the preceptor they are working with that week, typically three 12-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts.
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $4,000. Benefits are not included.
Local Housing
It is up to the fellow to find housing for their time in Houston. Our previous fellows have typically found convenient housing through AirBNB or VRBO. There are also furnished apartments with short-term lease options close to or even within the medical center. It is strongly encouraged for the fellow to bring their car with them if possible. There are many local places to live within walking distance of the medical center but Houston is a huge city with many fun things to do (and great places to eat!). Houston conveniently offers many public transportation options, including the MetroRail, that could also be utilized.
Future Employment
APP Fellows are eligible and welcome to apply for employment opportunities in the hematology/oncology/SCT inpatient and outpatient centers following the fellowship, depending on position availability. Inpatient positions require nurse practitioners to have acute care certification.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree program in nursing or physician assistant studies and be eligible for national Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification or Physician Assistant Certification.
PALS certification is required.
Apply
Applications for the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program are due March 15th for the July program.
The application process also includes completion of a formal fellowship application packet and submission of a curriculum vitae with three letters of reference.
Application Process Timeline
- Applications are accepted January 1 – March 15
- Interviews occur near the end of March in to April
- Applicants are notified end of April/beginning of May
- Onboarding May- June
- Fellowship July 1- Sept 30
Contact Us
For more information about the Pediatric / Family Nurse Practitioner Program or submissions of applications, please email our Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Director, Laura Sealy, DNP, APRN, CPHON, CPNP-AC at lesealy@texaschildrens.org or our Education Coordinator, Deanna Cuello, at mdcuello@texaschildrens.org.
