Mission Statement
The mission of our Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program is to train compassionate, skilled, and innovative physician-scientists, clinicians, and leaders who will advance the care and outcomes of children with cancer and blood disorders. We are committed to fostering a representative and supportive training environment that empowers fellows to grow as collaborative lifelong learners and to thrive in their professional and personal lives while contributing meaningfully to the field.
Overview
Our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program offers participants an opportunity to be part of a unique, world-class research and care environment. Seattle Children’s Hospital, the University of Washington Medical Center, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center are each world leaders – among the finest research and patient care institutions in the world. The combination of these three results in an unbeatable training experience.
Program Aims
Clinical Excellence:
- Equip fellows with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care for children with a wide range of hematologic and oncologic conditions.
- Promote critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability in managing complex clinical cases.
Research and Scholarship:
- Prepare fellows to design, conduct, and disseminate impactful research that contributes to advancements in pediatric hematology and oncology.
- Cultivate skills in critical appraisal of scientific literature and the application of research to clinical practice.
Leadership Development:
- Train fellows to become effective leaders and educators who inspire and guide interdisciplinary teams, colleagues, and trainees.
- Provide opportunities for fellows to develop their leadership style, advocate for their patients, and advance equity in healthcare.
Professional Growth and Well-Being:
- Support fellows in achieving a sustainable work-life balance while addressing challenges like burnout and stress.
- Offer mentorship, coaching, and structured opportunities for professional development and personal reflection.
Lifelong Learning and Curiosity:
- Instill a commitment to lifelong learning and curiosity by encouraging fellows to explore emerging fields, technologies, and innovations in pediatric hematology and oncology.
- Inspire a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement in patient care and professional development.
By achieving these objectives, our program will prepare fellows to lead and transform the field of pediatric hematology and oncology while maintaining the highest standards of care, research, and advocacy.
For more information, please visit:
Curriculum
First Year
The first year of our program is primarily focused on clinical training and development of teaching skills. Fellows witness and participate in the conduct of a wide spectrum of clinical and translational research during their clinical rotations and are provided with an introduction to laboratory and clinical outcomes research conducted at Seattle Children's Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington.
Second and Third Years
During the second and third years, training is focused primarily on the acquisition of research skills. Each fellow participates in a scholarly project with research training available in laboratory based, translational, clinical and epidemiologic arenas at both Ben Towne Center and Fred Hutch.
For more information, please visit the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program website.
Core Training Sites
Fellows receive clinical training and mentorship at multiple facilities, including:
Seattle Children's
Seattle Children's is both a community hospital for greater Seattle and the pediatric referral center for the Northwest, providing excellent pediatric care to meet the medical, surgical and developmental needs of children in the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). Serving as the main clinical training site for pediatric residents, this 423-bed hospital is conveniently located 1.5 miles from the University of Washington campus in a residential neighborhood of Seattle. The staff consists of University faculty and Seattle Children's full-time physicians.
Additional Information
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Fred Hutch Cancer Center is one of the world's premiere research institutions, home to three Nobel Laureates (including Dr. Donnall Thomas, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1990 for his contributions to the field of bone marrow transplantation) and many other global leaders in life sciences research. The Center receives more research funding from the National Institutes of Health than any other public or private research institution in the world. The Hutchinson Center, together with its clinical and research partners, the University of Washington and Seattle Children's, comprise the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium. The Consortium is among 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide. More than 2,760 people work for the Hutchinson Center, including over 650 scientific faculty and more than 550 pre-doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and other scientific staff.
How to Apply
Applications for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellowship program must be made through National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
We require a minimum of three letters of recommendation with one to come from your residency program director and request that your personal statement be one page in length and describe your career goals. Applicants must also register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
Please be sure all requested materials are part of your ERAS file at the time you submit your application to ERAS so the reviewers will have access to complete information about you.
Requirements
- Completed or currently enrolled in US Pediatric Residency Program
- Have passing scores on all USMLE Step and/or COMLEX Level Exams
- Commitment to a career in academic medicine
- Candidates with J-1 of H-1B Visa status are eligible to apply.
Interview Process
Interviews for the 2027 entering class will be held virtually on Fridays from September through November 2026. An in-person second-look visit will be offered in November; the date is to be determined.
Please submit questions to Lanie Cueva at cbdcfellowship@seattlechildrens.org.
Resources
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the job application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
People
Fellowship Leadership
Professor
Current Fellows
Recent Alumni
Melissa Martos, MD (2022-2025)
Alastair Murray, MD (2022-2025)
Clara Libbrecht, MD, PhD (2022-2025)
Emily Merkel, MD (2021-2024)
Samantha Scanlon, MD (2021-2024)
Danielle Kirkey, MD (2020-2023)
Kristine Karvonen, MD (2020-2023)
Tim Ohlsen, MD (2020-2023)
Julie Boiko, MD, PhD (2019-2022)
Shireen Ganapathi, MD (2019-2022)
Brittany (Lee) Greene, MD (2019-2022)
Anurekha Gollapudi Hall, MD (2018-2021)
Rula Green Gladden, MD (2018-2021)
Natalie, Wu, MD (2018-2021)