Training programs in blood diseases: Mayo Clinic Rochester Hematology–Oncology Fellowship Program

Historical Perspectives The Hematology fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Rochester began in 1965 followed by the Oncology fellowship program in 1973. The two programs later merged in 1990 and since that time, 115 fellows have completed training (Table I). Mayo Clinic Jacksonville followed shortly thereafter in 1996 and most recently, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale started its program in 2006. Mayo Clinic is known for excellence in its three shields: clinical practice, education, and research, all of which are emphasized during the training program. Indeed, our fellowship combines well-rounded clinical training with opportunities to work with world-class faculty in a collegial environment. We believe that the 4-year fully funded fellowship program comprehensively prepares one for a career in either academic medicine or group practice. The wellbalanced program offers a multidisciplinary approach to patients with hematologic and oncologic disorders, clinical or basic science research and opportunities to teach Mayo Medical School students and internal medicine residents. Clinical Practice Mayo Clinic is a major national and international referral center whereby a wide variety of oncologic and hematologic malignancies and benign hematologic disorders, are seen by fellows during training under the supervision of recognized experts, enhancing the educational experience and providing patients with the best clinical care. Fellows also provide primary oncologic care for patients with common hematologic and oncologic diseases as Mayo Clinic serves as the primary referral center for the local, tri-state region (Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin). A unique feature of the program is the autonomy and flexibility afforded to our fellows to organize and schedule their own continuity clinic patients. Throughout their training, fellows accumulate patients to their continuity clinic panel, and are looked upon as the patient’s primary oncologic or hematologic caregiver, with significant clinical decision responsibilities. This ensures that by the end of fellowship, they are extremely well prepared for clinical practice. Fellows also obtain specialized training during their time spent in our bone marrow transplant program,