Hematology & Oncology Program - Goals

Clinical training in hematology + oncology at Tufts Medical Center

The goal of the fellowship program is to provide a thorough education in the biology, epidemiology, prevention, natural history, screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment and complications of both common and rare hematologic diseases and malignancies. Fellows achieve these learning objectives primarily through year-round participation in continuity clinics, alongside shorter specialty rotations supervised directly by attending physicians in the Division of Hematology + Oncology.

Areas of concentration

Our fellowship program focuses on developing a well-rounded skill set to prepare fellows for leadership in hematology and oncology. Key areas of concentration include:

Developing clinical expertise in managing patients with a wide range of hematologic and oncologic diseases. This hands-on experience ensures fellows are well-prepared to pass the certification exams in both hematology and medical oncology and to practice confidently as independent subspecialists.
Gaining a deep understanding of the scientific process underlying biomedical research in hematology and oncology. Fellows engage with cutting-edge research methodologies to critically analyze and contribute to advances in the field.
Building proficiency in healthcare quality and safety systems. Fellows learn to apply these principles to optimize patient care, improve outcomes and ensure the highest standards in managing hematologic and oncologic diseases.

Together, these areas equip fellows with the clinical skills, research knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary for successful careers in academic medicine, clinical practice or industry.

Clinical training by fellowship year

Our program is structured to provide deep, hands-on clinical experience from day one. Fellows are immersed in both outpatient and inpatient care settings, working closely with expert faculty across a range of disease types. Over three years, the program is designed to build confidence, autonomy and specialized knowledge—preparing fellows to succeed as independent subspecialists and leaders in the field.

PGY 4 (first year)

The first year of the fellowship focuses entirely on longitudinal clinical training in hematology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on ambulatory (outpatient) care. This approach sets our program apart from many others by closely aligning training with the demands of modern subspecialist practice. Fellows work under the supervision of faculty with specialized expertise in each disease area, ensuring focused mentorship and education.

Continuity of care is a core part of this year. Fellows participate in 7 to 8 continuity clinics per week, gaining experience that mirrors the workload and responsibility of a practicing hematologist-oncologist. They manage patient care in alignment with their training level and grow their clinical judgment and independence.

Fellows also develop hands-on experience in clinical cancer research by managing patients within multidisciplinary care settings. This includes participation in clinical tumor boards, multidisciplinary clinics and various clinical conferences. Additionally, a 2-month rotation at Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center offers exposure to community oncology practice in a diverse setting.

PGY 5 + PGY 6 (second + third years)

During the second and third years, fellows gain advanced clinical experience through inpatient rotations, including:

Inpatient consultation service
Bone marrow transplant and hematologic malignancies service
Inpatient palliative care service

Alongside inpatient care, fellows continue to provide continuity outpatient clinics, scheduled for half a day each week. Over the three years, fellows complete 18 months of clinical training, fulfilling requirements for dual certification in hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Beyond clinical duties, fellows participate in a mandatory didactic lecture series and conferences to enhance their education. The program also provides 18 months of largely protected and funded time dedicated to research. Fellows primarily conduct research during this period but may also continue research tasks during clinical rotations in the later years.

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