Peds Hematology/Oncology
Overview and Mission
Our Mission
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To train physicians to be successful and competent physician-scientists in the area of pediatric hematology and oncology.
Who We Are
The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program in Grand Rapids, Michigan is one of several graduate education programs offered through the Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners (GRMEP). GRMEP is a consortium composed of Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and the major health care providers in Grand Rapids (Spectrum Health and Saint Mary’s Health Care).
Pediatric hematology and oncology fellows train within the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Division of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, which is a member of Spectrum Health. Additional information about Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (HDVCH) can be found at www.devoschildrens.org and here. The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program at HDVCH is one of the largest in the Midwest and includes the only pediatric bone marrow and stem cell transplant program on the western side of Michigan.
Under the leadership of board-certified pediatric hematologists/oncologists, the program offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary specialty care for infants, children, teens and young adults. Care is provided for a wide range of hematologic, coagulation and oncologic disorders on an inpatient, outpatient and/or consultative basis. Services are distinguished by membership in the national Children's Oncology Group (COG) and by a federally funded comprehensive hemophilia treatment center, the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Coagulation Disorders Program.
The pediatric hematology/oncology program maintains an active inpatient service, and more than 600 patients are seen each month in the clinic for outpatient evaluations, transfusion therapy, chemotherapy administration, laboratory monitoring and diagnostic consultations and procedures.
While gaining important clinical skills through patient care at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, fellows are invited to explore the many laboratory research opportunities at the Van Andel Institute (VAI), located adjacent to the Children’s Hospital. VAI is a private research and education institute founded by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996. VAI conducts biomedical research focused on cancer and Parkinson disease with a particular goal of translating scientific research into clinical applications. Interested fellows may even pursue a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Genetics through the VAI Graduate School. Additional information about VAI can be found at www.vai.org.
Alternatively, opportunities for clinical research projects at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are also available. Fellows may additionally choose to pursue advanced degree training in epidemiology, biostatistics and the conduct of clinical research through Michigan State University.
Specific goals of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital include:
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To equip trainees with the skills and knowledge to become the next physician-scientist leaders in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology.
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To enable fellows to become expert sub-specialists by providing an in-depth experience in the patient care and research arenas.
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To foster critical problem-solving in both clinical and research settings.
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To help develop skills in teaching.
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To use competency-based principles in the training and evaluation of fellows.
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To use competency-based principles in the evaluation and improvement of programmatic activity.
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To have all graduates successfully attain American Board of Pediatrics certification in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, and continue personal development and scholarly activity.