Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship What our fellows have to say about our Fellowship Program

With my family and friends all on the west coast, I initially wanted to match somewhere close. However, when I arrived at Texas Children’s Hospital for my interview and started meeting the faculty and fellows, I became excited about what I might be able to gain and accomplish here. One year into fellowship, I stand by my decision. It hasn’t been easy being away from home, but I’ve found extremely supportive co-fellows and faculty who care about me as a person and not just a trainee. This place does not lack in experience and guidance available to fellows. Texas Children’s Hospital pushes your limits to do more. 

One of the biggest factors in making my decision to pursue fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital was the opportunities available for research. Whatever research you want to pursue, you’ll likely find a lab that fulfills just what you’re looking for! I am so excited to be joining the Cell and Gene Therapy lab in August, 2020, to study CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma and hope to contribute to moving this field forward!

Michelle Choe, MD
Clinical Fellow, 2019-2022

I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. The range and volume of clinical exposure during first year was truly formative for our class of fellows — we are bonded by this shared experience, and continue to rely on each other as colleagues. In addition, the sheer number of faculty genuinely interested in serving as clinical, research, and even personal mentors to trainees is unique; I cannot imagine fellowship without their support.

Elizabeth “Liz” Seashore, MD
Clinical Fellow, 2016-2019

This program offers so much opportunity to explore your interests and is a great start to your career. You have the opportunity to follow your passion and become a leader in the field.

I chose this fellowship program because of its patient volume, mentorship, and career/leadership building skills. I have learned to manage a variety of hematological and oncological patients and situations, while pursuing my clinical and research passions. The fellowship has helped me keep up to date on the most recent COG guidelines and new discoveries in the field. I feel confident in the strong foundation I’ve built in both hematology and oncology.

What I liked best about the fellowship is that the people at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center treat you like their family. I have had tremendous personal and professional growth and have made friends that will last a lifetime.

Omar Shakeel, MD
Clinical Fellow, 2017-2020

Having completed my residency training and a hospitalist year at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, I knew that I wanted to continue my training in their Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program because of the people. The culture amongst the faculty and staff as well as the opportunities for mentorship from leaders in the field are unparalleled. Additionally, given my diverse interests, I knew that Texas Children’s Hospital was the best place for me to build the foundations of my career, as there would be plenty of opportunities available in whatever path I chose.

Austin Stuckert, MD
Clinical Fellow, 2018-2021

This program has a unique and diverse patient population and provides structured fellow-directed learning opportunities. Opinions from fellows are highly valued and changes have been made in the past based on feedback.

I chose this fellowship program because of the various research opportunities at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center and leadership support for research after fellowship. The diversity of clinical cases and teaching from the passionate faculty educators have provided me with solid training in pediatric hematology and oncology. Also, there is enormous support for research, which gives me the best chance to grow as a future physician-scientist.

What I like best about the fellowship is the close and supportive relationship between fellows and faculty members. The faculty are always willing to offer both work and personal advice.

Gengwen Tian, MD, PhD
Clinical Fellow, 2019-2022