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UAB Heme Onc Fellowship 2025: The 5 Critical Pillars Of Training At The O'Neal Cancer Center

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program is a highly competitive, ACGME-accredited training pathway situated within one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers. As of the current date in late 2025, the program continues to attract top internal medicine graduates seeking specialized training in both benign/malignant hematology and solid tumor/liquid oncology, emphasizing a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to patient care and cutting-edge research.

This comprehensive three-year fellowship is structured to provide a deep, broad range of clinical experience alongside robust research opportunities, primarily leveraging the resources of the renowned O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prospective fellows applying through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for the 2026 match cycle will find a program dedicated to fostering future leaders in academic medicine and clinical practice.

The Foundational Structure: Program Leadership and Core Details

The UAB Hematology and Oncology Fellowship is a three-year program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It is designed to transform internal medicine residents into expert hematologists and oncologists capable of managing the full spectrum of complex hematologic and oncologic issues.

Key Program Personnel and Division Leadership

  • Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine
  • Program Director: Lisle Nabell, MD
  • Division Director (Hematology and Oncology): Bassel El-Rayes, MD
  • Program Duration: Three Years (PGY-4, PGY-5, PGY-6)
  • Application Service: Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
  • Visa Sponsorship: J-1 and H-1B Visas are sponsored for qualified international applicants.

Pillar 1: The Three-Year Clinical and Research Curriculum Breakdown

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured into one-month rotation blocks over the three-year period, ensuring a balanced exposure to diverse clinical environments and protected time for scholarly activity. The program's core philosophy is built on a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to patient management.

Year-by-Year Progression

The three years are generally divided into intensive clinical rotations and dedicated research time, though clinical duties, including a weekly continuity clinic, are maintained throughout the fellowship to ensure ongoing patient responsibility.

  • Clinical Rotations: Fellows rotate through a variety of mandatory and elective blocks covering all major areas of hematology and oncology. These include inpatient consult services, outpatient clinics, and specialized rotations.
  • Educational Activities: The academic schedule is rigorous, featuring weekly scheduled continuity clinic hours, dedicated didactic conferences, a "Heme Path" review session, and the Clinical Journal Club. These activities reinforce core knowledge and critical appraisal skills.

Primary Clinical Training Sites

Fellows gain extensive experience across a network of high-volume, specialized clinical sites, which provides exposure to a wide demographic and spectrum of disease complexity:

  • UAB Hospital: The main tertiary care center, providing exposure to complex solid tumors and malignant hematology.
  • The Kirklin Clinic: UAB’s state-of-the-art ambulatory center where fellows manage their continuity clinic patients.
  • Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC): Provides an essential experience in managing common and advanced hematologic and oncologic conditions in a veteran population.
  • UAB Hospital Highlands Campus: Another key site for inpatient and outpatient care.

Pillar 2: Unparalleled Research at the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center

A significant strength of the UAB program is its integration with the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. This designation signifies exceptional depth and breadth in cancer research, from basic science to population science.

Fellows are strongly encouraged to pursue scholarly activity, with dedicated time built into the curriculum for research. The program supports both a Clinical Track and a Research Track, allowing for individualized career development.

Key Research and Career Development Opportunities

Fellows have access to a vast array of research mentors across the Heersink School of Medicine and the O'Neal Cancer Center. Research areas are diverse, encompassing:

  • Translational Research: Moving discoveries from the lab bench to the patient bedside.
  • Clinical Trials: Participation in and initiation of cutting-edge Phase I, II, and III trials.
  • Basic Science: Investigating the molecular mechanisms of cancer and blood disorders.

For those interested in a career as a physician-scientist, the program offers specialized support, including the opportunity to apply for internal funding mechanisms such as the J. Edwin Blalock PhD Career Development Award, which provides salary support and protected time for research.

Pillar 3: Compensation and Comprehensive Benefits (2025-2026 Academic Year)

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine provides a competitive salary and robust benefits package to all its Graduate Medical Education (GME) trainees, including Hematology and Oncology fellows. The stipend schedule is updated annually, with the following figures confirmed for the 2025-2026 academic year.

UAB GME Stipend Scale (2025-2026)

Heme Onc Fellows typically begin their training at the PGY-4 level, progressing through PGY-6.

  • PGY-5 Stipend: $75,128
  • PGY-6 Stipend: $77,978
  • PGY-7 Stipend: $82,453

Fellow Benefits Overview

Beyond the base salary, UAB offers several key benefits that enhance the quality of life and professional development for fellows:

  • Annual Food Allowance: A generous $1,300 annual food stipend.
  • Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance, malpractice coverage, life insurance, and disability insurance.
  • Professional Support: Clerical staff support, two furnished lab coats per year, and access to a central GME Lounge.
  • Time Off: Guaranteed time off per month while on inpatient service and competitive vacation/sick leave policies.

Pillar 4: Application Requirements and Strategic Advice

The UAB Heme Onc Fellowship accepts applications exclusively through ERAS. The program is highly selective, looking for candidates with a strong academic background, demonstrated commitment to research, and exceptional clinical skills.

Required Application Documents

To be considered for the 2026 entry, all applicants must submit a complete application packet via ERAS, which includes:

  • Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) Application
  • Current Curriculum Vitae (CV), updated within the last three months
  • Medical School Transcripts and Diploma
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • USMLE/COMLEX Transcripts

Advice for a Competitive Application

Prospective fellows should highlight any significant research experience, especially in the fields of hematology or oncology. Mentioning specific interests that align with the research programs at the O'Neal Cancer Center, such as the work of faculty like Dr. Bassel El-Rayes or Dr. Lisle Nabell, can demonstrate a genuine and well-researched interest in the UAB program.

Pillar 5: The UAB Environment—A Hub of Academic Excellence

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine is consistently recognized as a national leader in research, education, and clinical care, providing an outstanding environment for advanced subspecialty training. The program’s commitment to a multidisciplinary approach means fellows regularly collaborate with experts in Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, and other subspecialties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of cancer care.

The program’s focus on diverse training sites—from the high-acuity UAB Hospital to the veteran-focused Birmingham VA Medical Center—prepares graduates for successful careers in various practice settings, whether in academic medicine, private practice, or community oncology. The UAB Heme Onc Fellowship is not just a training program; it is a launchpad for a distinguished career in the fight against cancer and blood disorders.

UAB Heme Onc Fellowship 2025: The 5 Critical Pillars of Training at the O'Neal Cancer Center
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